23 Sep 2016
The Training Band Recruitment Concerts was one of the highlights for our young musicians that have only been learning their instrument for the last 8 months. Their band and solo performances were excellent and were well received by the Year 3 students and parents.
Recently an ex parent sent an email to the school praising the wonderful band program and sharing the musical journey of their two students who started out in our training band a few years ago. With the parent's permission I would like to share with you the email.
I noticed that it's time for training band recruitment again and I thought you might like to see these pictures of Rory and Ella.
The training band was a wonderful beginning to Rory's musical journey. It gave him early opportunities to play with other musicians and perform in public. Those opportunities did a lot to build his skills confidence.
After leaving Stanwell park Rory joined the senior stage band at Kirrawee High where he has been continuing to develop his skills.
Each year the senior stage band is visited by the amazing James Morrison for a concert at the school. They play with national and international jazz musicians and singers. Last Wednesday night Rory had the incredible opportunity to trade solos with James as you can see from this photo.
It was a fantastic experience and just one of many opportunities that learning an instrument has provided. Recently Rory has been playing with the Wollongong Conservatorium jazz orchestra and next year the senior stage band will be traveling to New York where they will perform at The Lincoln jazz Centre.
Ella left Stanwell Park Public School at the end of last year and is now also attending your Kirrawee High School. She too began her musical journey with the training band and is now in her second year playing with the Sydney Southeast Symphonic Winds, as 2nd trumpet. This wonderful orchestra just completed another performance at the Sydney Opera House.
Ella also plays Trumpet in the Senior Wind Orchestra at Kirrawee and sings in the senior acapella group there.
All of these opportunities stem from their decision to join the training band all those years back and, of course, from a good deal of hard work as well.
My wife and I would really encourage anyone thinking about joining the training band to give it a go. It has brought a lot of joy and fun to our family.
