Benefits

The benefits of music and being in a band

As a result of the program, your children will learn to play a musical instrument to a high standard. 

They will have a greater appreciation of music of different styles and of what is involved in a musical presentation. 

They will never be merely spectators. If they choose to continue their involvement, they will be able to form immediate associations with people anywhere in the world.

As band members, your children will become an integral part of a social group brought together to pursue a worthwhile common aim, the success of which requires every member to do their personal best.

They will develop positive friendships and associations.

They will develop the self-discipline and commitment necessary to succeed in all other areas of endeavour. Statistics show that children who participate in similar programmes tend to succeed in other areas of the curriculum. The skills they learn as part of the programme are applicable to all other areas. The self-esteem they gain from success gives them confidence to improve other areas of study.

Why we teach music

Music is scientific. It is precise and demands accurate acoustics.

A conductor’s score is a complex chart that indicates frequency, intensity, volume, melody and harmony, all at once and with the most exact control of time.

Music is mathematical. It is rhythmically based on the subdivisions of time into fractions that must be calculated, interpreted and applied instantaneously.

Music is a foreign language. Most of the terms are in Italian, German or French and notation is a highly developed type of shorthand based on symbols that represent ideas.

The semantics of music is the most complete and universal language known.

Music is history. It reflects the environment and times of its creation, including the cultural and social values.

Music is physical education. It requires exceptional co-ordination of fingers, hands, arms, lips, cheeks and facial muscles. It also takes extraordinary control of the diaphragm, which in turn uses the back, stomach and chest muscles.

Music is philosophy. It demands research and develops insight and perspective.

Music is art. It allows a human being to take dry, boring and often difficult techniques and use them to create emotion.

We do not teach music because we expect you to major in music or become a professional musician.

We teach music so you will recognise beauty.

We teach music so you will have more compassion.

We teach music so you will be the best you can be.