GLOUCESTER Public School (GPS) is expanding its band program in 2026, offering opportunities for students at each stage of their primary education.
The program aims to provide clear pathways to a high school band and, ultimately, a possible community band.
For many years the school has had a basic band known as Windstars.
Presently during years 1 to 4 students are able to begin music lessons with the recorder, a starter instrument that builds reading, rhythm, breath control and finger skills.
A donation from the Sydney Recorder Society has enabled recorders to be provided for families who may be unable to purchase their own.
The Society also donated a number of alto and tenor recorders, providing a greater challenge for some students.
From 2026, year 2 to 3 Students will be able to join a Training Band that will meet before school, playing Toots (lightweight plastic flutes) and Doods (simple, lightweight, plastic reed instruments resembling clarinets), or the recorder.
A Concert Band will be open to older students in years 4 to 6, and it will also rehearse before school, with a range of quality concert instruments available for hire.
“The school was fortunate to be given a large range of quality second-hand instruments,” said the school’s music teacher and band leader, Sarah Soupidis.
“Although all the instruments were in good condition, they all needed servicing, which we were able to afford because of generous donations from the School of Arts, the P&C and education technology charity, Learning for Good.
“In addition to the concert band the school is also hoping to begin a strings program under talented cellist Katy Harvey.”
The school has a band committee made up of music teachers, parents, and community members.
“The committee has identified one of the stumbling blocks to the success of the music program is having enough local music tutors, and we are looking for people who have played or are playing an instrument at a more than competent level and are interested in tutoring,” said committee member Jenny Lindsay.
“Please contact me at jhlindsay@protomail.com for more information.”
By John WATTS
You can help your local paper.
Make a small once-off, or (if you can) a regular donation.
We are an independent family owned business and our newspapers are free to collect and our news stories are free online.
Help support us into the future.
