“I CAME for the sausage sizzle but it was lots more fun”, was the comment of one enthusiastic Gloucester Public School student after attending his first concert band camp.
For many years the school has had a basic band known as Windstars where students in years 2 to 6 were able to develop music skills playing Toots (lightweight plastic flutes) and Doods (simple, lightweight, plastic reed instruments resembling clarinets), or the recorder, but until the start of this year a full concert band was nothing more than a hopeful idea in the minds of an enthusiastic group of teachers and parents.
However, the idea turned into reality when the school received a donation of a large range of second-hand instruments, meaning that from first term 2026 students in years 4 to 6 were able to join a full concert band.
“The school was fortunate to be given a large range of quality second-hand instruments from a number of different schools,” said the school’s music teacher, Sarah Soupidis.
According to the band conductor Katy Harvey, most of the 32 students had not played their instrument before joining the band, but had made remarkable progress since the start of term one this year,
“I am incredibly proud of the students – they have come such a long way after just two and a half terms,” said Ms Harvey.
“They are growing in confidence and skills.”
The band recently held its first all-day band camp, which enabled the students to learn to play pieces with multiple parts under the guidance of experienced tutors.
“The camp was a whole new wonderful experience for them,” added Ms Harvey.
“They will soon be performing at grandparents’ day and at the fathers’ day breakfast.”
Although many of the donated instruments have been fully serviced more funds are needed to complete the job and for many other expenses.
To raise money, the band committee has organised an event called The Small Day Out to be held on 5 September at Faulls Ridge Winery where guests will be entertained by world-renowned banjo player David Hellens with friends, and The Dairy Airs, featuring local musicians Chris Gilbert, Katy Harvey, Bob Swadling and Michael De Angelis.
Those wanting more information about the band or The Small Day Out should contact Jenny Lindsay via gpsbandsecretary@proton.me.
By John WATTS
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