MUSIC is resonating across all Yahl Primary School classrooms, with every student now required to learn an instrument.
The schools music program has been gradually implemented over the last four years to boost student self-confidence and improve learning across all subjects.
Reception, Year 1 and 2 students participate in drum, percussion and rhythm lessons each Thursday, while Year 3 and 4 students participate in recorder classes and Year 5 through to Year 7 students learn an instrument as part of a band program.
The compulsory adjustment has made a big difference in student learning according to school music teacher Shekinah Horsburgh.
“We have seen the student confidence grow especially over the past six months, making the job very rewarding,” Ms Horsburgh said.
“We often see students racing around at recess and lunch playing their instruments because once they get the hang of it they just want to keep getting better.
“They seem to be always itching to practice more.”
Ms Horsburgh is among a number of music specialists visiting the school, along with South Australian Department of Education instrumental brass music teacher Sonja Gooding, rhythm instructor Brenton Williams, school support officers Cameron Horsburgh and Leanne Hill and percussion assistant Marcus Wanganeen also helping teach in specialist areas.
A clarinet specialist, Ms Horsburgh said music development not only helped students in their arts curriculum but also literacy, language, mathematics and behavioural learning.
“When kids have something to be passionate about they are more willing to give things a go,” she said.
“A couple of kids who have no confidence will pick up a music instrument and then see they can do it, which reflects on them giving other activities a go in subjects they have not tried before.”
Ms Horsburgh said the school was lucky to have resources and facilities available which was not always the case in regional centres.
“I went to high school in Mount Gambier so I know personally country students do miss out sometimes due to the limited opportunities available,” she said.
“Mount Gambier is lucky because we do have somebody who is able to repair instruments but lots of surrounding places do not.
“It is exciting to see Yahl Primary and other schools adopting similar strategies to hopefully encourage students to continue on to music career opportunities in years to come.”
The teachers’ support has made the program possible according to Ms Horsburgh.
“All the teachers are learning instruments as well,” she said.
“I think it is great for the kids to see their teachers (trying something new), because that makes them realise it is not just them.”
Ms Horsburgh said there was also the possibility of holding a combined event to help involve other regional students.
“All the kids seem excited it is Thursday because that is the day they get to learn music.
“Even the younger kids seem to love it and it is really exciting to see of them smiling while learning and having fun.”
