MOUNT Gambier High School’s music program is set to thrive after receiving a $5000 grant from the Stand Like Stone Foundation.
Selected as one of 18 recipients throughout the Limestone Coast, the school will now be able to purchase further instruments for the budding musicians.
Music teacher Scott Gunn said they are extremely grateful to receive the money which will assist them in growing their music program.
“A lot of our Year 8 students who have come from North Primary School currently have to use those instruments while they are here and we have to return them at some point during that first year and find another instrument for them to use,” he said.
“Then there are some students who are learning instruments that neither North Primary School nor us have, for example we have loaned a baritone saxophone from a community member, a cello from another primary school and there is a student next year that would like to play bass clarinet.
“With this money we will be able to purchase those instruments and have them ready for students to use.”
Recently joining together with North Primary School to create a combined schools band, Mr Gunn said it will also give them the opportunity to explore other music genres, not just jazz.
“We want to try and cover all styles because there are certain instrument groups that do not fit within that jazz style like clarinets and flutes,” he said.
“If we just took a jazz approach we would cut all of those students out.”
With plans to enter the combined band into the Generations in Jazz festival next year, principal Chris Edmonds said Stand Like Stone’s continued support has been very valuable in growing the program.
“From a secondary school’s perspective it is really exciting, we can have a locally grown band that can participate with the best in the world,” he said.
“This also really reinforces some of the outstanding work that happens in our arts faculty, we have got a very new music team and their passion, enthusiasm and energy is fostered by this type of opportunity.
“I’m looking forward to some great things happening.”
