Instrumental and Band Program
East Victoria Park PS offers a variety of instruments for students to learn. The band and instrumental program, which started in 1961 became the first public primary school instrumental tuition scheme in Western Australia. From 2009, students in Year 5 or above are eligible for participation in the instrumental program. We are extremely fortunate to have strong support from the School of Instrumental Music (SIM).
The following instruments are currently offers at East Victoria Park:
Cornet/Trumpet
Trombone
Baritone
Euphonium (by invitation only)
Clarinet
Flute
Percussion (encompassing drums and tuned percussion)
Students attend weekly instrumental lessons and must commit to regular practice to ensure progress is maintained at an acceptable level.
Every year, students in Year 4 complete the MAI (Music Aptitude Indicator) assessment to gain entry into the program. Students are also interviewed and general academic results are considered. Acceptance into the program is considered like a scholarship.
Entry is competitive and as such, students must remain committed until the end of primary schooling, with the intention of continuing into secondary school. If a student were to discontinue half way through the program, another student would not be able to commence tuition as they would be too far behind.
Bands
Our famous band program commenced in 1961 under the leadership of bandmaster Mr. Sam Maher. Initially a brass band, the late 70s saw the adoption of the concert band instrumentation.
Today, almost 50 years later, East Victoria Park continues to maintain two concert bands, the Senior Concert Band and the Training Band. This is a unique achievement for a primary school in Western Australia.
The Senior Concert Band performs at all school assemblies and at events throughout the community. Every year, East Victoria Park participates in the ABODA Band Festival held at Perth Modern School.
Graduates from our band program have included professional musicians, teachers, lawyers, businessmen and other professionals.
“Music can bring school success to those students unsuccessful in other curricular subjects... Music develops more effectively the right side of the brain, provides greatly enhanced communication skills and the ability to connect and apply learning across subject areas.”
Colwell, 1997.