General News
24 February, 2022
Band program sharpens Horsham music students
Horsham Rural City Band's development program helps people take the step into live-music.
MUSIC enthusiasts looking to make a start with, or return to, a band can now make the comfortable transition thanks to a new Horsham music program.
Horsham Rural City Band’s development band gives people the opportunity to join a musical instrument band and build fundamental skills at a base-level.
Horsham Rural City Band president and program development director Karl Carmen said the program gets members involved in a variety of activities.
“A lot of members don’t realise the skills they already have for music,” he said.
“The development band is for beginner and intermediate musical instrument players of all ages as well as adults who might want to re-learn a musical instrument.
“It’s not just about playing music, we do a number of activities like games and skill development activities such as breathing techniques or rhythm exercises.”
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Members would have the option of playing a variety of instruments with woodwind, percussion and brass players welcome.
Horsham Rural City Band vice president Prue Beltz said music is a great way for children to open up and meet new people.
“It’s a fabulous program,” she said.
“It’s a band for anyone who wishes to learn music, be a part of a group, and increase their music skill to progress into the senior band.
“Music opens up so much for the children.
“They’re learning music, it helps their maths skills, it’s good socialisation because they are with different people of all sorts of ages. There’s also a discipline to it all the while being fun.”
Horsham Rural City Band have recently received a grant from Horsham Greyhound Racing and will be looking to buy new instruments.
Mr Carmen said people who take part in the program will develop more than just musical skills.
“Playing in a band builds teamwork. It’s very much like a team sport because all members have to work together,” he said.
“If one person plays faster or slower than the music is not going to sound good. Everyone has to be on time and in tune.
“All those aspects with teamwork can make a product that, when heard by the band or an audience, can make a person feel good and build their confidence.”
Horsham Rural City Band is situated on O’Callaghans Parade, Horsham with rehearsals for the development program taking place every Tuesday between 5:30pm and 6:30pm.