Bowing to the music: Year 3 Strings Program

EMMA CHANDLER, PUBLICATIONS COORDINATOR

Music is an integral part of the Junior School curriculum at The Geelong College, nurturing creativity, confidence, and a love of the arts in our students.

From their earliest years, children at the Junior School are immersed in a dynamic and inclusive music program that fosters not only artistic growth but also neurological development, thanks to the many benefits associated with learning an instrument.

Studies have shown that engaging in music strengthens connections in the brain, enhances memory, and improves focus and coordination. At The Geelong College, these benefits are harnessed through a comprehensive music curriculum.

Across all year levels, students engage in singing, percussion, movement, and improvisation through creative and fun activities that build their musical and expressive skills.

From echo songs that strengthen pitch memory to rhythm and beat exploration, children experience music in ways that are both enriching and exciting. Activities like vocal glissandos encourage pitch exploration, while creative movement tasks build a vocabulary of physical expression, helping students respond expressively to a diverse range of music.

For those with a passion for performance, there are opportunities to take individual lessons and join various ensembles outside of class time.

One of the program’s highlights is the Year 3 Strings initiative.

As a staff member, I had always been aware of the Year 3 Strings Program. However, this year, I had the privilege of experiencing it from a more personal perspective: we had a Year 3 student in our household.

Each student in the year level participates, beginning with a handson introduction to the violin, viola, and cello. After trying each instrument, students are allocated their instrument (based on their preference), and so, begin their musical journey.

The music program is expertly designed and led by teacher Trish Timmins, supported by a talented team of music educators. Together, they create a vibrant and supportive environment that brings out the best in each student.

It might seem daunting to imagine a room of 8-9-year-olds armed with string instruments, many holding one for the first time.

More so, if you were a parent preparing to welcome one of these instruments into your own home for afterschool practice sessions.

For my family – I had strong hopes we would be hearing the deep, dulcet tones of a cello.

Instead, our child brought home the violin.

The violin, renowned for its beauty in skilled hands, is also infamous for its resemblance to a ‘screeching cat’ in less practiced ones. I feared our home might soon echo with that latter sound!

Fortunately, my fears, though not without basis, never materialised.

The program is so thoughtfully structured, it eases both students and parents into the experience.

For the first few weeks, students do not use a bow at all – they pluck the instrument’s strings with their fingers. The result is a soft, pleasant, bouncy sound – the simple technique known as ‘pizzicato’.

As the program continues, students continue to build confidence and basic skills. Along the way, they begin learning to read music – mastering timing and notation as they go.

After a few weeks, they ‘earn’ their bow – a moment of immense pride for every student.

The time flies by, and before you know it – your child has gone from wide-eyed, string-plucking beginner, to being able to play a recognisable tune! (In our case – ‘Twinkle, twinkle little star’)

As part of the program, students take part in several performances throughout the year, warmly welcoming parents and families to celebrate their progress.

At the first of these, it was truly amazing to see the high standard of performance the children achieved.

The Year 3 cohort includes students with a wide range of experience— some had never picked up an instrument before, others had started private lessons alongside their classwork, and a few had been playing their instruments for years. For many, this program was their first introduction to reading music.

Despite this variety of experience, their tone, timing and professionalism far exceeded our expectations.

It was easy to forget that these young musicians were only 8 and 9 years old.

Watching the focus and determination on their faces as they lifted their bows and brought music to life was a truly heart-warming experience for everyone in the room.

Beyond the music, these events highlight the patience, discipline, and camaraderie developed through the program. It’s heartening to see students overcome performance nerves, celebrate each other’s achievements, and sit respectfully as attentive audience members.

For those with a special talent and passion, the journey doesn’t end there. Students with advanced skills are invited to join Balyang Strings, an ensemble that meets before school and tackles more challenging pieces.

Balyang Strings also participates in the Strings Showcase, a spectacular event celebrating string musicians from across the school – Junior School through to Year 12.

One particularly memorable moment occurred during the finale, as the school’s oldest string players joined forces with the youngest—Balyang Strings—to perform A Million Dreams from The Greatest Showman. This moving performance perfectly illustrated what dedication and practice can achieve.

As their teacher, Trish Timmins, beautifully put it, the performance encouraged the students to “dream big.”

Music is much more than just a subject at College – it’s a way for students to grow as individuals and as a community.

And it’s a privilege for parents and teachers alike to watch their skills, confidence, and love for music flourish.

It will be wonderful to watch this year’s ‘strings’ cohort as their talents continue to grow and they progress through the school and beyond.