MUSICIANS AND MENTORS –A NEW INITIATIVE TO FOSTER OUR BUDDING MUSICIANS

PLC Sydney’s Performing Arts department this year established the Musicians and Mentors program. This program was the brainchild of Philip Harper, the Director of Performing Arts, as he was a mentor when he was younger at his own school.

By Natalie Iacullo Music Captain

In bringing this tradition to PLC Sydney, Senior School Band, Choir, String and elective music students volunteer to provide support to the Junior School’s budding musicians.

This program has involved 18 senior musicians attending the rehearsals of various junior ensembles each fortnight to closely guide them in learning different styles of music and in preparing for performances. Each mentor from Years 10-12 has been able to play a significant role as an instrument section leader amongst these Junior School music groups. Being an instrument section leader has allowed them to collaborate, encourage and play alongside their younger peers in rehearsals, as well as provide technical help when needed.

Julia Murphy, a Year 12 trumpeter in the PLC Big Band, took on a role as a mentor within the Junior Jazz Ensemble on Friday lunchtimes this year. “The mentorship program has been a wonderful opportunity to connect with the younger girls in my final year. I have been very grateful to watch them grow as musicians over this time and I have found that the students quite enjoy playing with us too,” she said.

The Junior School musical groups which have had the guidance of mentors over this year include Cantabile, PLC voices, Hamilton strings, Middle Years Symphony, Evandale Strings, Junior Orchestra, Junior Concert Band and Junior Jazz Ensemble. The Performing Arts department looks forward to continuing this program in the future.