New brass is music to Grafton's youth
Students learning to play brass instruments through the Grafton corps Just Brass community outreach program (Credit: Photo by Major Colin Young).
Grafton’s children are learning the delights of playing an instrument and being part of a band thanks to a new brass music program.
With its latest concert attracting a huge audience, the ‘Just Brass’ program at The Salvation Army’s Grafton Corps is on the lookout for more young budding musicians.
The corps began the program six months ago, teaching local children the skills of playing a brass instrument as part of their community outreach.
Major Colin Young from Grafton Corps is pleased to see the program off to a great start in the region.
“When I got to Grafton, there was already a junior musos program so I was able to overlay this with Just Brass, which has worked brilliantly,” Major Young says.
“We had a lot of instruments sitting in the cupboard doing nothing and so I wanted all of those kids who had already learnt some music to be playing.
“We had to do a bit of work on some of the instruments before they could be used, then we identified some kids in our other programs and got a ministry underway.”
Just Brass focuses on children in years 3 and 4. With the help of qualified teachers, the program involves the children in The Salvation Army band and also passes on leadership skills. Once the kids graduate, they join the youth and then senior bands.
“We target children who would otherwise not get an opportunity to learn to play a musical instrument, as well as children who haven't yet found their niche in life,” says Major Young.
“Some kids out there just haven't really found anything to fit into and we can help by just giving them a bit of extra direction.
“Music is an integral part of who I am. I love to be able to share that music. A lot of people will tell you the advantages of being involved in music – it’s a life skill.”
The Just Brass program began in 2010 at the South Barwon Corps in the Australia Southern Territory. It’s now used in various corps across the Australia Eastern Territory.
By Katherine Franks
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please email me ; would maybe like to enroll my twins. They are 12 going to Mcauley College next year