By Jamie Salter
Chairo Christian School is developing professional musicians through its thriving Pakenham campus music program.
Chairo Pakenham boasts a variety of ensembles which includes symphonic winds, concert bands, big bands, string orchestras several choirs, flute ensembles, and brass ensembles.
The school recently held its annual Music on the Lawn event on Friday 25 March where students finally received the opportunity to perform to members of the public.
Music on the Lawn showcases all of the school’s orchestras, bands, ensembles and choirs.
Head of music Kim Thomsen said the students have shown great resilience and dedication despite not being able to perform for the past two years.
“We had about 600 people here and students from all the ensembles performing which was really lovely because they haven’t had many live performance opportunities,“ she said.
“We’ve got kids that never performed before and they did an exceptional job.
“The community event had a great atmosphere, with food trucks and activities for children.“
Ms Thomsen said music was an important tool to teach students about mentoring and self discipline.
“It’s more about ability than age, there’s a cross pollination of age groups which is really unique,“ she said.
Students in the program have been heavily represented in the Melbourne Youth Orchestras (MYO) – a stepping stone to the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.
“Our flagship of the school is the music department and we have very high achieving students,“ she said.
“The school prides itself on our music program which is quite young to be at the standard it is.“
At 17 years old, Chairo student Jorja Withall is one of only three clarinettists in the state selected to be in the MYO and is the principal clarinet in the Cardinia Civic Concert Band.
Student Ellen Mudford is also one of four French horn players in the MYO and principal horn in the Cardinia Civic Concert Band.
Ms Thomsen said she was looking forward to the year ahead and witnessing both the students and public’s achievements.
For more information, visit cardiniacivicconcertband.com.au/about/
