Performing Arts Report
March 10, 2026 – Edition 3
Year 3 ‘Introduction to Strings’ Program
Our Year 3 students have been very busy learning how to play D and A notes on their newly acquired string instruments during Performing Arts. Please view some video footage from their lessons this week below.
Year 5/6 Junior School Choir
As part of the Opening of the Joan Reid Learning Centre, our Year 5/6 Junior School Choir delivered a truly beautiful performance of ‘A Journey You Keep in Your Heart’.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to these talented students for not only sharing their voices on this special occasion, but also for the dedication they showed in the lead up to the event.
- Venisha G 6M
- Danuki D 6M
- Sahansa D 6M
- Mia P 6M
- Beenu F 6K
- Emily W 6K
- Sarah J 5H
- Sara S 5H
- Amber H 5H
Mrs Bronwyn Kyne
Performing Arts Teacher JS
Senior School Music Information Night
Thanks to the families who came along to our Senior School Music Information Night hosted on 19 February. It was a fabulous night featuring a great performance by our Music teachers, an information and Q&A session about instrumental lessons, ensembles, and co-curricular opportunities in the Performing Arts at Casey Grammar School. It was followed by an opportunity for families to try out instruments and seek guidance on the most suitable one for their child to learn.
If you were unable to attend the event, or if you attended and had further questions, please contact Antoinette Seal in the Performing Arts Office who can best direct your inquiry.
SIS Big Night Under Way
An awesome first day of rehearsals kicked off preparations for the SIS Big Night performance scheduled for 31 March. The first rehearsal was held on 4 March, with Bands and Strings rehearsing at Casey Grammar School and Dance and Choir rehearsing at St John’s Regional College in Dandenong.
Some of our instrumental students in the Junior School were treated to the sights and sounds of rehearsals on the way to their lessons!
Tickets for the concert will be open to the public on Monday, 10 March. With limited seating, I recommend booking early. Ticketing details can be found here.
Choosing a Quality Instrument
Not all instruments are made equally. While cheap instruments may seem like a good way to save money, they often cost more later in repairs, poor performance and frustration for the musician.
For example, trumpet prices can range from around $100 for basic models sold online to over $35,000 for custom professional instruments like Monette. The key difference lies in materials and quality control.
Beginner instruments are mass produced using cost effective materials. They are designed to be lightweight and easier for students to start on.
Professional instruments are typically hand-crafted with high quality materials and strict quality control. For example, a professional trumpet bell may be hand hammered rather than machine pressed, improving its tone and response. The higher cost largely reflects the skilled labour involved.
Intermediate instruments bridge the gap, adding professional features to a beginner design as a student’s skills develop.
Lower cost instruments may:
- Have inconsistent build quality and limited play testing
- Use lower grade materials that affect tone
- Require more frequent repairs
- Have little to no resale value
In contrast, well known brands, such as Yamaha, tend to be more reliable and easier to play. They are also likely to last longer and retain resale value.
Before purchasing an instrument, seek advice from your child’s music teacher or a reputable music retailer. Teachers want students to succeed and can recommend suitable options. Good music stores provide knowledgeable support and long-term guidance.
Investing in a quality instrument from the start helps ensure a smoother, more enjoyable musical journey.
Stuart Collidge
Head of Performing Arts
