From First Notes to Lifelong Passion
It all starts with one brave choice, picking up an instrument for the very first time. That is the beginning of the music journey for many Santa Maria College students, and for 13 of them, that choice has turned into something lasting.
The girls joined the Year 5 Beginner Band Program and are still involved in music today, now thriving in ensembles and co-curricular music groups in Years 9 to 11.
What Is the Beginner Band Program?
The BBP is where students step into the world of music, often for the first time. They learn to play instruments like the flute, Saxophone, trumpet, or clarinet and, more importantly, how to work together as a band.
It is about building skills, but also friendships, confidence and that spark of joy that comes from making music as a team.
Still Playing Five Years Later
Pia, now in Year 9, started the flute in primary school and joined the BBP in Year 5.
“It was such a great way to improve and meet new friends,” she says. “Playing in ensembles makes it so much more fun.”
Five years later, she is still playing and still loving it.
“I would absolutely recommend it. You get to try new music, work with a conductor, and grow as a musician.”
Asha, now in Year 11, plays the clarinet. She shared, “I’d never been in a band before, and I was unsure I would like it.”
“When we all started playing together, it was so amazing.” Asha says, “Just hearing all our instruments come together was one of the best things I’d ever experienced.”
More Than Music
The Beginner Band isn’t just about playing notes, it’s about belonging. It gives students a place to grow, to take risks, to try again after a squeaky note (we have all been there). It builds confidence and resilience in a way that feels fun and empowering.
These 13 students are proof of that. Their ongoing commitment shows that the BBP doesn’t just kickstart musical journeys; it nurtures them.
It also brings to life some of the College’s most important values: Excellence, Compassion, and Hospitality, as well as student attributes like collaboration, creativity and confidence.
The Journey Continues...
Paul Kinsella, our Head of Music, who has guided many of these young musicians, says the Beginner Band Program allows students to learn an instrument in a fun, group setting.
“They experience the joy of music while developing discipline and an understanding of the hard work it takes to improve, which builds real motivation,” he explains. “There’s a clear pathway from the BBP into our concert bands, and students keep going because it is fun and satisfying, especially after performances.”
For now, we are celebrating these 13 incredible girls, and the role music continues to play in their lives, but we are just as excited to see the next generation of young musicians step up, pick up their instruments, and discover where the Beginner Band journey will take them.
Click here to see who they are and what they are doing now!
- Year 11
- Esme – Piano lessons
- Asha – Clarinet Lessons, 11/12 Chorale, ACA Maria, Senior Concert Band
- Year 10
- Summer – Clarinet & Saxophone Lessons, Swing Band, Senior Concert Band
- Erin – Flute Lessons, Senior Concert Band
- Sofia – Clarinet Lessons- Senior Concert Band
- Year 9
- Pia – Flute & Guitar Lessons, 9/10 Chorale, McAuley Concert Band, Senior Concert Band, Flute Choir.
- Lucy – Flute Lessons, 9/10 Chorale, McAuley Concert Band, Senior Concert Band, Flute Choir
- Abby – Flute & Vocal Lessons, 9/10 Chorale, Senior Concert Band
- Allegra – Saxophone lessons, Senior Concert Band
- Sophie – Saxophone Lessons
- Caitlin – Flute lessons, Senior Concert Band & Flute Choir
- Alyssa – Flute, 9/10 Chorale, McAuley Concert Band
- Bonnie – Trumpet, 9/10 Chorale, ACA Maria, Swing Band, McAuley Concert Band, Senior Concert Band
- BeginnerBandProgram, Featured, GirlsInMusic, SantaMariaCollegeMusic, StudentStories, Year5MusicProgram
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
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