State Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney, today congratulated Alvie Consolidated School who has been successful in receiving funding to purchase new musical equipment.
Ms Tierney said the school is one of 44 recipients of the second and final round of the $400,000 Musical Instruments Grants program.
More than 2,000 instruments including keyboards, violins, trumpets, flutes and drums will be on their way to Victorian students, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.
The program has given eligible schools the chance to apply for grants of up to $5,000 to buy musical instruments.
Last year’s Musical Instruments Grants program was a resounding success with schools receiving grants to go towards new instruments for their students including pianos, guitars, ukuleles and xylophones.
This year, Alvie Consolidated School would receive $5000 for 7 percussion instruments.
The 44 schools in round two are receiving funding for a total of 95 keyboards and pianos, 479 string instruments, 18 brass instruments, 155 woodwind instruments, 1040 percussion instruments, 75 cultural instruments and 99 pieces of electronic equipment.
More than 250 musical accessories, books and resources will also be provided in this round.
The grants are part of the Labor Government’s $2 million Music in Schools initiative, which will also provide professional training for hundreds of Victorian teachers so that schools can establish quality music programs.
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney
“This funding is great news for students at Alvie Consolidated School, and I hope the students have fun making music with their new instruments and equipment.”
“By giving students the opportunity to explore music, we could have a future DJ, rock, pop or orchestral star in the making, right here in West Victoria.”
“We’re supporting students no matter where they live to get the best possible education in all subjects, including music. Alvie Consolidated School will now be able to provide more opportunities for their students to develop musical skills while learning and having fun”
BACKGROUND: MUSIC IN SCHOOLS INITIATIVE
Research shows that exposure to music and music education enhances student engagement and wellbeing, improves academic performance and literacy results and builds personal and social development.
Unfortunately, not all students have in Victoria have access to a musical instrument or music education – both of which can be very expensive or even unavailable in rural areas. The Music in Schools initiative helps level the playing field so that students from all corners of Victoria can enjoy playing an instrument.
The program has targeted schools in Victoria most in need. The total Music in Schools initiative includes:
- $1.4 million for professional training for hundreds of Victorian teachers so that schools without strong, school-wide programs can establish quality music programs.
- $400,000 in grants over two stages for schools to buy instruments.
- $200,000 so trainee teachers at university studying to become primary teachers can complete musical education training.
To date 603 teachers from 414 schools and 688 pre-service teachers have completed training as part of the Music in Schools’ Musical Futures Australia Professional Learning Program.
Workshops are being conducted across Victoria. More information about upcoming local workshops can be found here: http://www.musicalfuturesaustralia.org/vic-pd-program.html
For further information on Music in Schools as a whole go to: http://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/programs/learningdev/Pages/music-in-schools.aspx