By Alesha Capone
STUDENTS from across Wyndham created musical magic when they took part in a workshop with Orchestra Victoria last week.
Galvin Park Secondary College music captain Michelle Forsyth and vice-captain Megg Rogan were among six students from the Werribee school who took part in the two-day event, which finished with a concert at the Wyndham Cultural Centre last Wednesday night.
“It was a great opportunity to play in a full orchestra, with professional musicians playing an incredible number of instruments,” said Megg, who can play the trumpet and piano.
“It was amazing. It was a really good experience, playing with a full orchestra. You don’t get to experience that every day,” Year 10 student Michelle said.
The talented 15-year-old, who plays the flute, piccolo, saxophone and piano, is also a member of the Werribee Concert Band.
To be eligible for the music workshop, students had to fill in an application, get a reference from their teachers and be able to play to at least a Grade 4 Australian Music Examinations Board standard.
Galvin Park’s acting principal Joanne Ryan said the Orchestra Victoria project was “a once in a life time opportunity” for students and teachers.
Michelle, who hopes to become a professional musician or music teacher in the future, said she would like to join the orchestra one day.
The two girls have also formed a lunch-time jazz band at Galvin Park Secondary College.
“I enjoy learning about music. You can see yourself improve. I can tell I’ve improved a lot since last year. I like the sense of achievement,” Megg said.
The students and the Orchestra Victoria tutors received a standing ovation when their concert at the Wyndham Cultural Centre ended on Wednesday.
