West Australian Symphony Presents Music And Health Education Program

In an extension of WASO’s award winning education program an ensemble of WASO musicians, accompanied by an experienced music educator, will present free classroom musical demonstrations and workshops to students in the Department of Education and Training Hospital School Services (HSS) program at Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH).

The West Australian Symphony Orchestra will visit PMH on a number of occasions throughout the year conducting workshops for Lower Primary, Upper Primary and Secondary children. Using age-appropriate repertoire and resources, WASO players will take patients on a discovery of the instruments of the symphony orchestra exploring their unique sound qualities and abilities. Involvement will be open-ended allowing patients to participate and achieve at their own level within groups of varying backgrounds and abilities.

The West Australian Symphony Orchestra feels that music is vital to the development of the human spirit and as an organisation is dedicated to increasing people’s awareness of, and access to, orchestral music. Participating in these education programs is integral to the academic, social and emotional development of these young patients. Janet Holmes a Court AC, WASO Chairman and Chairman of John Holland said, “that the concerts are great fun and we hope a welcome break for the children from the routine of hospital life, as they learn more about the instruments of the Orchestra. We feel that this project will develop into a cornerstone of our outreach and community program.”

“John Holland is excited to have the opportunity to further extend its partnership with WASO, working with HSS to bring classical music to young hospital patients. Our Music & Health Education Program recognises the power of music and through this program we hope to brighten the lives of the children at the hospital,” said Adam Harry, General Manager, John Holland Western Region. Culture and the Arts Minister John Day congratulated WASO and John Holland on taking the program to sick children at PMH.

“The West Australian Symphony Orchestra musicians are incredibly talented and I am sure that meeting them and hearing their work will capture the imaginations and inspire children who are too ill to be at home or attending their regular schools,” Mr Day said. -- www.waso.com.au