Then it also teaches you a code for how to be as a human as well! I’ve seen shy people come right out of their shell and be able to express themselves through music. Kids and adults even, that are maybe a little too extroverted for their own good, can find a positive channel for their energy and a positive way to be able to express themselves.

Sometimes parents say to me, “what good is it going to be her knowing how to play the flute when she’s older”? Nobody picks up a flute and makes an amazing sound, so if you make it through the first month of flute lessons, you’ve already learned so many important life lessons.

You’ve learned all about motivation, perseverance, time management, communication skills, relationship-building. That knowledge crosses over into all other areas of your life. It almost seems like a travesty not to have someone learning a musical instrument. Everybody can benefit from it and should have the chance to.

I conduct the Junior Band for Woolston Brass Band as well. We have a lot of children but also adult beginners, often parents who learn alongside their kids. Sometimes there’s a six-year-old sitting beside a 76-year-old, which is an amazing experience for both of those people.

I’ve been involved for 20 years; which is nothing compared to the Woolston Band as an institution – it’s been around since 1891, which is pretty amazing! I and others feel very responsible to be good kaitiaki of this organization. It’s a real challenge to get a new band room built, but a real strength, if we can have a place to be. Look around the walls, you can see the history. I’d love to be part of the group who secured a band room for the next 50 years of Woolstonians to come through their door, whether they are 6 or 76.”

– Sarah