The Brass Academy is currently taking enrolments for classess to begin Term 4 2025

Fostering Brass Musicians across the Wellington Shire

There is no doubt about it, Brass Band culture offers one of the richest, most diverse, enjoyable, and educational experiences for people of all ages.

The future of Brass Bands relies heavily on the regular intake of new players and the question facing all community bands is whether young people will rather pick up a trumpet or tuba over an iPad or computer. With this in mind, members of the Sale City Band set out to deliver and promote the love of music to all musicians, particularly the youth and that’s how the Sale Brass Academy was formed.

The Academy is a continuation of a 150-year tradition of Brass Banding
in Sale and District, aimed at providing an environment in which children and adults learn and improve their musicianship, whilst at the same time learning to play a brass Instrument. We achieve this by providing regular weekly rehearsals, a fun and friendly atmosphere, and mentoring from experienced brass musicians.

The Sale Brass Academy is run in conjunction with the Sale City Band, where a hard-working but relaxed ethos gets the best out of all members. The Academy is currently structured on a two-tiered basis, with a Beginner and Intermediate Ensemble on offer. As members advance their musical ability and leadership skills, they are given the opportunity to transition through to the Sale City Band.

Objectives of our program

Bridging the gap between making music in school into adult life
Many students, once completing their schooling, leave their instruments and musical abilities behind to pursue university or a career, and we believe these amazing skills should continue
Providing quality and affordable music education to all members
We keep costs to a minimum and rely on sponsorship and grants to ensure the program can be accessed by all
Ensuring all members enjoy learning and playing music
We focus strongly on fun and community as we do music education, so learners are encouraged and enjoy attending our program.

Learning Environment

The Academy operates from 5:30pm - 6:00pm every Tuesday during the Victorian School Term.
Rehearsals are run from the Sale Band Hall located on Foster Street in Sale.

Structured rehearsals are run in small groups of players, with similar abilities
Multiple mentors are available throughout each rehearsal to provide additional support
Comprehensive band learning method is followed, which focusses on learning through playing
Provide tools required for developing proficient music readers and performers
Fun group games and activities included, to teach both music skills and teamwork
Take home worksheets, sheet music and instruments are provided to continue the learning process at home

Fees

$5 per lesson
- Weekly class run by experienced musicians
- Educational documentation (sheet music)
- Hall hire
$10 per term
- Take home instrument hire if you don't have your own
Uniform
- For performances only, players will be asked to wear a black shirt and black or dark pants.

Program Activities

"My First Performance"

6-8 weeks after enrolling, we aim to have new players ready to perform basic songs and show pride by using good posture and listening skills. We believe this builds player confidence and demonstrates to family, friends and the community the learning potential and demonstrate the effort undertaken during rehearsals. This may be held in the Band Hall, or out and about in the Sale community.

Sale and Latrobe Valley Eisteddfod competitions

This provides students from an early age the experience of rehearsing songs to the best of their ability and working as a team to compete against other local groups and schools.

Sale City Band Annual Concert

This is an exciting opportunity to go backstage and then perform in front of the community at the Sale City Band's annual concert.

Christmas Carols, Marches and Ceremonies

As players become more experienced, they will
be invited to join the Sale City Band at public performances across Gippsland.

FAQs

What age is suitable for joining the Sale Brass Academy?

Almost any age!!
The main requirement is for members to have the capability to sit and respond for a period of 30 minutes to 1 hour and be able to show patience and respect.
We also recommend that a child interested in learning a brass instrument has developed the appropriate mouth muscles, and in particular their two front- adult teeth before learning. This typically aids in the pace of learning for a child.
Can I sit and watch during rehearsals?

Absolutely!! We have been known, however, to successfully encourage parents to join in the fun and learn as well!
My child is learning to play at school. Can they still enrol?

Most definitely! The Sale Brass Academy is a stand alone program but supports and accelerates any learning already undertaken at school.
Am I locked in if my child changes their mind?

As we charge per week, a change of mind is no problem. Any hired instruments, uniforms or learning materials will need to be returned and we will always welcome you back if you would like.
How and when can we enrol?

Enrolments begin throughout the first month of Term 1 and Term 3. Please see below for more information or talk to one of the friendly mentors.