After a highly successful first year which culminated in the ukulele band performing in front of thousands of people at the Carols under the Stars in December, the group decided to expand their musical talents.

Teacher Craig Ainsworth said the small group of Stage 3 students are dedicated musicians who are passionate about learning.

“In the last year we have seen an amazing transformation in the students,” Mr Ainsworth said.

“Before joining the ukulele band most of these students had never picked up a musical instrument before and then by the end of the year were playing to thousands of people is remarkable.

“In 2019 we are hoping to expand and grow with the students pushing that process.

“Joining and collaborating with the choir was a natural decision as it means combining the musical talents already being fostered at the school.”

The students are in years 5 and 6 and Mr Ainsworth said learning a musical instrument can have wider benefits.

“The impact learning a musical instrument can have on students is quite significant,” he said.

“We are noticing the students who are learning the ukulele are doing better in their other subjects as well.

“They have more confidence and using a different part of the brain is great as well.”

The ukulele band have begun working with the school choir and conductor Fleur Eichler said so far it has been a great partnership.

“Both groups have been doing some great work and joining the two seemed like a good idea,” Ms Eichler said.

“It is still in the early days but the sounds we are creating when we work together have been great.

“The choir is also going from strength to strength and are looking forward to going to Sydney for the Festival of Choral Music in September.

“Lots of exciting things are happening at the school so stay tuned.”

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