Bendigo Bank grant strikes a chord with budding young musicians

By Simon Woods

Thanks to a generous grant from the Bendigo Bank, all students in Grade 4 – 6 at Our Lady of Mercy School are discovering the joy of music, and they’re loving every note of it.

The funding, awarded through the Deloraine and Districts Bendigo Community Grant Program, enabled the purchase of a wide range of musical instruments, giving children the chance to learn and play as part of a structured group tuition program. For many students, this has been their first opportunity to pick up an instrument.

What’s most heartening is the transformation among students who were previously hesitant to participate in music. Once unsure or even shy about trying something new, they are now the biggest fans of their music lessons, attending sessions with excitement and growing confidence.

“This program has opened a world of opportunity for our students,” said the school’s music coordinator. “We’ve seen children who were reluctant at first absolutely blossom. The instruments and group lessons have not only built their musical skills but also their confidence and sense of teamwork.”  We have students teaching and encouraging each other and improving their skills.

The group-based tuition model has proven to be especially effective. Children are learning alongside their peers, building a strong sense of community and shared achievement. Teachers have noted the positive impact on student engagement, discipline, and creativity. Benefits that extend well beyond the music room.

Looking ahead, students will soon begin working together as a full orchestra, further enriching their experience. The ensemble workshops will be a chance for them to apply their learning in a more collaborative and exciting setting.

Importantly, this program is also paving the way for students to confidently transition into secondary school music programs. Whether they choose to continue their musical journey at St Patrick’s College, St Brendan-Shaw College, or any other secondary school, they will enter with a strong foundation in both music theory and performance.

None of this would have been possible without the support of Bendigo Bank’s Community Grant. The funding has not only provided instruments but has unlocked new opportunities, built skills, and nurtured a growing love of music in the next generation.

Thanks to this investment in the arts, the future is looking bright and sounding even better!