Instrumental Music Program
The Instrumental Music Program is co-ordinated by Vern O’Hara. Vern has been teaching at FPS since 2001 and since then has overseen the expansion and growth of the program and the building of a purpose built music centre, a rarity in the State Education system.
We would like to welcome two new instrumental teachers who have join the music program during the past year
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Aurora Darby – violin teacher
I am a passionate educator of violin and voice for primary and secondary students with over 10 years of teaching experience. I have taught extensively from grades 1-12 at Steiner and mainstream schools with a passion for developing students' musical expression and creativity in the arts. Learning a musical instrument promotes brain development and transferable skills which nurture coordination, emotional resilience, problem solving, teamwork and confidence. I value an environment of excellence, patience and fun that recognises the students' individual needs holistically and develops students’ character through musical understanding, performance, and ensemble participation. |
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Karina Lehman – Voice teacher
Karina is a skilled singer, songwriter and guitar player, qualified at composing and arranging music with experience in digital composition and recording processes. She is a passionate and experienced musician and teacher with several years of experience in bands and solo performances. Karina graduated from Melbourne Polytechnic with a Bachelor of Music in 2022.
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The program employs 12 part time instrumental music teachers and offers tuition in the following instruments by the following teachers.
Piano: Vern O’Hara, Rosey Beer, Anna Robinson, Karil Torcasio and Paul Marciniak
Violin: Aurora Darby
Cello: Anita Quayle
Trumpet & Trombone: Marley Del Prete
Recorder, Flute, Clarinet & Saxophone: Katherine Anderson
Drums & Drumming class: Dave Williams
Ukulele & Guitar: Brett Dellavedova
Singing: Karina Lehman
Once the students reach the required standard, they are able to join one of our 6 ensembles: Junior and Senior Choir, Junior and Senior Rock Band, String Ensemble or Concert Band. The ensembles rehearse at lunchtime and are directed by one of the instrumental teachers.
Each teacher holds a soiree for their students at least once a year and the ensembles perform at the annual Mid and End of Year concerts. A parent committee helps support the organisation and running of the concerts. If your child is enrolled in lessons and you would like to be part of the support committee, please contact Vern.
Parents wishing to enrol their child in the program can do so by completing the Expression of Interest form attached, which are also available from the office or the pamphlet holders in the music wing corridor.
Contact Vern either at school or by email vern.ohara@education.vic.gov.au or on his mobile 0403777050 if you require further information.
Invitation to join an Ensemble