Children of Forbes Public School had a different type of school activity last Thursday.
One of Australia’s most renowned street and stage performing brass bands, Hot Potato, transported the children into a New Orleans street parade right in their own
school hall.
This was done during an interactive music workshop and concert offered by the Mitchell Conservatorium.
In partnership with regional conservatoriums, Hot potato is offering these workshops to regional schools across NSW.
The aim is to achieve greater enthusiasm and motivation for playing a musical instrument following attendance of a Hot Potato workshop.
Regional Coordinator at Mitchell Conservatorium James Whalan said: “It’s really great that the band is getting to regional areas. State-wide through the regional conservatoriums there is a noticeable decline in children taking on brass and woodwind instruments like the trumpet, tuba and saxophone.”
The 12 piece band’s approach is to involve children and teachers in their high energy, fun performances and engaging creative activities.
The band has no electrified instruments and popular and upbeat songs are played in a variety of arrangements using a gigantic sousaphone, saxophone, trumpet, drums and many more, along with catchy chorus lines.
“The music we play is timeless. We can incorporate all ages and dance and have a good time. It’s positive uplifting music for everyone and we need more of that,” said Hot Potato drummer Simon Ghali.
It was evident from the children’s level of excitement that there would be many wanting to take up a musical instrument after having been to their very own Hot Potato show, which performs across Australia in front of thousands of people at a time.
By Gizell van Wyk