ESTHER PINN SPEAKS TO ORANGE CORPS OFFICER CAPTAIN GREG SAUNDERS ABOUT A CHILDREN’S MUSIC LESSON PROGRAM THAT IS PROVING TO BE A BIG HIT WITH THE COMMUNITY

ORANGE GLOWS WITH PRIDE

Having musical talent is not important at Orange Corps. All you need is a willingness to learn.

“It doesn’t matter where you come from. We believe every child should have the opportunity to learn music,” asserts Captain Greg Saunders, the Orange Corps Officer.

Since July last year, Captain Saunders and five corps members have been teaching about 18 children how to play a brass instrument at no cost. They call their program Just Brass, and it is increasing in popularity.

“What we’ve found is that we have a very good music culture in the Orange community, but parents can’t afford the tutoring.”

Captain Saunders firmly believes that money should not be an obstacle for learning music. And while the

corps did not have funds available to start a program, what they did have was the people.

“I had five guys sitting around, knowing how to play [brass instruments]. We also had instruments in the cupboard, so we’re using what we have.”

And while learning how to play a brass instrument is important, Captain Saunders believes Just Brass is part of a bigger opportunity.

“It’s not about brass bands. It’s about teaching kids to play music. The first day we had them buzzing on their instruments. The second day they were all playing a note. If they can play music they can move on to any instrument they like.”

Captain Saunders’ commitment to teaching children music has also meant stepping up himself. While

he can play a number of brass instruments, conducting a brass band was not in his skills set. Armed with determination, Captain Saunders stepped out of his comfort zone and attempted conducting.

“I had to learn how to conduct properly. Anyone can wave their arms around,” he laughs.

Community input The corps has also enlisted the help of the local City of Orange Brass Band.

Many members from this band assist Just Brass on a regular basis with tutoring and playing alongside them. This band also donated all the trophies that were given out at the Just Brass end of year concert last year.

Captain Saunders says in 2013 the band will perform at the end of term concerts, as well as Easter and

Christmas festivals at the corps. He says much of their success lies

in their community approach. Partnering with the Smith Family,

every Monday night Orange Corps hosts reading groups for children struggling academically.

“We purposely put it [music lessons] on directly after our reading group. A few of those kids have now come up to our music classes.

“Our aim is to build relationships and on the way, expose them to the gospel of Christ. We’re using the reputation we have. What’s The Salvation Army known for? Brass bands. They trust us in this area.”

The corps continues to build on that reputation by growing relationships with the families through a free dinner after the rehearsal.

Southern inspirationOrange’s brass band lessons were inspired by South Barwon (Victoria) Corps’ Just Brass program in the Australia Southern Territory. Their program has been running for more than two years and, being a former soldier from South Barwon, Captain Saunders made a trip to check it out.

“I went and had a look and came back saying, ‘We’ve just got to do this’. It’s such a simple idea and it works.”

Just Brass in South Barwon has more than 80 students and Major Saunders hopes to follow their lead, offering group lessons and individual tutorials.

The Eastern Territory Brass Ministry Development Coordinator, Major Keith Hampton, is looking to expand the Just Brass program right across the territory.

“Young People’s Bands were a big thing when I was a kid and they were a link to the community,” says Keith.

“I remember I sat next to a kid whose parents didn’t come to church. But these kids got involved in the band and got saved.

“Brass bands are not the only link to our community – I think that attitude has been some of the issue in the past – but it’s definitely one of the links we have for mission, offering a way for the community to build relationships with a Salvation Army Corps.

“There are are a lot of people who would never learn music without this kind of opportunity. The key is making that link with the community.”

For more photos, see Pictorial, page 20

Central to the Just Brass program at Orange is giving children the gift of playing music. Students learn through group performance (top left) and individual tutoring thanks to volunteers from the Orange City Band (top right) and Orange Corps bandsmen, including Corps Officer Captain Greg Saunders (left). All photos Shairon Paterson

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