John Paul College tunes up for Australian National Band Championships

John Paul College is sending a team of musicians to perform in the annual Australian National Band Championships for the first time.

More than 30 concert and brass bands from across the country will gather at Scotch College in Perth this April to perform a selection of four pieces each.

JPC performed in the festival category at the WA State Band Championships several years ago but did not compete.

College music director Graham Green said the competition gave students the opportunity to see performances from musicians at the top of their game.

“Nationals is good because it’s got people who have been involved in concert bands and brass bands for many years there,” he said.

“It is good for the kids to go and spend some time with people who are so experienced in the music industry.”

Year 10 student Grace Paterson has been playing in the school band for several years and said she had not expected to go to the championships this year. “I was really shocked, I thought we wouldn’t get into nationals but here we are,” she said.

Fellow band member Matt Morrow said he looked forward to going to Perth to perform alongside his classmates.

“We are all part of a team and we always have fun when we go on trips,” he said.