New strings to school’s bow

The first permanent string quartet has been formed at Georgiana Molloy Anglican School.

Earlier this month the school was awarded four stringed musical instruments through the Act-Belong-Commit New Life Instrument Program.

The instruments will form the school’s first string quartet — The Act-Belong-Commit GMAS Quartet — with the school planning for members of the ensemble to rehearse weekly to prepare for community performances and eisteddfods, while fostering technical skills and growing their love of music.

GMAS music director Kate Telchadder said teachers and students were thrilled with the wonderful opportunity that has been given to them.

“We have recently been awarded Most Outstanding String Ensemble after competing at the Bunbury Eisteddfod so together with our beautiful new instruments, this gives me enormous encouragement and confidence to take our music program to a level we never dreamed of before,” she said.

Musica Viva WA manager Lindsay Lovering said the program had enabled many students in schools Statewide to enjoy classical music when they might not otherwise have had such an opportunity.

Healthway acting executive director Maree De Lacey said promoting positive mental health in the community was one of the organisation’s priorities.

She said they knew involvement in artistic activities was a great way to stay mentally healthy.