Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
New IMP Principal Joel Copeland with University of Canberra High School Kaleen students Matilda (trumpet), Yohaan (saxaphone), Isabel (trombone), and Sofia (percussion).
The ACT Instrumental Music Program has long focused on teaching year 5 and 6 students woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments in a group setting.
Its new principal, however, is also a fan of making music without a physical instrument. Or, at least, without a tangible one.
“Singing is a beautiful thing and a powerful tool in education,” Joel Copeland said.
“Everybody has a voice.”
The respected educator has shown before how powerful singing can be in building community. He founded a hugely successful choir at his last school, Canberra Girls Grammar School (CGGS), which welcomed singers regardless of ability.
As with the IMP, it was an experiential program that fostered the joy of making music together.
Joel took on the role of Principal in January and has seen such joy in the faces of IMP students during school visits across Canberra.
“Within a few lessons in the IMP, our students are making a great sound together,” he said.
“That’s the beauty of the way the system is set up … group tuition is more time efficient and staff efficient, but it’s also more fun.”
The Instrumental Music Program operates instrumental music classes in 57 public primary schools and 8 public secondary schools across the ACT.
There are also performance opportunities via Step into the Limelight, the ACT’s creative and performing arts showcase event for public schools.
Once fully settled into the new role, Joel will consult widely and with experts on the IMP’s strategic direction, considering ways to build on the quality music learning children have experienced through the IMP’s first 50 years.
His dream is for every child to have access to high-quality music education.
Joel was motivated to apply for the role when he heard Naida Blackley was retiring as IMP Principal after an incredible 17 years in the role.
“Naida had always been a bit of a hero of mine,” Joel said.
“She is exceptional, and I guess I thought she would be here forever … when I learnt she was retiring, that was the catalyst.”
Part of what attracted him to the role was the opportunity to work with the IMP’s teachers, who he calls “a brilliant team of music educators”.
But most of all, he is passionate about ensuring children who are keen to learn and be part of something get the most out of their IMP experience.
“Music can make a significant difference in these students’ lives,” he said.
The IMP at a glance:
- Over 2300 ACT public students are in IMP programs
- 57 primary schools and 8 high schools are in IMP programs
- there are 12 teaching staff, 1 admin officer, 2 Executive Teachers and 1 Principal
- the System bands include 3 concert bands, percussion ensemble, string ensemble, primary and senior choir and jazz band
- non-band programs include ukelele (4) and strings (2)
- over 3000 instruments
- over 2600 music scores.
Find out more about the Instrumental Music Program at imp.act.edu.au
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