The music school’s 17 instrumentalists performed to King’s College and Brauer College students at a special workshop and concert to stimulate interest in learning music.

Academy director Graeme Lyall said the group was coming off a national tour to perform for Warrnambool students.

“If students are serious about playing their instrument, this is the next step after high school,” Mr Lyall said.

“A lot of our students go on to do music at university.

“It’s the equivalent of first year of uni anyway, but with a lot more playing.

“You get to play every day non-stop.

“For those just starting out with an instrument, our workshops give them something they can aim for.

“They really enjoyed it; I imagine there are probably not a lot of big bands playing in Warrnambool.”

The performance and presentation impressed Brauer College students Emma Keegan and Jack Conlan, both 13.

Jack, a pianist of four years, has recently taken up the saxophone and enjoyed seeing the instrument played with a full jazz band. “It was pretty amazing,” he said.

Emma said she had been learning the flute since the start of the year.

“It was really good to see a whole band playing together,” she said.

“I think I want to play clarinet now.”