Alec plays the violin and Stella plays the flute in the band at their school. The school has two bands are known as the training band and the concert band. Everyone begins in the training band. "At the very beginning, I played it (terrible)!" says Stella. "My family asked me to practice in the back yard they didn't like the noise. "
Alec and Stella have been playing their instruments for a year now so they sound much better. They are both in the concert band and they are learning (difficult) music than before. "We're learning the music from the film Pirates of the Caribbean. It sounds fantastic!" says Alec. "It is really great ( play) in the band with other kids. "
As well as being fun, many (scientist) say that learning a musical instrument is good for your brain. It helps children their reading and math skills. It helps them learn to concentrate. Alec thinks that learning the violin has helped (he) at school. "I have to concentrate and think about nothing when I'm practicing, " he says. "And now it's easier for me to concentrate on my schoolwork. "
Learning music can help children become more sure of themselves. As Stella says, "The first time I (stand) in front of an audience I was scared. But now I really enjoy it. "
