Westside Orchestra

Research has explored how physical activity and music training influence attention and executive function in children with ADHD. Studies show that structured movement can temporarily improve attention, impulse control, and cognitive flexibility in many children.

Aerobic activities such as running, swimming, cycling, and organized sports stimulate the release of neurotransmitters including dopamine and norepinephrine, which are involved in attention regulation and motivation. These same neurochemical systems are often linked to the attention and impulse control differences observed in ADHD.

Short sessions of physical activity have been associated with measurable improvements in attention performance and executive functioning tasks. Exercise also increases blood flow to the brain and activates neural networks involved in planning, working memory, and behavioral control.

Music training has also been studied for its effects on attention and executive function. Learning rhythm, timing, and auditory sequencing engages brain regions involved in working memory, cognitive control, and sustained attention. Some studies report improvements in attentional control and cognitive flexibility when music training is included regularly in a child’s routine.

Researchers continue to study how movement-based and rhythm-based activities interact with brain systems that support focus, planning, and behavioral regulation in children with ADHD.

Source

Gapin, J. I., & Etnier, J. L. (2010). The relationship between physical activity and executive function in children with ADHD. Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology. PMID: 20805511

Chang, Y. K., et al. (2012). Effects of acute exercise on executive function in children with ADHD. Journal of Attention Disorders. PMID: 22641791

Kraus, N., & Chandrasekaran, B. (2010). Music training for the development of auditory skills. Nature Reviews Neuroscience. PMID: 20871481

Disclaimer
Disclaimer: Educational information only. Not medical or professional advice.

This will be great!

Come along and. Ring your dancing shoes. Book here https://events.humanitix.com/let-s-dance-ymz36wsj

Exciting news Westside Orchestra Rehearsals start on Tuesday 3 February under the baton of the amazing . Get ready to dance those fingers with Matthew’s dance-themed program. Everyone welcome, new, old and lapsed members. We’d love you to join the fun. See you at 7pm. LINK TO MUSIC

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1yhL1abTAhZbS1pwKK813_EsAuFzW52ZG

Hi I’m very happy to let you know that Dylan Weder has agreed to conduct us next year for second term.

Dylan is a passionate violinist/conductor from QLD. He studied Violin at the QLD Conservatorium with Anne Horton and sought conducting and composition lessons from the faculty and other influencing figures such as Fabian Russle, Paul Dean, Peter Luff and Umberto Clerici. He enjoys spending his time preparing scores, teaching, and playing in multiple community orchestras.

Dylan is very keen to expand his conducting experience with us.

The amazing Matthew Teakle will again share his considerable talent with us and lead us in terms one and three. Alex Teakle and Brontë will lead us in terms of four.

We’d very much welcome back all players and look forward to seeing everyone, old and new!

Can you please fill out this survey so we can plan repertoire accordingly.

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Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas and looking forward to a great 2026 playing music together.

The Westside Orchestra 2026 Membership Availability Survey | SurveyMars I have posted a survey titled 'The Westside Orchestra 2026 Membership Availability Survey' on SurveyMars. Please help me by filling it out. Thank you very much!