Spotlight On: Alex Boyd

Alex Boyd is the Woodwind & Wind Ensemble Coordinator at the College and commenced work at Wesley in 1996. Alex has taught clarinet and saxophone to students over his journey and has conducted and directed both Junior and Senior Jazz and Concert Bands over the last 22 years. He has also been a member of several musical groups including the WA Symphony Orchestra and the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra.

What inspired you to become a teacher?
After receiving a music scholarship at Churchlands, I left school in 1987. To make some money whilst studying at university, I began teaching a couple of clarinet students privately. It was a great way to stay connected with the music industry, as I was still aiming to become a professional musician at the time. So the inspiration, I suppose, was to stay connected with music and to enjoy what teaching music offers.

What made you choose to join Wesley College?
At the time I was offered the job at Wesley, I was working part-time, so it was a great opportunity to have a full-time position as an instrumental tutor. Not every school, even now, offers that. Wesley had a high appeal to me as the College had a really vibrant music program which was headed up by Jeff Lowe, with a number of bands and ensembles. The stories I heard about Wesley being a great place to teach, with great students, also enticed me. The opportunity also seemed the logical progression of my career at the time.

During your 22 years at Wesley, what changes have you seen in the College and the students?
The campus has had some dramatic changes with the Middle School campus being introduced during my time, which has included the new Middle School and transition buildings. The technology within the school has been another change with each Senior School boy now in possession of their own device. When I first arrived, there were a couple of computers but they did not have the capabilities that the computers do today and there was no internet connection. In terms of the boys, I have noticed an increase in maturity over time, with the boys becoming more mature at an earlier age. The sense of commitment has been one of the constants over time at the College and I see this every day in the boys’ efforts and attitudes towards Music.

Outside of College life, what are your favourite things to do? 
Outside of Wesley, I focus on my professional playing career as I believe it’s important to maintain a career that involves regular performing. I do this through the West Australian Symphony Orchestra, the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra and local bands as well. Outside of music, I enjoy watching my two teenage daughters play sport and perform their music. As a family we also spend lots of time in the Coral Bay/Exmouth area and Margaret River region camping, so we get the most out of the Western Australian lifestyle.