The Band Programme consists of

  1. Junior Band - entry level (usually year 3 children)

  2. Concert Band - mid level

  3. Jazz Band - by invitation only

  4. Performance Ensemble - Our signature flagship Band

Rehearsals, Tutorials and Lessons

Junior Band

All children must attend three sessions per week: 

  1. Combined Rehearsal

    The whole band attends on Monday afternoons from 3 - 4:30pm in the school hall, with conductor Beck Morris.

  2. Instrument - Group Tutorial

    The band breaks into instrument groups (flutes, clarinets, saxophones, trumpets, lower brass and percussion), and each group is tutored separately by an expert in the instrument. Tutorials happen at school, before/after school hours.

  3. Private Lesson

    All musicians are required to attend one private lesson per week, organised by their parents. Whilst we supply a list of tutors known to us, the band committee does not oversee arrangements with individual tutors.

After one year of participation in the Junior Band musicians graduate to Concert Band.

Concert Band

In this band they commit to meet twice weekly for rehearsal:

  1. Combined Rehearsal

    Tuesday before school and Thursday after school.

  2. Private Lesson:

    All musicians are required to attend one private lesson per week, organized by their parents. While we supply a list of tutors known to us, the band committee does not oversee arrangements with individual tutors.

Jazz Band

This Band is a specialist band which meets once per week. Musicians in other bands are invited to join based on merit and instrument type.

Performance Ensemble

This is our flagship band. By now our musicians are graded via the Australia Musicians Examination Board (AMEB) orthodoxy and are a  grade 2+ they can now who tackle quite complex pieces.

  1. Rehearsals

    Twice weekly before school.

  2. Private Lesson:

    A weekly private lesson.

Band Camp   

All children in the band programme attend a two day band camp in Term 2. Attendance at camp is compulsory. At band camp we rehearse intensely to prepare for competition season. Currently camp is held at the School. Parent volunteers are actively involved in running the camp. The camp is held within the Pymble Public School grounds and will run from around lunch time on the Saturday until early evening and continues on the Sunday from mid-morning to early afternoon. The camp will conclude with a practice performance for parents and friends.

Uniform

Normal school uniform is worn in most band performances. Presentation is marked at competitions so looking smart will helps us do well.

What is expected of a Band Member?   

Children are expected to attend all band rehearsals, tutorials and performances, and have a weekly private lesson in their chosen instrument. They should be punctual; follow the instructions of band conductors, tutors and volunteer parents; contribute to set up and pack up; and work as a team.

Children can be asked to leave the band program if:

  • They miss more than 3 rehearsals or tutorials per term without good explanation

  • They miss more than 2 competitions or camp each year without good explanation

  • They are not having a weekly private lesson

  • Their behavior is repeatedly inappropriate

  • Their band fees are not paid by the due date

Instruments   

The school owns instruments which are available for students to hire at non-profit rates (around $350/year). Those students who opt to hire are allocated an instrument for the year, which they keep at home and bring to school for rehearsals. Better instruments are allocated to senior bands and older instruments to juniors. Instruments are serviced as needed at band expense, except in cases of careless damage or misuse. We charge a flat fee per annum regardless of the instrument.

The following exceptions apply:

  • Percussion (including keyboard and guitar) is charged a lower rate – special conditions will be explained on taking up a percussion position.

  • Keyboard and bass guitar players are expected to purchase their own instrument.

  • We offer a tuba/euphonium scholarship - no hire fee for this instrument.

Cost

Our volunteer management structure enables us to keep costs down, but learning an instrument remains an expensive undertaking. Parents are expected to meet the full cost, as this is an extra-curricular activity. We regret that we are unable to offer fee support. You maybe eligible for the NSW Government Creative Kids Voucher to help with the cost of fees. You can find out more at:

https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-creative-kids-voucher

Junior Band indicative costs are:

Band fees around $1,000 per annum* 

 Private lessons around $45 per week; tutors may also ask you to buy books

 * Band fees include the costs of rehearsals, tutorials, band camp, band music and instrument hire. If you are not hiring an instrument from the school, your fees will be lower.

Junior Band 2024

If you’re interested in registering your child for Junior Band in 2023…please complete this form