Band Overview The Benefits What the Band Will Provide How the Instrument Is Selected Band Responsibilities         Attending Rehearsals         Tuition         Performances         Instrument Care         Band Camp         Band Uniform         Fees 2008 Rehearsal Times

Band Overview

Turramurra has had a strong band programme for more than 20 years with more than 150 students participating. There are 6 bands - 3 concert bands and 3 stage/jazz bands.
The Band is open to all students from year 3, of course students are more than welcome to join in years 4-6.

The band programme is an extra-curricular activity and therefore funded by fees, paid by semester, and fundraising.

Fees are kept as low as possible, and we pay the Band Director for rehearsal and performance times.

Instrument hire fees go towards repairing and replacing instruments.

The Benefits

As a result of the programme, your children will learn to play a musical instrument to a high standard. They will have a greater appreciation of music of different styles and of what is involved in a musical presentation. They will never be merely spectators. If they choose to continue their involvement, they will be able to form immediate associations with people anywhere in the world.

As band members, your children will become an integral part of a social group brought together to pursue a worthwhile common aim, the success of which requires every member to do their personal best.

They will develop positive friendships and associations.

They will develop the self-discipline and commitment necessary to succeed in all other areas of endeavour. Statistics show that children who participate in similar programmes tend to succeed in other areas of the curriculum. The skills they learn as part of the programme are applicable to all other areas. The self-esteem they gain from success gives them confidence to improve other areas of study.

What The Band Will Provide

Professional Direction

Experience has shown that school bands are much more likely to succeed where professional and experienced direction is provided. We are extremely fortunate to have the services of Tim Rowland in this capacity. We also have a group of excellent tutors, for private lessons, most of whom give lessons within the school grounds.

An Instrument

The Band will provide an instrument for hire for the first year, which your child is expected to treat with due care. After 12 months parents are expected to provide an instrument except in the case of the more expensive instruments such as the Tuba, Euphonium, French Horn, Tenor and Alto Saxophone.

Music

Junior Band members begin with a band folder & CD for which they are charged. All band music is provided.

How The Instrument Is Selected

In choosing the instruments for the children, we are aiming to ensure two things:

• the children will have an instrument with which they are happy, and on which they are likely to succeed
• the band has a balanced representation from all instrument groups.

The children are asked to express 3 preferences. Alto & Tenor Saxophone are NOT regarded as separate choices. Guidance will be provided. Although every effort will be made to oblige first preferences, it may be necessary to move to second or even third choices. All children must be prepared to accept the instrument that is allocated if it is one of their three preferences. You will be contacted if it appears necessary to allocate your third preference. It is generally not possible to change instruments after the first year, there are limited instruments to offer each year and this will affect the balance of the bands in years to come. Also as the child has to repeat Junior Band, they often become bored and don’t continue.

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Band Responsibilities

Attending Rehearsals

Regular rehearsals are scheduled for each band. All band members are expected to attend regularly and arrive punctually.

Initially the Junior Band is divided into 2 groups: woodwind and brass with each group having 1 rehearsal per week. At Band Camp the two groups come together and from then on will rehearse twice a week. The other Concert Bands have 2 rehearsals throughout the year. Jazz and Stage Bands are entered by audition after at least 1 year of Band membership, these bands have 1 band rehearsal a week each. Students must belong to a Concert Band to be able to join the other bands.

Each rehearsal is approximately 1 hour. Morning rehearsals are 7:50 until 8:50.

Tuition

It is a requirement of band membership that band members have weekly tuition throughout their period with the Band. Band members only continue to progress at the same level as their peers with competent tuition. The Band Director does not have time to attend to individual difficulties during rehearsals.
The committee will provide a list of reputable tutors, many of whom conduct tutorials at the school.
Children must sit and wait quietly for their lessons and for not more than 10 minutes.

Performances

As much notice as possible will be given for all Band performances. All members are expected to attend each performance. If non-attendance is unavoidable the Band Director must be notified, in writing, as soon as possible. The Band Director has the discretion to exclude children from performances because of 1) unacceptable behaviour, 2) inability to play performance pieces at an acceptable standard because of poor rehearsal attendance or lack of practice, or 3) inappropriate dress for a public performance. The Junior Band has in past years played at Band Festivals, Nursing Homes and school assemblies, as well as the family concert at the conclusion of the annual Band Camp.

Instrument Care

Instructions on instrument care are provided. If in doubt, ask for help. Please don’t try to fix instruments yourself.

Band Camp

Is probably the most beneficial 2½ days in your child’s band experience each year, and should not be considered optional. It starts on Friday after lunch at school, finishing in the early evening after which the children are taken home. They arrive at camp on Saturday morning and attend a well organised balance of band rehearsals, group tutorials and recreation activities before performing for the parents at a concert early Sunday afternoon.
A parent roster provides supervision, and each family is expected to assist in some way.
It is at Band Camp that Junior Band plays together for the first time, and the Sunday afternoon concert is one of their proudest moments.
The camp will be held at Galston Gorge Crusaders Camp, with the camp dates being 7th, 8th & 9th March 2008. Please put this date in your diary now.

Band Uniform

To be worn when requested (mostly for performances outside school)

Both boys and girls:

• Long Black Pants
• Yellow Band Shirt
• Black socks
• Polished Black Shoes
• Students with long hair should tie it back during performances, yellow ribbon or headband is preferred.

It is important that the students take pride in their appearance as this will be reflected in the way they perform as a band.

Fees

Accounts are sent out twice a year, in terms 2 & 3. Payment for Band Camp is required in term 1 and Country Tour, for Senior Band in term 4. One month is given as period for payment. Please pay accounts promptly to minimise the workload of our treasurer.
Failure to pay fees by the end of each semester will result in the child/children being asked to leave the band, unless previous arrangements have been made.
Semester 2 fees must be paid before Senior Band students go on Country Tour.

Families with more than one child in the Band Programme receive a rebate of $10 per child per semester on Band Fees.
Fee Assistance – families experiencing financial difficulties may apply for a one-off exemption of one child’s fees for one semester. Applications for assistance are to be made through the band committee.
Families can also pay in instalments if arranged with the treasurer
Each family pays their tutor separately. Individual prices vary but generally range from $22-$30 per lesson (half an hour). The children may also need a tutorial book for use in their private lessons.

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2008 Band Rehearsal Times

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