Dear Band Families
Term 1 has flown by for our band program. The bands have settled down well and are into the routine of rehearsals. Thanks to our band directors, Ray and Luis, for their work with settling the bands into their rehearsal routines. Thanks also to the parents for delivering students to those early morning rehearsals.
What’s on in Term 2? BAND CAMP!
Band Camp – Saturday 25 May and Sunday 26 May. Compulsory for all band members on both days
Band Camp will be held on Saturday 25 May (late morning and afternoon) and Sunday 26 May (morning) and it will be held at the school. The Year 6 trip to Canberra was moved to the days prior to our original camp dates so we were asked to move band camp. Our usual venue was unable to provide alternative dates that were suitable. The intensive learning to be gained at camp is valuable to the band members’ individual development and progress as a team as we work towards performances later in the year.
CONFIRM your child’s attendance via the online form - https://forms.gle/uh9Az58781KwVf6m8
The change of location makes it more convenient for parents for drop offs/pick ups and volunteering at camp. There are no facilities for a sleepover for the Year 5 and 6s however we will still have a movie and fun on Saturday evening.
As with previous events, we will be asking for parent support on the afternoon with logistics/operations, food etc. You can sign up via this link https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4AACAA2FA5FEC34-49156012-bhps
Catering will be coordinated by Gabby and Monica (Thank you) who have the huge task of developing a menu that lives up to the reputation of previous camps! They will do a fantastic job but may need some help – more on that soon.
Fundraising for Band Program. Help from parents wanted
This year we are re-introducing fundraising for the band program, after many years of not having to fundraise, costs to run the program have caught up with us and with our membership numbers still striving for pre-Covid levels, we Therefore, we are developing a fundraising program to ensure we can keep the band operating at a level that gives the students the opportunity to develop, offer extension activities and have a great experience also.
We are seeking a volunteer/s to oversee the fundraising - not do all the work - just help coordinate some of the activities and guide parents when needed. It's an important role and could be shared so please consider helping out. The aim is to get things in place this year and have a blueprint for subsequent years. Of course, I will be available to support and guide also.
Band Fees – invoices issued soon
Shortly, the invoices for band membership will be issued to all families. Fees have increased this year after a couple of years of no increases. There is a full explanation in the correspondence issued with the invoices with a payment date of end of May. Please contact us if you require clarification and, as always, there is an option to set up payment plans with our treasurer (Sharon) if that is your preference. It is greatly appreciated if fees can be paid in full to assist the program with cash flow/payment of expenses that come in on a termly basis.
Private Tuition
A reminder that all band members should be having weekly private tuition as a condition of band membership. Most importantly though, private tuition helps them to progress on their instrument and actively contribute to the band team.
Band Membership Agreement
Families may recall that a Band Membership Agreement was provided at the start of the term. Thanks to those who have signed and returned the signed copy. We will be collecting the signed copies next term.
Diary dates – please make a note
Term 2: Sat 25 May and Sunday 26 May at BHPS. Compulsory for all students.
Term 3: NSW School Band Festival – Sunday 11 August at NSW Uni. Time TBC
That’s all for now.
Thanks in advance for your support.