The Band Program is an extra-curricular activity, employing professional conductors with the support of the school. Families pay a fee for band membership which includes rehearsals, workshops and performances throughout the year.

Being part of large team like a band is an enjoyable, social experience, benefiting children in many ways. There is compelling evidence for how playing an instrument benefits brain development.  You may wish to view this short video which explains the long-term positive effects on the brain.

During term 4 Year 2 children will be learning about our wonderful band program to assist them (and you) with deciding about joining band in 2026.  Below is an outline of what to expect over the next few weeks. Be warned ... your child may come home very excited as they learn more about the band and instruments!  It usually evokes animated dinner time discussions.

Steps to Joining the Band
Step 1 - Ear Tests.  Last term all Year 2 children participated in an Ear Test which assessed each child's natural ability in pitch, rhythm, harmony and melody.  This information is one part of the instrument selection process. It is one part of the picture that assists the tutors to determine which instrument your child will have the most success with from the very beginning.
 
Step 2 – Invitation to Open Rehearsals. Open rehearsals are a great way for you to see how band rehearsals operate and what the children will learn during their rehearsal sessions with our wonderful Junior Band Conductor, Ray Hampton. You are welcome to come along to observe a rehearsal (whole or part) in the Hall on any Wednesday 1.00pm - 1.50pm (Lunchtime)  or Thursdays 3.10pm – 3.50pm (after school).
 
Step 3 – Getting to Know Band: Student Information Sessions.
Our current Junior/Training Band members will briefly visit the Year 2 students in their classrooms at some point early next term to talk about their band experience as well as demonstrate and answer questions about particular instruments.

And then, they get to have lunch with the Concert Band during a rehearsal where they learn about how a band operates and hear the range of instruments being played by our most senior band members. We find that many of the Year 2 students have questions and show great interest in the band.

Step 4 - Band Program Information Evening.  Thursday 23 October 6.30pm

Now it’s your turn – it’s time to get up close to the band. Parent/carers and students interested in learning about band will have an opportunity to hear all about band program, instruments offered and ask questions at the Band Program Information Evening on Thursday 23 October from 6.30pm.

This is a particularly important session where you will hear about how the BHPS Band Program operates, learn about the different instruments and most importantly be able to ask questions.  The Concert Band (Year 5 and 6) children will perform and demonstrate their instruments which will help you and your child to decide which instrument they would be interested in learning.  We recommend that you bring your child with you also.

RSVP - Band Information Evening please let us know if you will be joining us.  via the online form. 

Instrument Nominations

After the Band Information Evening, we will provide information about the instrument suitability assessments/tryouts process and a link to a form where you can nominate the three instruments your child would like to try at the try out morning scheduled for Tuesday 4 November from 7.30am in the Hall.  You will hear more about the tryouts at the Band Program Information Evening.

If you are already familiar with band and have an idea of what instrument your child would like to try you may like to fill out the online form now.