REHEARSALS
Junior Band
Wednesday Lunchtime
Thursday afternoons - 3.05pm - 4pm
INSTRUMENT HIRE
Arts Unit - have good rates. Contact: nick.cowell@det.nsw.edu.au
Musicorp - For good rates - Contact David Howell david.howell@polygongroup.com.au
They will deliver the instrument to you and maintain it for you also.
Dear Parent/Carer
Thank you for bringing your child to the Training/Junior Band blow test. We were delighted with the talent we saw and are excited about the potential of the Junior/Training Band in 2025.
The process of selecting each child for their instrument is very thorough. It includes results from ear tests, blow tests, special needs requirements, physical factors such as child’s stature, mouth muscle structure, size of hands and back pressure in the inner ear. The most important factor is the child’s preferences, discussions with your child about those and what they find easiest to play at the Blow Test - it is an infallible barometer of future happiness on the instrument.
If you have any questions or concerns with the instrument choice we would be happy to talk these through with you. We are hear to help and ensure a positive experience for your child. Please make contact via email on bhpsconcertband@optusnet.com.au and we will then be in touch to set up a time to discuss.
CONFIRMATION OF INSTRUMENT – Please let us know via the online form
After you and your child have had time to discuss and consider the above, please confirm your acceptance or non-acceptance. Your acceptance/non-acceptance of instrument can be registered via the online form accessed via this link. Please DO NOT reply to this e-mail address unless you require further discussion.
COMMITMENT TO BAND - 2025 BAND FEES
Band is an extracurricular activity, operated by a Band Manager and Band Conductors, who are paid for their services. Members of the band pay a fee for the band program to cover operations expenses. 2025 fees will be around $900 for the year – around $18 per week for expert tuition, workshops, festivals and more. The other financial commitment aspects to consider are: weekly private tuition, instrument purchase or hire and band shirt purchase. More information can be found on the website.
INSTRUMENTS HIRE/PURCHASE
Smaller instruments such as clarinets, saxophones, trumpets, flutes and trombones are usually purchased or hired (externally) for the child. Larger instruments can be hired. Please DO NOT buy from Aldi, Bunnings or any other retailer who does not specialise in musical instruments. Also, be cautious about purchased from social media sites – take any instrument to a qualified professional for a check before purchasing. If you would like advice on where to hire at reasonable rates please get in touch via this e-mail.
For purchasing new instruments we recommend contacting In Tune Music at St Leonards (9439 1143) who have good prices for student model instruments. Yamaha is a reliable, hard wearing brand for all instruments and parts are readily available. You may find second hand instruments on websites/social media etc however you need to know what you are purchasing as there are a lot of fakes in the market. Before purchasing please ensure professional advice eg Glenn at In Tune Music or our conductors. Please get in touch if you need assistance with this.
Also, please ensure your child has their OWN instrument and that they aren’t sharing with a sibling who is playing the same instrument. If children have their own instrument they are responsible for, they will have a high level of commitment and develop better practice habits leading to a better musician. You will be doing them a favour.
Your child will need a music stand also for use at home. These are foldable, cost about $25 and come in a range of colours. These can be purchased from In Tune Music or Mall Music. A great Christmas gift!
PRIVATE TUTORS
It is essential and a requirement for Band Membership that each child has weekly private tuition outside school hours so that all technical and musical skills are developing and each child can keep up with the progress of the Band. There are tutors who teach at the school (after school) are very experienced and have completed their Working With Children Check. You may wish to check the tutor’s Working With Children Check which can easily be done online. These tutors give band members first priority when arranging their schedules. The list is available on the website.
Ensure your tutor is experienced as it is important good habits are learnt from their very first lesson. While the teenager next door, relative or music school might be convenient and less expensive, if they are not experienced or familiar with preparing your child with the technical and musical skills they need to participate in band, this could ultimately disadvantage your child. They could pick up incorrect habits that will be hard to undo and may hinder progress on their instrument.
Questions?
Please refer to the Junior/Training Band Handbook which should answer most of your questions. However if you don’t find the answers in there then please e-mail Caroline Fechner, Band Manager on bhpsconcertband@optusnet.com.au.
We are looking forward to welcoming your family to the BHPS Band Program.
Regards
Ray Hampton Caroline Fechner
Director of Bands Band Program Manager
BHPS Band Program
