Dear Parent/Carer
Thank you for bringing your child to the Training and Junior Band Instrument Tryouts.
We were thrilled to see such enthusiasm and talent, and are very excited about the potential of our 2026 Training/Junior Band 2026.
The process of selecting each child for their instrument is very thorough. It includes results from aural tests, tryouts, 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 preferences and what they find easiest to play at the instrument tryouts are critical - it is an infallible barometer of future happiness on the instrument.
Sometimes, the instrument a child is most interested in may not be the one that offers them the best long-term success. Our aim is to ensure every student’s musical journey begins positively and continues with confidence and enjoyment.
If you have any questions or concerns with the instrument choice we would be happy to talk these through with you. We are here to help and ensure a positive experience for your child. Please make contact via email on bhpsconcertband@optusnet.com.au and we will be in touch to set up a time to discuss with our Director of Bands.
CONFIRMATION OF INSTRUMENT – Please let us know via the online form by Friday 28 November (latest)
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.
This reply assists us with planning for next year as there a lot of things we need to get in place to ensure a smooth start for the Junior Band.
COMMITMENT TO BAND - 2026 BAND FEES
Band is an extracurricular activity, delivered by a experienced and professional Band Conductors and Band Manager, who are paid for their expertise. Members of the band pay a fee for the band program to cover operations expenses. 2026 fees will be around $950 for the year which covers expert tuition, and management, workshops, festival entry, music, resources and more. The other financial commitment aspects to consider are: weekly private tuition, instrument purchase or hire and band uniform/shirt purchase.
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. This instruments are poor quality and your child's progress will suffer due to the capabilities of the instrument. Also, be cautious about purchases from social media sites – take any instrument to a qualified professional for a check before purchasing. A 'bargain' instrument may be great at first but then result in frequent servicing and repairs. If you would like advice on where to hire at reasonable rates please get in touch via bhpsconcertband@optusnet.com.au.
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 one of 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 $30 and come in a range of colours. These can be purchased from In Tune Music or Mall Music. A great Christmas gift!
PRIVATE TUTORS
A private music tutor will teach your child how to play the instrument. It is essential and a requirement for Band Membership that each child has weekly private tuition outside school hours to learn their instrument and all technical and musical skills are developing so that 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 via Office of the Children's Guardian. 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 a school concert band, this could ultimately disadvantage your child. Incorrect habits that will be hard to undo and limited technical work will 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
