Beacon Hill Primary School. Band Program

Beacon Hill Primary School Band Program Band Handbook 2014

1 OVERVIEW... 3 Introduction Aims of the Band Program Benefits The Bands The Ensembles Instruments Management Communication Parent Involvement Questions? 2 JOINING... 7 How to Join Instrument Hire Band Fees Payment Extra Costs 3 REHEARSING... 10 Schedule Attendance Equipment Code of Conduct Parent Helpers Band Camp 4 PRACTICING... 13 Expectations Private Tuition Instrument Purchase 5 PERFORMING... 14 School Performances External Performances Uniform Calendar 6 FINDING HELP... 14 Musical Progress Instrument Hire Fees Anything Else BHPS Band Handbook 2014 Issue: Feb 2014 Page 2 of 15

Overview 1 Introduction Welcome to Band for 2014! This Handbook gives you an overview of all you need to know about participation in Band for you and your child. Please take the time to read this Handbook so that you get the most out of your Band experience. Overview Aims of Band Program The aims of our Band program are: To ensure that all students participation in the band is a happy, productive and memorable experience; To give every student the opportunity to play a musical instrument regardless of their musical experience; To give every student the opportunity to play in a group; To help students develop an appreciation and understanding of a wide range of musical styles; To develop musicianship and expressive skills; To develop teamwork and leadership skills; To encourage social interaction with fellow students and teachers; and To encourage a sense of responsibility and commitment to themselves and the band. Benefits Being part of a band is a wonderful opportunity for all children and no prior musical experience is needed to join the Junior Band. During their time in the band your child will learn to play an instrument, read music and work together with their friends to produce wonderfully energetic, exciting and melodic sounds. The many skills they learn (such as increased concentration and selfdiscipline) carry over into all parts of their lives. Most importantly, they have lots of fun! BHPS Band Handbook 2014 Issue: Feb 2014 Page 3 of 15

Playing in a band can contribute to a student s non-musical development in many ways. These may include: Increased maturity and self-discipline Increased concentration and focus Increased self-confidence and self-esteem Learning about team spirit Leadership skills Being proud of, and representing, their school Creative problem solving The sense of commitment to a cause Overview The Bands There are three Bands in the school, providing an opportunity for a range of skills. Membership of a Band is based on musical skill level and not school Year level. The bands are as follows: The Junior Band This band is for students with little or no prior instrumental training and is the starting point for students joining the band program in Years 3 or 4. Students in Years 5 and 6 can also join the Junior Band. The Intermediate Band Students generally progress to this Band after a year of playing with Junior Band. Students may need to demonstrate the appropriate level of musicianship. Students in the Intermediate Band will mostly be from Years 4 and 5. The Concert Band Students can progress to this Band after playing in the Intermediate band for a year. Students are expected to be playing at AMEB Grade 2 or above and may need to demonstrate the appropriate level of musicianship. The Ensembles There are two smaller ensembles in the school, providing an opportunity for extending musical skills of the more advanced students.. The ensembles consist of the more advanced players and membership may be limited. Students will usually have been in the band program for at least two years. Entry is at the discretion of the Band Directors, via interview and/or audition. Parents will be given more information on the audition or selection process. BHPS Band Handbook 2014 Issue: Feb 2014 Page 4 of 15

The ensembles are as follows: The Jazz Band Typically for brass, clarinet, keyboard, bass guitar and percussion. Amadeus Group Typically for woodwind players. At the time of updating this 2014 Handbook, the format for Amadeus in 2014 has not been determined. Band members will be advised when further information is available. Instruments Applicants for the Junior Band may apply to play the following instruments. No previous musical experience is expected. Instruments are allocated by the Band Director based on the preferences of the applicant and the need to achieve a balance of sound in the band. Overview Flute French Horn Tuba Clarinet Trumpet Glockenspiel Alto Saxophone Trombone Percussion Tenor Saxophone Baritone Bass Guitar Management Keyboard The band and its program are managed by parents within the Band Committee - a sub-committee of the Parents & Citizens Association of Beacon Hill Primary School. Band Committee meets in Week 2 and 7 of every term. Dates will be advertised in The Beacon. The Band Committee employs the Band Directors, whose role is to develop the students musical skills through rehearsals, performances, the band camp and a range of other activities and functions throughout the year. For the coming year, the Concert & Intermediate Bands will be directed by Mr Matthew Hurditch, Junior Band and Amadeus by Ms Amanda Muir. We are currently interviewing for a Jazz Band Diector. The committee's role is to plan and facilitate all band activities in conjunction with the Band Directors. The musical side of the planning is left to the Band Directors. Communication Email is the main means of communication to band parents, with regular notices of upcoming events, meetings etc. Please ensure that you provide an email address that you check regularly. BHPS Band Handbook 2014 Issue: Feb 2014 Page 5 of 15

Email addresses for contacting the Committee and Coordinators are provided in Section 6, Parent Helpers Appendix. We also use The Beacon to communicate with parents so please ensure that you check for notices every week. You can view or download the latest version of our Band Calendar from www.schoolcircle.net. Overview Parent Involvement As with any volunteer committee, parent help is vital. There are many ways to get involved and your involvement sends a message to your child that you value the time and effort they put into their music. Rehearsals Parent Helpers are essential at rehearsals since teachers are not on duty prior to 8.30am and the Director requires another adult present to assist in case a child falls ill, or music is to be copied etc. The presence of a parent helper at rehearsals helps with supervision, allowing the Band Director to focus on musical development. A roster is distributed at the start of the year, on which parents can indicate suitable times. Parents do not need musical experience and may bring siblings. Please help if you can. Performances At various performances throughout the year parents are always needed to help set up/clear away/transport instruments, set out chairs, hand out uniforms etc. Band Committee All parents are welcome to attend Band Committee meetings, held twice a term. Parents are encouraged to take on one of the many committee positions, especially after your first year when you have learned the ropes! (see App. 1). Supporting your Child This is the most important way to be involved! Your child needs constant support and encouragement to keep practicing and to ensure that they attend rehearsals and performances. Questions? We hope this handbook gives you an insight into the Band Program - how it works and the commitment and work involved in making it a success for each child and all the Bands. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact a member of the Committee to discuss. Check Appendix 1 for a lists of who s who and if you unsure, contact the Band Secretary (BandSecretary@bhps.com) who can point you in the right direction. BHPS Band Handbook 2014 Issue: Feb 2014 Page 6 of 15

Joining 2 How to Join Students will be invited to join Band in November of the year prior. All students in Year 2, and any other student from Years 3 6 may participate in a Try Out day to experience all the different instruments. Joining Instrument Hire Junior Band members may hire school instruments through the Band Committee. These instruments have been purchased by the Beacon Hill P & C and the Band using funds raised from Band Fees and fund-raising efforts. Instruments are generally available for the first twelve months, after which time you should consider the purchase of an instrument. Instruments may be hired for a longer period, subject to availability. In assigning hire instruments, preference is given to youngest students first, then newest Band members, with the lowest priority given to students hiring a second instrument. Our aim is for all Junior Band members and as many Intermediate and Concert Band members as necessary, to be able to hire an instrument. If you accept the hire of an instrument, the following conditions are deemed to apply: - The equipment remains the property of BHPS Band The student must be the SOLE user of this instrument. The instruments are not insured while in your care. Insurance for the equipment is hirer s responsibility. If the instrument is lost, stolen or irreparably damaged the hirer agrees to pay the BHPS Band the AGREED VALUE of the instrument. Should it become necessary, instruments must be repaired only by a repairer authorised by the Band Committee The student should seek instruction from his/her private tutor on how to care for his/her instrument when they are issued BHPS Band Handbook 2014 Issue: Feb 2014 Page 7 of 15

Band will pay for up to two repairs per year as a result of fair wear and tear. Repairs required as a result of any damage caused by mishandling must be paid for by the hirer. Fees are paid in advance per Term. Instruments will not be hired for subsequent terms if the account is in arrears. All equipment must be returned, clean and in good order, in the second last week of Term 4, on a date to be advised. Instruments must be returned within one week of leaving Band for any reason. Fees are paid per Term and no refund will be given for part completion of a Term. Contact our Instrument Coordinator (BandInstrument@bhpspc.com) to arrange handover. Joining Band Fees Band fees are levied to cover the various costs of running the band including director s fees, instrument purchases, new music, instrument maintenance, competition fees, Band Camp, music books and bags and general administrative costs. The band aims to be self-sufficient in respect to its financial operations, and fees are set to cover costs. The fees for 2014 are: Band Fee (for participation in Junior or Intermediate) $125 per term per child (participation in a second lower Band is $50) Band Fee (for participation in Concert) $140 per term per child (participation in a second lower Band is $50) Ensemble Fee (for participation in Jazz Ensemble) $50 per term per child Instrument Hire Fee $50 (Term 1) & $70 (Terms 2 4) per child (for all take home instruments) $20 per term per child (for keyboard and percussion which remain at school) Sibling Discount To be offered as a once off fee reduction for Term 4. Amount to be advised. BHPS Band Handbook 2014 Issue: Feb 2014 Page 8 of 15

Joining Payment Band Fees are paid via the School s Term Invoice. The fees for each term must be paid by the Term Invoice due date. If fees are not paid by the due date your child may be asked to stand down from the band until the fees are paid. Such an action would be unfortunate, but as the band operates on a minimum cash flow, regular payments are essential. Should you experience difficulty in paying the fees, please contact the Band Chairperson and also notify the Fees Coordinator of possible delay. For payment of late fees, contact the Fees Coordinator to agree arrangements. We will only accept payment by direct deposit. Extra Costs When considering the overall financial implications of joining Band, keep in mind that you will also need to pay for the following: Private Tuition is essential (see the Practicing Section) and will cost you approximately $15 - $40 per week for 40 weeks a year. A portable music stand is essential for home and can be purchased from music shops for about $30. Clarinet and saxophone players should keep spare reeds in their instrument case. Reeds can be purchased in bulk from music shops but may be bought individually at rehearsals for $4. BHPS Band Handbook 2014 Issue: Feb 2014 Page 9 of 15

Rehearsing 3 Schedule All Band rehearsals are held in the MPC. Students should arrive 5 or 10 min early to help set up the room and prepare their instrument and music. It is essential that rehearsals start on time. The start time listed below is the time at which the Conductor will start rehearsing you must arrive a few minutes early to be prepared. Rehearsals all finish at approximately 8.45am. Students should take their instruments directly to their Class Room or Bag Room to ensure safe keeping. The rehearsal schedule is as follows: Junior Wednesday 7.30am Rehearsing Intermediate Tuesday 7.30am Concert Monday & Thursday 7.30am Jazz Wednesday 7.30am Amadeus TBA TBA Attendance Being a band member is just like being part of a sports team. Students are expected to attend all the scheduled rehearsals and all performances. This ensures that both the student and their band are able to achieve their best performance. A band relies on a balance of sound, both at practice and in concert conditions. If a student doesn t turn up it makes rehearsals less effective for the rest of the band and diminishes the quality of performances. If a student cannot attend because of illness please text your Band Director to let them know. If a student cannot attend for some other important reason, please let the Band Director know as soon as possible, preferably at least a day or two before the occasion. BHPS Band Handbook 2014 Issue: Feb 2014 Page 10 of 15

Equipment Your child must have all their equipment at every rehearsal: Instrument (and spare reeds for reeded instruments) Band Book and Black Band Folder with music in good order pencil and eraser Rehearsing Code of Conduct Band is like any other School activity, and our Directors are just like teachers. We expect the same behavior from your child as in a classroom. It is important that all Band members respect the Code of Conduct that is set down by the school and which equally applies to activity within the band. Band members are required to show respect, courtesy and consideration to the Director and fellow members at all times. The student Welfare Policy is in force during all rehearsals and performances and students who do not adhere to these requirements will risk being asked to leave the rehearsal or performance. Students will first be given warnings about inappropriate behavior. Band Directors will allocate Encouragement Awards to recognize good behavior, and if necessary will also issue Time Out tickets for bad behavior. Parent Helpers As noted in Section 1, Parent Helpers at rehearsals is essential. The role of the Parent Helper is to: Take music to the office for copying if required; Help with Band set-up and pack-up as necessary; Assist with discipline when asked; Accompany students if they need to leave the rehearsal for any reason; and Generally act as a second pair of hands and support for the Director so that he/she may concentrate on managing the rehearsal and conducting the Band. BHPS Band Handbook 2014 Issue: Feb 2014 Page 11 of 15

Rehearsing Band Camp Band Camp is an annual event for all Band members and it forms an integral part of the program. In the past Band Camp has been residential but from 2013 we have run the Camp as a non-residential course on the School campus. Band Camp is organized and managed by the Committee with Parent Helpers providing a vital contribution, and with the Directors providing all the musical direction. Band Camp comprises 2 days of intensive rehearsals and small instrumental tutorials, often achieving as much progress in one weekend as a whole term s effort. Due to this rapid development, it really is important that all students attend for the full weekend and we ask that you give priority to the camp over other events that might be on at the time. But it s not all hard work. We will ensure that the children have time for some social and recreational activity. Band Camp for 2014 is 17 and 18 May, BHPS Band Handbook 2014 Issue: Feb 2014 Page 12 of 15

Practicing 4 Expectations Regular practice (at least 3 4 times a week in addition to their lesson and rehearsal) is vital when children are learning an instrument. If they don t practice they may fall behind, lose confidence and eventually give up. Practice charts and reward systems work well for most students. Practice sessions should start at 10 minutes and increase to 30 min by the time the child is in Years 5 and 6. Help your child to practice by creating a regular space in their schedule and a suitable space with instrument stand and proper chair. Practicing Private Tuition All members of each band are required to have private tuition on their instrument, to augment the general skills that are nurtured in the Band. Instrumental lessons are weekly and generally ½ an hour in length. Your child will get the best and most experienced tuition on his/her instrument from a tutor who has a music degree and has teaching experience. You will also pay more for the lesson, up to $40 for ½ hour which is the rate recommended by the Australian Music Teachers Association. Conservatorium student tutors can also be good as first instrumental teachers. Establish that they have completed a minimum Grade 6 AMEB exam. This will ensure they have the fundamental skills on the instrument to pass on to your child. You will pay less for the lessons, from $15 to $30 depending on experience. Instrument Purchase It is recommended that a good quality student model instrument be purchased after the student s first year in the band. Studies have shown that students tend to be far more committed to learning and achieve a higher level of performance if they own their own instrument. You should also keep in mind the ongoing cost of hiring an instrument over several years can be offset against an early instrument purchase. Ask your tutor or Band Director for advice on instrument purchase. BHPS Band Handbook 2014 Issue: Feb 2014 Page 13 of 15

Performing 5 Performing School Performances Throughout the year all bands take part in performances at school. These performances are an opportunity for band members to get used to performing in front of an audience, and for parents to see how their children are progressing. They also provide a showcase for the school s band program. School Performances are listed on our Band Calendar, advertised in The Beacon and communicated to parents via email. School performances include the following: Concert Band performs School Song & National Anthem at MPC Assemblies; Intermediate, Junior and Jazz Bands will perform a special assembly item in the second half of the year; Concert and Jazz Bands may perform at special school events such as Open Days, Grandparents Day etc. External Performances All Bands will also be involved in external performances such as competitions and within the local community. Uniform Students in Concert Bands will be provided with a Band Shirt. The first shirt is given free of charge but subsequent shirts can be purchased from the Band Committee at cost. At most school performances the school uniform will be worn but for special school performances or external performances, the uniform for Concert Band is Band Shirt long black trousers or skirts/leggings for girls Black socks or tights and black school shoes Calendar Check the Band Calendar regularly to mark performance dates in your diary. View or download the latest version of our Band Calendar from www.schoolcircle.net. BHPS Band Handbook 2014 Issue: Feb 2014 Page 14 of 15

v Finding Help 6 Musical Progress If you have any concerns or questions about the musical progress of your child, please contact your Band Director: JUNIOR BAND Amanda Muir amanda@dynavector.com.au) INTERMEDIATE & CONCERT BAND Matthew Hurditch matthew.hurditch@hotmail.com Finding Help Instrument Hire If you have any questions about hiring an instrument, repairs, servicing or instrument returns, please contact our Instrument Coordinator: INSTRUMENT COORDINATOR Wendy Lewis Fees BandInstrument@bhpspc.com If you have any questions about what fees you should pay, late payment of fees, or refunds, please contact our Fees Coordinator: FEES COORDINATOR BandFees@bhpspc.com Anything Else! If you have any questions about all other aspects of our Band Program, please contact our Secretary: SECRETARY - Kaz Cerneaz BandSecretary@bhpspc.com BHPS Band Handbook 2014 Issue: Feb 2014 Page 15 of 15