How To Join
Toward the end of Term 3 or start of Term 4, we hold our recruitment day. All of Year 2 are given a concert by one of our bands, where the instruments of the band are on full display. Throughout the day, each Year 2 class will come to the hall and get to try out each instrument. Our team of tutors will be there to assess the students' aptitude on each instrument. Starting on an instrument that is well suited to the individual is an important factor in future musical success. Students that struggle on their instrument as a beginner due to physical incompatibility are less likely to enjoy themselves, and therefore less likely to continue.
After the students have tried out all of the instruments, they will write circle the three instruments that they favoured the most. They will bring this sheet home for you to see. Please have a discussion with your children about each of these instruments, and what it is that they liked about them. Maybe they made a really loud sound on the trombone? Or perhaps they were one of the few students that successfully produced a tone on the flute.
Please ensure you are aware of the style of music our school band plays, and have explored all of the instruments we offer. You can visit the NSW Police Band's "Meet The Band" page, or watch this video from the United States Army Field Band's Instrument Demonstration video. We get a lot of interest for bass guitar and percussion (drums), but please note that we are not a rock band! Your child will likely get far more out of a traditional wind band instrument in our ensembles.
Once you and your child have agreed on three instruments that they would be happy to play, fill out the expression of interest form. It is absolutely crucial that you and your child understand that they may receive an offer to play any of the three instruments you have chosen. The task of balancing the band and offering instruments is time consuming and difficult. We do our best to try to ensure each child receives an instrument from their preferences, but if your child has their heart set on just a single instrument, they may end up disappointed.
Remember, in the same way that a soccer team can't be made up of just goal keepers, a great band can't be made up of just trumpets, for example. The success of the band lies with balancing it just right.
The band application form will open after the information evening on November 7th, 2024. Applications will close on Friday 15th November.
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