Band

About

Teaching Services Australia (TSA) is an external provider of instrumental tuition and band at BHNPS. The band program provides equitable and effective tuition and is designed to provide an enriching experience to participants.

BHNPS has over 130 students participating in its school band program.

Selection Process

Students in Years 3-6 are eligible to participate in the school band program. Students may complete and Expression of Interest in their final term of Year 2, to participate in instrument selection and enrol for the following year.

Fees for lessons/ band and instrument hire/purchase are paid directly to TSA. TSA is a registered provider for the NSW Creative Kids Vouchers scheme.

What the program looks like

Students enrolled in the band program participate in weekly instrumental group lessons (limited private tuition is available) where they learn to read music, and how to play their instrument. A weekly full band rehearsal is also held, where all instruments come together.

Instrumental tuition takes place at school, during the school day (children come out of class on a timetable agreed with the school) and band rehearsals are either before or after school on the same day as tuition.

BHNPS has three bands: a Training Band, an Intermediate Band and a more advanced Senior Band.

BHNPS bands perform regularly for school assemblies and concerts for families, and participate in events such as the Ryde Eisteddfod, St Madeline’s Spring Fair, and others.

Benefits of the Program

Participation in music education is known as one of the only activities that exercises all areas of the brain. Learning a musical instrument is known to enhance brain function: children who participate in music classes have improved language and maths skills and show benefits in memory and concentration. Motor skills and coordination are improved. Participation in a band requires discipline and teamwork as the children work towards a common goal and make new friends. Experiencing the joy of music enhances well-being.

Appealing musical repertoire and talented tutors with a program of public performances round out the BHNPS Band Program.

TSA can oversee all aspects of the BHNPS Band Program, including dedicated administration and instrument rental/servicing.

Meet the teachers

Mrs Lucia Bichara – Band Director, Mr Daniel Masman, Mrs Jane Hart and Mr Ben Hurley work together as the TSA Team for BHNPS.

Mrs Sue Taylor (BHNPS Deputy Principal) liaises with the TSA staff.