Strathfield North Public School Instrumental Music Program
The Strathfield North Public School Instrumental Music Program is crafted to cultivate the musical talents and passion for music in our students. Membership in the program offers a unique chance for your child to learn a musical instrument, enjoy the rewards of performance, and develop crucial teamwork skills.
This policy document contains essential information necessary for the smooth operation of our program. Please review it thoroughly and retain it in your records for ongoing reference.
Our aims are to:
Provide a vibrant performing arts environment where students can experience the joy of learning to play musical instruments.
Integrate a comprehensive music program within the school curriculum.
Encourage students to explore new opportunities and develop their musical talents.
Offer various platforms for students to perform, both solo and in ensembles, within the school and the broader community.
Enhance the academic and personal development of our students through the intellectual and emotional benefits derived from engaging in high-quality music programs.
Ensure the program is financially accessible to all families, maintaining its sustainability and independence.
Private Tuition
Tutor Allocation:
Parents must complete the online "Application to Join the Instrumental Music Program" form to enroll their child.
The program coordinator will assign each student a private tutor based on the application information provided by parents. Parents will receive written notification of their child's assigned tutor and contact details.
Lesson Times:
Parents are responsible for arranging a suitable weekly lesson time with the private tutor.
Tutor Fees:
At the start of each term, tutors will issue invoices for the term's lesson fees, determined by the school.
Parents must directly pay tutors by the end of week 3 of each term. Tutors are responsible for maintaining records of lessons provided.
Lesson Attendance:
Students must attend all scheduled lessons. If a student misses a lesson without notice, the tutor will not refund the lesson fee.
For legitimate absences, including school events, parents must inform the tutor at least 24 hours in advance. Failure to provide notice may result in the lesson not being rescheduled or refunded.
If a tutor cannot attend a lesson or adequate notice is given, they must arrange a makeup lesson or refund the fee.
Outside Tutors:
Students may still participate in the program with external tutors, but utilizing school tutors is recommended whenever possible due to their high quality.
Outside Students:
Tutors can use school classrooms to teach ex-students and family members of current students, but priority for lesson times is given to current students of the school.
Tutors using school facilities for external students must have public liability insurance and pay rent for the space used.
Commitment to the Program:
Parents enrolling their children in the Instrumental Music Program commit to participating for the entire year. Withdrawal from the program mid-year is not permitted.
Grievance handling:
If you have a complaint regarding private lessons, in the first instance please address it directly with your child's tutor. If the issue remains unresolved or involves broader concerns, you may escalate the complaint to the program coordinator at snpscapa@gmail.com.
Instrumental Ensembles
Weekly Rehearsals
Our weekly ensemble rehearsals provide an excellent opportunity for students to enjoy the collaborative experience of making music together, enhancing their sense of community and teamwork.
Fees
Fees for ensemble participation will be charged to your school account and must be paid at least one term in advance. These fees support the running of the program, the purchase of equipment and sheet music, and administrative expenses. The music program is self-funded and does not receive school subsidies; therefore, timely payment is essential. Failure to pay these fees may result in exclusion from the program.
Attendance
Consistent attendance at rehearsals is vital. If your child must miss a rehearsal for a valid reason, please inform the tutor or conductor in writing at least one week prior. Should your child be absent due to illness, a note should be provided to the tutor or conductor at the subsequent rehearsal.
Punctuality
It is important for all ensemble members to be on time. Students should arrive five minutes before the start of morning rehearsals to set up their instruments and prepare. For after-school rehearsals, students should proceed directly from their classroom to the rehearsal immediately after the bell rings.
Equipment
Each student is required to bring their instrument, a display folder, and a pencil to every rehearsal. If sheet music is provided for home practice, it should be stored in the display folder and brought to each rehearsal.
Student Behaviour at Rehearsals
We expect students to respect their tutors, conductors, and fellow ensemble members, adhering to the same behavioural standards as in their regular classroom settings. Non-compliance may lead to removal from the program.
Supervision
Parents are responsible for their children's supervision before and after each rehearsal/lesson including directly after school. Supervision for morning rehearsals starts ten minutes before they commence. Parents must stay with their until a tutor or conductor is present. After afternoon rehearsals, it is crucial that parents collect their children promptly. Unsupervised play in the playground after rehearsals is not allowed.
If a student has a private lesson following an ensemble rehearsal or school, it is the parent's responsibility to ensure the child is supervised during the gap between school or ensemble rehearsal and the start of the private lesson.
Roles and Responsibilities at Strathfield North Public School
Parental Role:
Arrange a suitable private lesson time with your child's assigned tutor.
Ensure your child attends their lesson weekly and notify of any absences due to illness or other reasons.
Supervise your child before, during (if applicable), and after their private lesson.
Pay tuition fees to the private tutor each term.
Ensure attendance at ensemble rehearsals with appropriate equipment and pay associated fees to the school.
Arrange transportation to and from performance events and attend when possible.
Aid in caring for and maintaining your child's instrument, including notifying the school of needed repairs.
Cover costs for expendable items like strings and reeds.
Provide regular practice time for your child, with guidance from the tutor, aiming for a minimum of 20 minutes daily.
Encourage and acknowledge your child's musical efforts and progress.
Commit to supporting the program throughout the year, especially during times of low motivation.
Student Role:
Practice daily and maintain instrument care and cleanliness.
Bring instrument and music to school rehearsals.
Adhere to school rules during private lessons and ensemble rehearsals.
Attend lessons and rehearsals punctually with the necessary equipment.
Private Tutor Role:
Deliver high-quality, engaging music lessons.
Coordinate lesson times with parents and maintain communication.
Provide the school with a current Working With Children Check and Public Liability Insurance.
Communicate promptly about any lesson cancellations or issues.
Maintain active communication with parents regarding student progress.
Dress (grooming and attire) and act in a professional manner.
Report any concerns or issues to the program coordinator.
Maintain consistency in lesson times and punctuality.
Promote instrument care and inform the coordinator of any issues.
Attend school events when possible.
Ensemble Conductor Role:
Prepare appropriate repertoire for rehearsals and performances.
Maintain a current Working With Children Check.
Notify the coordinator of any absences or issues.
Keep accurate attendance records and inform the coordinator of any concerns.
Promote instrument care and report issues promptly.
Attend school events when possible.
Program Coordinator Role:
Develop a diverse program in collaboration with school staff.
Allocate students to tutors and oversee scheduling.
Manage tutors and conductors.
Coordinate ensemble rehearsal schedules.
Ensure all staff have current Working With Children Checks.
Communicate with parents about performances and events.
Maintain instrument care and manage resources.
Develop award systems to motivate students.
Coordinate school performances and support Music Captains.
Manage program finances and plan for future instrument needs.
Administration Role (Principal and Delegates):
Support and promote the Instrumental Program.
Facilitate performances and manage program finances.
Administer the program's resources effectively.
Utilise the library for program needs and encourage parent engagement.