For parents
What Bands are offered in the NPS Band Program?
Training Band – Beginners in their 1st year of playing an instrument, for students in year 3 and above
Concert Band – 2nd, 3rd and 4th year playing
Jazz Ensemble (typically from mid-term 2) – auditions open to students in Years 5 & 6
Which instrument will my child play?
CHOICE, ABILITY, AVAILABILITY & BALANCE
CHOICE. Students should explore all the different links on this website and learn about the different instruments available. When you complete the 'Expression of Instrument' form make sure you include three instrument preferences based on the sounds your child has enjoyed.
ABILITY. Early in term 1 all interested students meet with Mr Sismey and try out some of the instruments so a recommendation can be given as to which instrument your child is better suited to. Natural ability for an instrument is ideal, as it will be easier for them to learn that instrument. Physical features (shape of mouth, length of arms, etc.) are considered as well as the results from the 'Instrument Taste Test'.
AVAILABILITY. Students may already have access to a particular instrument at home.
BALANCE. It is important to have a balanced band - we can't have ten flutes, nine clarinets and one percussionist! Ideally a band of 20 students would look something like this -
Flutes x3, Clarinets x4, Saxophones x3, Horns x2, Trumpets x3, Trombones x2, Euphonium/Baritone x1, Tuba x1 and Percussion x1
Joining the band means a time commitment to the following:
Rehearsals:
Training band – before school 7:30am Mondays and Thursdays at lunchtime
Concert band – before school 7:30am Thursdays and Mondays at lunchtime
Jazz Ensemble – before school 7:45am Fridays from the end of Term 2
External private tuition: Each child in the band is expected to undertake private instrument lessons while in the band to learn how to play their instrument, and practice their parts outside of rehearsals. Band rehearsals are a time to learn to play together, not learn the music.
Workshops: 2 Sunday afternoons, typically Term 1 (end of week 4) and Term 3 (end of week 3).
Band Camp: date and place to be confirmed – 2 nights and 3 days, and great fun!
Festivals/competitions: Typically a weekend session in Term 2 and 3.
Annual Band Showcase: Term 4, on a Friday night at school (typically the end of week 6) – bring your family and friends to enjoy the pieces the Bands have been working on through the year, and farewell the Year 6 students.
Band Duty Roster: Band parents are expected to devote a few hours each year to either band rehearsal duty OR serving at Fundraising BBQs at Bunnings. Parents can nominate their availability for morning rehearsals, lunchtime rehearsals, or Band Fundraising BBQs, and a roster is put out each term. This role is especially important for morning rehearsals, ensuring another adult is present to support the conductor, and to provide practical help as needed.
What are the costs involved in the NPS band program?
Annual Band Fees: $500 per year
Instrument hire (if required) – $200 per year if hired from school (percussion fee: $10 per term), plus annual end-of-year servicing organised by the school. Instruments can be hired from the NPS Band Committee (subject to availability), or Turramurra Music. Usually after the first year you would buy an instrument if your child is continuing, unless you’ve hired a large (and expensive) instrument such as horn, baritone, euphonium or tuba – these instruments are hired out on the understanding that they may be hired for the duration of your child’s time in band.
Band camp – approx. $320-340
Includes - Friday incursion activities; coach transfer from school to campsite; 2 days/nights food and accommodation; group rehearsals with conductors; small group tutorials; fun and adventure activities
Cost of private lessons – approx. $45-50 per lesson per week ($1800-2000 p.a)
Uniform for performances – black band shirt approx. $40
** Participation in the NPS Band Program is considered to be a whole-of-year commitment so you will be invoiced for 4 terms regardless. We make financial commitments to employ conductors on annual contracts, and bands perform as a “team” - the sound balance can be detrimentally affected with the absence and withdrawal of instruments. **