Latest messages from the Music Coordinator!

Dear String families,

Good news: we have a new strings conductor!

Before I tell you more about her, please note the following changes to the String Program:

1. We are combining our two ensembles, Beginners and Continuing Strings. There are two reasons for this:

• With only 4 students in Continuing Strings, combining groups maintains the viability of the music program.

• A mixed-level ensemble can be a great strength. Beginners progress faster with experienced players around them, while advanced players are given a valuable leadership opportunity, and will be challenged with more complex parts.

2. The weekly rehearsal time for all string players: FRIDAY MORNINGS at 7.45am, starting 13 March! There are no rehearsals until then (NO rehearsal tomorrow 6/3 and NO rehearsal on Wednesday 11/3)

PLEASE CONFIRM THAT YOU ARE ABLE TO ATTEND THIS NEW REGULAR TIME!

And now, I’m delighted to introduce you to your new string conductor, cellist Lily Innis (whom some of you will already know as your private tutor)!

Lily plays and teaches cello and violin, has studied at the Sydney Conservatorium and leads ensembles across Sydney from beginners to advanced. Lily has expertise in Suzuki and Colour Strings teaching methods, she is a knowledgeable, devoted and fun music educator, and we are thrilled she has agreed to conduct our FLodge Strings!

Find out more about Lily HERE!

PLEASE NOTE: Lily will be starting a Flodge Strings WhatApp group for occasional updates and info. Please look out for this and check in for communications over the coming days.

Attention Concert Band families!

At the end of your next band rehearsal this Tuesday 3 March, Cassie will hold auditions for The FLodge Stage Band. Auditions are open to anyone interested in joining this extension band to Concert Band.

You don’t have to sign up to audition; just let Cassie know on Tuesday that you would like to audition!

What is Stage Band?

The FLodge Stage band is our extension band to Concert Band for students who are particularly keen musicians. In Stage Band, students explore more challenging repertoire and work on ensemble sound with a smaller group of like-minded musicians. 

Please note, to be in Stage Band, you must also by in Concert Band.

When and how much?

Stage band rehearses weekly on Monday afternoons, 3.15 to 4pm in the hall.

The fee is $220 per semester (1/2 year). Please note, this is on top of the Concert Band fee.

Dear FLodge Band & Strings Families,

We are excited to invite students in years 3-6 to attend the Annandale North Public School Band & Strings Camp 2026 from Wednesday, 1 April through Thursday, 2 April!

Partnering with ANPS

This year, Forest Lodge Public School is partnering with Annandale North Public School (ANPS) to hold a music camp. Our school leaders already work closely together, and by partnering our music programs, we can offer students at our two schools the valuable opportunity to attend a music camp. We look forward to building new musical connections and friendships across our school communities.

What is the Music Camp?

Each year the Annandale North PS Music Program runs a two‑day overnight camp at The Tops Conference Centre, Stanwell Tops. Students work intensively with specialist tutors and their ensemble conductors, making marked progress in musicianship and ensemble skills while enjoying collaborative music‑making. The camp will be supervised by conductors, tutors, school teachers and parent volunteers from both schools.

Who Can Attend

Students in Years 3–6 string and band students are eligible to attend and stay overnight.

Camp Details

When: 1–2 April 2026

Where: The Tops Conference Centre, 51 Bendena Gardens, Stanwell Tops

Cost: $340 per child (overnight stay)

The camp fee includes specialist tutors and ensemble conductors, additional adult supervision by school teachers and parent volunteers, an evening campfire activity, accommodation, meals on both days, and bus transport.

Travel: The bus will depart from either Annandale North PS or Forest Lodge PS. Location and time TBC once enrolments are finalised.

How to Register for Camp

To register, please complete the two steps below by Friday, 6 March 2026, preferably earlier!

STEP 1 — Register Online

Complete the Music Camp 2026 online registration form on The Tops Conference Centre website. Please submit a separate registration form for each child attending camp. Select "FLPS Year 3-6 Student Registration" when prompted.

STEP 2 — Pay by Direct Transfer

Account Name: ANPS P&C Band Account

Bank: Commonwealth Bank

BSB: 062102

Account Number: 10122386

Amount: $340

Reference: Please include your child's name and the words "FLPS Camp" in the transfer reference. (e.g. Jane Smith FLPS Camp).

Refund policy: Due to financial commitments of running the camp, we are unable to provide refunds after registrations close on Friday, 6 March 2026. In cases of serious illness, family emergency, or other exceptional circumstances, refund requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

If Your Child Will Not Attend Camp

If your child will not attend, please let us know by contacting Maria at band@flpsmusic.net by Friday, 6 March so we don't send you reminders.

End-of-Camp Concert

We will be holding a small concert on the last day of camp. Parents, carers, and families are welcome to attend. While we are still finalizing the time, we expect the concert to run from 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM.

Parent Volunteers

Parent volunteers assist conductors, tutors, and school teachers in supervising students during the day, overnight, and while traveling on buses. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Jemma at jemmahollonds@anpspandc.org. There is no cost for parent volunteers. All volunteers are required to provide a current Working with Children Check number or application number (we can assist with applications if needed).

Camp Information Session

We will hold an online information session on Wednesday, 18 March at 7:30 PM for parents (students are welcome to attend) to review key details and answer questions. Video link details will be sent closer to the date.

You can also find more information about what to bring, medication management, the itinerary, and more on the Annandale North Public School Music Matters website.

Questions or Concerns

If you have any questions or concerns about the camp, please contact Maria at band@flpsmusic.net

Please remember to register and pay before Friday, 6 March 2026!

Looking forward to a great camp,

Maria and the FLodge Music Committee

Dear FLodge Music Families!

Soon, semester 1 (1/2 year) ensemble invoices will be sent out (look out for an email from treasurer@flpsmusic.net), and continuing Music Program families will notice a fee increase.

It is never an easy decision to increase fees, however we ask for your support and understanding, as this increase was necessary for the continuation of the FLodge Music Program.

Our school is small, which means our ensembles are small, but each ensemble still needs a conductor who is paid fairly. The fee increase is a reflection of this, and please keep in mind that the Music Program is run by parent volunteers who work hard to make the program break even!

Below is an overview of 2026 Music Program costs for families*

Training Band and Concert Band: $320 per semester (1/2 year) (last year’s fee was $290)

Stage Band: $220 per semester (1/2 year) (last year’s fee was $145)

Junior Choir and Senior Choir: $220 per semester (1/2 year) (last year’s fee was $170)

Beginner and Continuing Strings: $320 per semester (1/2 year) (last year’s fee was $290)

Other costs:

• Forest Lodge Band Polo T-Shirt from Pickles Schoolwear - $37.50 (Concert Band and Stage Band bands only). Order from www.picklesschoolwear.com. Alternatively, the Music Program has a second hand stash that we’re happy to make available for performances (pending size availability!)

• Private lessons (a requirement for all instrumental ensembles) - usually $40-$60 per week as agreed with your tutor (FLodge Music is not part of this agreement).

• Optional instrument hire through the FLodge Music Program - $133 per semester (same as last year)

• Additionally, once or twice a year, our ensembles may sign up to take part in community festivals. We always try to keep these costs as low as possible!

*If your family is having financial hardship, please get in touch with me to discuss options!

Thank you for your support!

Dear string students and families!

Tali is offering make-up rehearsals as follows:

Beginner Strings, Monday morning 16 Feb (Wed 18 Feb cancelled)

Continuing Strings, Tuesday morning 24 Feb (Fri 20 Feb cancelled)

Dear string students and families!

As you know, Tali is unavailable on 18 and 20 Feb and has cancelled rehearsals on those days. She is offering these make-up rehearsal times:

Beginner Strings, Monday morning 16 Feb

Continuing Strings, either Monday morning 23 Feb or Tuesday morning 24 Feb.

Please let me know your availability!

Cheers,

Maria

Attention String ensembles!

Your conductor, Tali, will be absent on FRIDAY 20 FEB and has asked me to cancel your rehearsal that day. She apologises, but the absence is unavoidable, sadly!

Cheerio,

Maria

Attention Choirs, Junior and Senior!

Your conductor, Naomi, will be absent on THURSDAY 12 FEB and has asked me to cancel your choir rehearsal that day. She apologises, but the absence is unavoidable, sadly!

She will see you at the following Thursday, 19 Feb!

Cheerio,

Maria

Dear Strings and Concert Band Families!

In April 2026, the FLodge Music Program will partner with the Annandale North Public School music program to hold an overnight music camp!

Music camp is a fun, formative and memorable experience for students — a chance to play and learn music together, build friendships, strengthen ensemble skills, work with specialised tutors and conductors and enjoy time with friends in a beautiful setting.

Who can attend: Students in Years 3–6 in band and strings ensembles

When: 1–2 April 2026

Where: The Tops Conference Centre, Stanwell Tops

Estimated cost: Approximately $375 per student (exact cost to be confirmed later in Term 1, 2026 — subsidies and split payments will be available TBC)

More details will be shared soon, including an information session for parents and carers. In the meantime, you can find more information on the ANPS music program website or email me with any questions. 

Dear FLodge musicians, chorister and instrumentalists, welcome to a musical 2026!

Please see your ensemble rehearsal time and start day below:

Junior Choir rehearse on Thursdays at 8am in the school hall. First rehearsal on 5 Feb.

Senior Choir rehearse on Thursdays at 3.15pm in the main school hall. First rehearsal on 5 Feb.

Beginner Strings rehearse on Wednesdays at 7.45am in the library. First rehearsal on 4 Feb.

Continuing Strings rehearse on Fridays at 7.45am in the library. First rehearsal on 6 Feb.

Training Band rehearse on Mondays at 7.45am in the school hall. First rehearsal on 9 Feb

Concert Band rehearse on Tuesday at 7.45am in the school hall. First rehearsal on 10 Feb (not 3rd Feb as communicated earlier!)

Stage Band rehearse on Mondays at 3.15pm in the school hall. First rehearsal on 9 Feb.

Music Program students are automatically re-enrolled in either their ensemble from last year, or the ensemble they have been selected to progress to (as communicated by email). For example, choristers in year 3 are now in Senior Choir and most Training Banders are now in Concert Band (if in doubt, email me on band@flpsmusic.net)

However, if you need to make any changes to enrolment, or if you would like to join an additional ensemble, please fill out THIS FORM! And please note that students starting in Training Band DO NOT need to fill out the form (I have emailed you separately)

For information about our 2026 fees, private tuition, how to get involved and much more, see The FLodge Music Program 2026 Handbook!

Any questions, please get in touch!

Maria