faq

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should my child join the Band Program? Music has so many positives. It is fun to listen to and play, it stirs emotions and it connects people. It enhances the body and mind by teaching a new language and strengthening fine and gross motor skills. It also teaches responsibility, perserverence and achievement. Your children should join the Band Program to make new friends, sharing common experiences and a common goal, and learn new lifelong skills. In short, music is a wonderful thing to have in your life and to be able to create your own music, is even better! More benefits can be found here.

When can my child join the Band Program? The Band Program is open to all students in Years 3 - 6. If your child is in Year 2, you can attend the Band Information night and select instrument preferences - Instruments will be allocated at the end of Term 4, ready for when they start into Year 3. If your child is in Years 4 - 6, please contact the Band Committee or Mr Tim Rowland to discuss what band would be appropriate for their experience level.

My child already plays an instrument. Can they join the band? If your child is in Years 3 - 6, it is possible depending on which instrument they play - most wind instruments are welcome in the school concert bands. String instruments and keyboards are not usual components of a concert band so unfortunately they are not part of our Band Program. However, keyboards and double bass are included in Jazz Band so when your child is in Years 5 and 6, you can contact the Band Committee or Mr Tim Rowlands to see if there are open positions.  

Does my child have to attend Band Camp? Band Camp is a highly beneficial and important component of the Band Program so all band members are expected to attend. 

What if I can't afford the Band Contributions or Band Camp fees? Financial support and payment options are available. Please contact the Band Treasurer to discuss these options. 

Do I need a yellow band bag? Band bags are very handy to contain all your children's supplies for band rehearsals and performances, so we recommend you use one. The official yellow band bag is available as an easily identifiable, suitably sized bag, but it is not compulsory - any similar sized tote bag can be used.

When do I need the yellow band shirt? The yellow band shirt is first worn on Day One of Band Camp, at the start of March, so please have your band shirt ready. (Note: the band shirt is NOT worn for Saturday and Sunday of Band Camp - the students wear casual clothes on these days.)

How many band shirts do I need to buy? Band shirts are only worn occasionally for out of school performances so one shirt should suffice. 

Do I need to buy the Band Hat? The band hat is entirely optional. Plain caps or school hats can be worn with the band uniform during outdoor performances.

How do I get the band music? Junior Band students will be given a personalised Band folder on an allocated collection day at the start of Term 1. This will contain all the music they need to get started in the Band Program. All subsequent music will be handed out by Mr Rowland during band rehearsals and can be added to the folder. Students in Intermediate, Performance and Jazz Bands will be given their music by Mr Rowland during rehearsals. You will need a plastic sleeve folder with either a black or clear cover to store them in. Some students choose to empty their Junior Band folder and re-use it for the next band, or transfer their front cover sheet (which has their name) to the new folder.

When do I have to buy my own instrument? You can buy your own instrument before you join the Band Program, or you can hire one from the school or another supplier. If hiring from TPS, you will need to buy your own instrument after one year, ready for Intermediate Band. There are exceptions to this - more expensive instruments can be hired for longer. Please see 'Instruments' for more information.

Why do I need a WWCC? This is a requirement of the Department of Education and Turramurra Public School for all parents volunteering with the school or working in any capacity with children. 

Why do I have to attend the School Office for an ID check? This is a requirement of the Department of Education and Turramurra Public School. It applies to parents working within the school or for overnights, eg canteen, uniform shop, Day One of Band Camp at TPS, and parents staying overnight during Band Camp at CRU Galston. This check only needs to be done once and will last for your entire time at TPS.

What if my child can't attend rehearsal? Please contact your Band Manager and/or Mr Rowland as soon as possible. 

What if my child can't attend a performance? Please contact your Band Manager and/or Mr Rowland as soon as possible. Advanced notice is preferred so appropriate music can be selected for the balance of instruments attending. 

Can I take photos of band performances? You can certainly take photographs at performances, at Band Camp and during Band Tour. We do ask that our parents exercise common sense and consideration when taking photos of other people's children, especially when posting on social media..

Where is the Band Room? The Band Room is located under the school Hall, opposite the uniform shop and toilet block. It is accessed via a short ramp. Please see this map for reference.

Does my child need a music tutor? It is a compulsory component of the Band Program that all students have a music tutor with appropriate qualifications, skills and experience with the relevent instrument.

Where can I find a list of music tutors? Please contact your Band Manager and/or the Band Committee for a list of music tutors that hold sessions at TPS. Alternatively, you can find your own tutor but please make sure they have appropriate qualifications, skills and experience with the relevent instrument.

Where can I find a list of instrument prices? Turramurra Music offers TPS students discount prices on their instruments. Please contact your Band Manager and/or the Band Committee for the latest price list. 

What if my child wants to change instruments? If your child is new to the Band Program and is unhappy with their instrument choice, contact Mr Rowland to see what positions are available in the band and if it is feasible - the sound of the band relies on a good balance of instruments so sometimes a change/addition of another instrument is not possible. Changes may also mean you will have to obtain your instrument from elsewhere as TPS only has a limited number of instruments for hire. If your child wishes to change to a completely new instrument in later years, they will have to begin in Junior Band for the best start. When they are of an appropriate ability, they can be moved into other bands with their Year group peers. 

Why does my Year 4/5/6 child have to go into Junior Band when starting an instrument? Mr Rowland has written and crafted a carefully structured program for Junior Band members that introduces notes and rhythms in a step-by-step fashion, tailored to each instrument. When learning a new instrument, this gradual introduction sets an excellent foundation for success. All students starting a new instrument are required to begin in Junior Band in order to experience this program.  

What can I do to help the Band Program? The Band Program is run by a group of parent volunteers who believe in the benefits of music and being in a band. You are always welcome to come along to Band Committee meetings - check the school newsletter 'Band news' for dates and times. At the meetings you can learn about how the program works and exciting upcoming events. If you have time, you can choose to take on a role within the Committee or help in any small way with events, including Band Camp and Band Tour. Alternatively, we simply ask that you support our Band Program by motivating and encouraging your children on their musical journey, and to help them practise regularly and attend all rehearsals and performances. We would also love to see you at band performances, cheering on our bands!