Responsibilities

Attending Rehearsals

Regular rehearsals are scheduled for each band. All band members are expected to attend regularly and arrive punctually.

Initially the Junior Band is divided into 2 groups: woodwind and brass, with each group having one rehearsal per week. At Band Camp the two groups come together and from then on will rehearse twice a week. 

The other Concert Bands - Intermediate and Performance Bands, have two rehearsals each week for the entire year. 

The Jazz Band is entered by audition for students in years 5 and 6, and have one band rehearsal each week. Students must belong to a Concert Band to be able to join the Stage Band.

Each rehearsal is approximately 1 hour. Morning rehearsals are 7:50 - 8:50am, and afternoon rehearsals are 3:15 - 4:15pm.

For more information see Rehearsals

Tuition

It is a requirement of band membership that band members have weekly tuition throughout their time with the Band. Band members only continue to progress at the same level as their peers with competent tuition. The Band Director does not have time to attend to individual difficulties during rehearsals.

The Band Committee will provide a list of reputable tutors for all instruments, many of whom conduct tutorials at the school.

If you prefer to use someone not on the Recommended Tutor List you must address the following criteria:

• It is essential that the tutor plays the instrument in a competent manner.

• Either the tutor has either received formal music teaching qualifications or has equivalent playing and/or teaching experience.

• The tutor is of an appropriate age to teach primary school children. We would suggest having completed high school.

Practice

Each child is required to practise their instrument at home, away from their band rehearsals and tuition. 

For Junior Band, a minimum of 15-20 minutes practice should be done each day, including both band and tutorial pieces. 

Children who fail to do sufficient practice and keep with the standard of the band, will not be able to continue in the Band Program. 

Performances

Turramurra Public School bands play at music festivals, nursing homes and school assemblies, as well as the family concert at the conclusion of Band Camp and a special Christmas Concert for the end of the year.

As much notice as possible will be given for all band performances. All members are expected to attend each performance. 

If non-attendance is unavoidable Mr Rowland must be notified, in writing via email, as soon as possible. 

Students are also expected to wear the correct band uniform.

The Band Director has the discretion to exclude children from performances because of unacceptable behaviour, inability to play performance pieces at an acceptable standard because of poor rehearsal attendance or lack of practice, and/or inappropriate dress for a public performance. 

For more information see Performances

Instrument care

Your instrument and its accessories must be well cared for in order for it to sound its best. 

Instructions on instrument care are provided. If in doubt, ask for help. 

Please don’t try to fix instruments yourself. Any repairs undertaken without approval of the band committee are at the expense of the hirer.

For more information see Instruments

Band uniform

It is important that the students take pride in their appearance as this will be reflected in the way they perform as a band.

It is worn for most performances outside of school, on the first day of Band Camp and for school photos.

Both boys and girls:

• Long Black Pants (not trackpants)

• Yellow Band Shirt

• Black socks

• Polished Black Shoes

• Students with long hair should tie it back during performances, yellow ribbon or headband is preferred

• Optional: Band cap

For more casual performances and Band Camp, black sports shorts/skort can be worn with the yellow band shirt. Students will be notified of the appropriate uniform by Mr Rowland and their band manager prior to the performance.

For more information see Uniform