Term 4 Week 10

Thank you for a wonderful year of Band and Strings

Thank you for a wonderful year of Band and Strings.  With all the changes of conductors for Senior Band,  it was confusing at times but we got through it and the children achieved a lot, with fantastic performances as the result.  We are very proud of them. We, Emma particularly, has appreciated the support of parents this year.  Thanks to the conductors – Kieran and Ben – for stepping in to cover her rehearsals.  Thanks to Ray, Emma and Marianne for their conducting expertise throughout the year. 

Thank you, parents, for the commitment you make for your children to immerse themselves in music.  It truly is a gift that will continue to ‘give’ throughout their lives.

Have a fabulous festive season and restful holiday break.

Playing an Instrument develops leadership

Congratulations to our Year 5 band members who achieved school leadership roles for 2026.  We are looking forward to benefitting from the leadership qualities of these students in the band 2026 particularly the leadership of our two school captains – Bella and Patrick.  Well done to all – a good reminder that being a band member develops leadership qualities!

Spreading the Christmas Cheer at Christmas Carols event

It was lovely for our combined band (Year 4, 5 and 6) to be part of the Christmas Carols performing Jingle Bells and We Wish You a Merry Christmas.  Intermediate Strings also performed two lovely festive pieces.  Thank you to the school for allowing us to take part to spread the Christmas cheer to the BHPS community.  Well done on beautiful performances.

Band Assessments 2026 – Remember to play your instrument in the holidays

On Friday 30 January, all current band members will have a brief catch up with our Director of Bands, Ray Hampton and Senior Band Conductor, Emma Clain, to re-connect after the holiday break. A schedule for the day will be communicated before the beginning of Term 1.  You will be asked to play through the assessment criteria which will help us to determine band placements for next year.  Conductor Catch Up criteria can be found here – https://www.bhpsband.com/join-the-band/band-assessment-criteria

Have mouthpiece – Will travel!  Keep the muscle memory
It is important to keep exercising mouth muscles and fingers during the holidays so that it is easier to get back into playing more regularly when rehearsals begin.  Like any muscles – you can easily lose the strength if you don’t keep using them.  If your child can’t take your instrument on holidays, then take the mouthpiece and blow into it for a minute or two every couple of days.   This will have a big impact on how quickly the child adjusts to playing regularly after the break.

Private Tuition – Secure your place quickly

It is imperative that students learning an instrument have a private tutor to teach the child how to play their instrument. For the convenience of parents and provide access to quality tutoring, the school supports the program by allowing tutors to utilise rooms for private tuition.  It is important that parents contact the tutor directly to arrange lessons. We also recommend that for your own peace of mind that parents do their own working with children checks.   Details of how to do this are on our website along with the tutor contacts - https://www.bhpsband.com/tutors

Diary Dates 2026 and Rehearsal Start Dates
Dates for 2026 will be uploaded to the band website by mid-January and will also be placed on the school calendar.  Please keep an eye on the website for these dates – www.bhpsband.com

Rehearsals will stay the same for next year:

Concert Band – Tuesday morning and Thursday lunchtime

Senior Band – Wednesday and Friday mornings

Junior Band – Wednesday lunchtime and Thursday after school until 4pm

Beginner/Junior Strings – Friday mornings before school

Intermediate Strings – Wednesday mornings before school