Handbook 2019

“Children's involvement in musical activity has a profound effect on the

development of the child's general learning. It is now proven beyond doubt that children who are engaged in arts activities, especially music, have

advantages in all areas of learning.”

Richard Gill, Musical Educator and Maestro, 9 Feb 2011

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Contents

Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 4

Objectives ............................................................................................................................ 4

Obligations ........................................................................................................................... 4

Band Administration ............................................................................................................. 5

Band Committee .................................................................................................................. 5

Band Program Musical Director and Conductor .................................................................. 5

Parent Involvement .............................................................................................................. 5

Absences ............................................................................................................................. 5

Commitment ........................................................................................................................ 6

Band Communication .......................................................................................................... 6

The Band Program ................................................................................................................ 7

Junior Band .......................................................................................................................... 7

Intermediate Band ............................................................................................................... 7

Concert Band ....................................................................................................................... 7

Big Band .............................................................................................................................. 7

Rehearsal Times .................................................................................................................. 7

Band Camps ........................................................................................................................ 8

Competitions, Festivals, Concerts and other Performances ................................................ 8

Music Exams ....................................................................................................................... 8

On-site Tutor Program ......................................................................................................... 9

Important Dates ................................................................................................................... 10

Band Fees and Costs .......................................................................................................... 11

Band fees for 2019 ............................................................................................................ 11

Band Bags and Textbook (Junior Band only) .................................................................... 12

Band Uniforms ................................................................................................................... 12

Instrument Hire, Usage Fees or Purchase ........................................................................ 13

Instrument Hire .................................................................................................................. 13

Fees for Hiring Band Instruments ...................................................................................... 13

Fees for Usage Only Instruments ...................................................................................... 14

Purchasing an Instrument .................................................................................................. 14

So how do I join the Cammeray Band Program? ............................................................. 15

FAQs ..................................................................................................................................... 17

Important Contacts ............................................................................................................. 18

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Introduction Welcome to the Cammeray Public School Band Program. All students in Years 3 to 6 are invited to join this successful extra-curricular program at Cammeray Public School. The program has been operating since 1999 and established a tradition of excellence, enormous fun and achievement for the children and parents. In 2018, 203 students participated across four bands – Concert Band, Intermediate Band, Junior Band and Big Band.

Objectives The band program aims to:

• provide an opportunity for any Cammeray student to learn to play a musical instrument for their own and other's enjoyment;

• build confidence and self-esteem through public performance; • learn to play solo and in groups to develop an appreciation for music; • perform in competitions to encourage team spirit and represent the school; • achieve high levels of musicianship for all participating students; and • do so on an equitable basis without imposing excessive cost on families.

Obligations We cannot achieve these objectives without certain obligations on students, parents and the school:

• students are expected to practice regularly, commit to the band program for the full year and fully co-operate with the Musical Director;

• students are required to undertake private tuition in addition to band rehearsals; • students are required to attend the annual Band Camp and competitions, which

can fall on weekends, • students are required to wear the Band uniform for all performances (unless

instructed otherwise); • parents must notify their band conductor and music tutor if their child is unable

to make a rehearsal or tutorial; • parents commit to support their child's participation by way of instrument hire or

purchase and payment of band fees and expenses as well as private tuition costs;

• parents provide volunteer support to enable the program to function on a day to day basis;

• parents are required to assist with rehearsals on a roster basis. If they are unable to attend their allocated rehearsal, they are required to find a replacement (ie swap with another parent) and inform the relevant band coordinator;

• the school facilitates the program by providing rehearsal and tuition space required and allowing the program to co-exist properly with other school activities.

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Band Administration Band Committee The band program at Cammeray Public School is run by a parent Band Committee in conjunction with the Musical Director and school staff representatives. The band program exists only through parent organisation and participation. Without parent volunteers the band program cannot operate. Parents are welcome to join the committee at any time and we would love to have your input. The AGM is held in November each year and band committee meetings are normally held in week 2 and week 8 of each term.

Band Program Musical Director and Conductor The Music Committee engages Michael Connors B.Mus, Grad Dip Ed, as the Director of Music of the Cammeray band program. As well as providing overall musical direction and coordination for the band program, Michael also conducts the Junior Band, Intermediate Band, Concert Band and Big Band.

Parent Involvement The band program can only be successful if ALL PARENTS contribute and are involved. Each band has a parent roster for rehearsals and all families are required to supervise at band rehearsals (normally 2 times a year). This is a wonderful chance to see how your child’s band is progressing. Band supervision requires parents to oversee the setup and pack up of the rehearsal space, mark the attendance roll and assist the conductor through the rehearsal when asked. If a parent is unable to attend their allocated rehearsal, they are required to find a replacement (ie swap with another parent) and inform the relevant band coordinator. Parent assistance is also required for:

• annual band camp; • transporting students and instruments to and from performances; • supervision at competitions; • organising band events (eg Concert Band tour, end of year concert etc); • fundraising; and • committee roles to provide the general administration of the band program.

Absences It is the parent’s responsibility to advise the band coordinators of any planned or unplanned absences from band rehearsals, competitions, festivals and other performances by telephone or text in good time wherever possible. This is a courtesy to the music director and to the other band members, so arrangements can be made to compensate for any absence. Rolls are marked at the beginning of every rehearsal and performance, and

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unexplained absences will be followed up. Repeated unexplained non-attendance may result in a student not being invited back to the program in the following year. Parents are also required to notify your child’s tutor if your child is unable to attend a tutorial.

Commitment Once a commitment has been made to the band, it is important that each student endeavors to remain in the band for the full year. It takes 8-10 months to start getting a grasp on a musical instrument. If your child is unhappy in band, please discuss the issues with Michael Connors or Liz Bernasconi (Deputy Principal). Should you decide to withdraw your child from the band program after the school year starts you will still be charged the full annual fees.

Band Communication Myschoolmusic Portal https://portal.msmusic.com.au/cammerayps (student portal) “MySchoolMusic” is a school band administration program designed to manage all aspects of the band, including new band enrolments, band communications, parent rosters, band calendar, instrument management, document management etc. We seek consent before adding student and parent details to “MySchoolMusic”.

Konnective While MySchoolMusic remain our primary means of communication with all our band families, we know that email isn't always the quickest way to get information to families. In this regard, the school has generously setup a new Konnective channel for band families to subscribe to. This Konnective channel will be used:

1. Only when we need to get a message out quickly 2. Only on school days and within school hours 3. As one single list - that is all members will get all notifications (not specific to each

band) Membership of this list is optional, and parents need to request access to the Band Konnective channel. To setup:

1. Login to the Konnective app on your device 2. Go to the settings menu (top left corner - 3 parallel lines next to 'My Feed') 3. Select 'Tools & Resources' 4. Select 'Cammeray Public School' 5. Select 'Manage Feeds' 6. Tick 'Band 2018'

Your request will need to be approved by the school.

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The Band Program Junior Band All new band members join the Junior Band program. Students are not required to have any prior musical knowledge or experience. New band members remain in Junior Band for a year. Due to certain students’ advanced ability and the specific needs of Concert Band, some students may be asked to join Concert Band after one year in the program. Otherwise they will be offered a seat in Intermediate Band in their second year.

Intermediate Band Intermediate Band builds on the skills developed in the Junior Band. Students are required to audition at the end of the previous year to determine their ‘seat’ in their next band. The audition involves scales and playing a piece of the student’s choice.

Concert Band Entry to Concert Band is by audition. Auditions for next year’s Concert Band are held in Term 4. Auditions involve prepared pieces, scales and sight reading. Concert Band develops a broader repertoire of concert pieces with an increased degree of difficulty and complexity. Concert Band generally goes on tour at the end of Term 3 or the start of Term 4.

Big Band Big Band is primarily a Jazz/Contemporary Music ensemble. Students in Big Band are exposed to many challenging musical styles and performance techniques, with a strong emphasis on improvisation and soloing. Entry to Big Band is by audition and is an extension program to our Concert and Intermediate Bands. Auditions are open to all current Intermediate and Concert Band students and are held in Term 4.

Rehearsal Times The expected rehearsal schedule for 2019 is as follows:

Band MORNINGS (7.30 – 9.00am)

LUNCH TIME (1.00 – 1.50pm) Conductor

Junior Band Thursday Tuesday Michael Connors

Intermediate Band Tuesday Thursday Michael Connors

Concert Band Wednesday Monday Michael Connors

Big Band Monday Michael Connors Times are subject to change but you will be provided with adequate notice. Attendance at band rehearsals is compulsory. Apologies for absences must be sent to the relevant band coordinator prior to rehearsal time.

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Band Camps Band camp is a time of great musical growth and promotes the teamwork which is so important for the bands. Tutors attend the camp to provide intensive tuition. This is combined with band rehearsals and a bit of social time thrown in. It is lots of fun and is a highlight of the year for the children. Band camp is COMPULSORY. This means attending the camp for the entire duration and cancelling weekend sport and other activities.

In 2019, all Intermediate and Concert band members will attend full weekend residential camp at the Sydney Academy of Sport and Recreation, North Narrabeen over the weekend of 16-17 March 2019. Camp will run from Saturday morning to approximately 3.00pm on Sunday. The camp concludes with a concert for parents. Junior Band camp will be held on a Sunday at the beginning of Term 2 and will be a day camp only. Junior Band members will participate in tutorials with other students learning the same instrument, as well as practice with the whole band. Junior band camp will conclude with a concert for parents.

Competitions, Festivals, Concerts and other Performances All bands compete at the Sydney Eisteddfod (late May, generally during school hours) and the NSW Band Festival (generally a Sunday at the end of July/start of August). In 2019 our bands may also participate in the Wahroonga Public School Festival (mid – late June) and North Shore Band Festival in early September. All competition dates and times will be advised with sufficient notice. There are also performances at various events around Sydney. In the last few years, Concert Band has had the opportunity to perform at the Opera House during the Festival of Choral Music, which has been a highlight of the band program for the students involved. Junior Band generally get the opportunity to perform at the North Sydney Children’s Festival in October. Intermediate Band generally play the Northbridge Fireworks in May. Big Band also have played Northbridge Fireworks and the Crows Nest fair over the last few years. Other performances are arranged throughout the year. Where the performance falls on a weekend, parents are responsible for their child’s transport to and from events and their supervision during the occasion. For performances during school hours, parent and teacher supervision is required and buses are arranged to transport children to and from the venue. Parents will be advised well in advance of the arrangements for the day. It is expected that the band competitions and festivals be given priority over regular weekend sports and other activities. Any absences should be discussed with the band coordinators well in advance so the band can be rebalanced if necessary.

Music Exams Your child’s tutor may discuss taking an Australian Music Examinations Board

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(AMEB) examination. These exams are optional and full requirements and costs will be advised by your tutor.

On-site Tutor Program Individual lessons are an integral part of the band program and all children are required to have a 30-minute weekly lesson for their instrument. To ensure the quality of the band program and for the convenience of parents the contact details of available on site tutors will be given to all band parents before the end of Term 4. All our tutors are qualified, professional musicians. Michael Connors is the coordinator for the tutorial program. The tutorial program is not run by the Band Committee. In 2019 the times available for lessons on- site with private tutors will be weekdays between 7.30am – 9am and 1pm – 6pm. Lessons scheduled by on- site tutors are subject to the availability of that tutor. It is the responsibility of all parents to contact a tutor on this list before or during the school holidays to negotiate a suitable time for lessons. It is mandatory that private 30 minute lessons are taking place either with these on- site tutors or with tutors outside of the Cammeray tutor program. All students participating in the on-site tutorial program will receive a contract from their tutor at the beginning of the year, providing you with further details. Tutorial Fees are invoiced by each tutor and are paid directly to tutors, and not to the school or band committee. In 2019, fees are set by tutors at $40 per lesson (plus GST where applicable). Fees are generally invoiced in week 2 of each term and any correspondence about fees must be made directly to your child’s tutor as the school and band committee is not involved in the payment process. All other general enquiries in regard to music tutors and tutorials should be made directly to Michael Connors (0430 424 728). Any issues regarding the behaviour or conduct of students in tutorials should be made directly to Liz Bernasconi, Deputy Principal, Cammeray Public School. The on-site tutorial program is for students participating in the band program. If you decide to withdraw from band during the year, it is expected that you will allow another student to be allocated your tutorial time.

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Important Dates

Junior Band Intermediate Band Concert Band Big Band Term1

Wk2 Rental instruments issued

Rental instruments issued and

rehearsals begin

Rental instruments issued and

rehearsals begin Rehearsals begin

Wk3 Rehearsals begin

Wk7 Band Camp (16-17 March 2019)

Band Camp (16-17 March 2019)

Wk11 A-Day Assembly Term2

Wk2 Band Camp

Wk3 Sydney Eisteddfod Sydney Eisteddfod Sydney Eisteddfod Sydney Eisteddfod

Wk5 Northbridge Fireworks Northbridge

Fireworks

Wk6 Wahroonga Public

School Festival (TBC)

Wahroonga Public School Festival

(TBC)

Wahroonga Public School Festival

(TBC)

Wk10 A-Day Assembly

Term3

Wk2 NSW Band Festival NSW Band Festival NSW Band Festival NSW Band Festival

Wk3 Grandparent’s Day

Wk8 Concert Band Tour

Wk10 A-Day Assembly

Term4

Wk1

Wk3 Crows Nest Fair

Wk4 North Sydney Childrens Festival

Wk8 Annual Concert Annual Concert Annual Concert Annual Concert

Wk9

Wk10 A-Night Assembly

Notes:

1. All dates are to be used as a guide only and are subject to change.

2. Other performances are scheduled during the year at school and community events, and are generally shared between the different bands. Parents and students will be notified of these events in advance.

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Band Fees and Costs Band fees for 2019 All fees are invoiced and due for payment in term 1, unless other stated. There are no refunds available if the student decides to withdraw from the program after invoices are issued. Payment is requested within 2 weeks of receipt of the invoice.

Please note that fees may vary from year to year. We will advise the following year’s fees at the end of each year. Further, due to changes in government legislation, we are no longer able to accept credit card payments of fees. Payment methods are via direct credit or cheque. Fees in 2019 are as follows:

Band Fees per year $400 Junior Band Camp TBC – around $40

Intermediate and Concert Band Camp (residential) TBC - around $300

Band Bag and Textbook (Junior Band only) – due as a deposit when registering in 2017

$35

Band Uniform (purchased new) – available via school uniform shop Per uniform shop pricing

Weekly Lessons with a Music Tutor - paid directly to tutor $40/lesson Instrument Hire per year (depends the instrument hired) $250-$380

Servicing Fee (hired instruments) $150 Usage Fee (percussion) per year $130

Concert Band tour (varies each year) – due Term 3 TBC

Band fees cover: • cost of the music director’s services; • purchasing and photocopying music and folders; • competition entry fees; • transportation to and from performances held during school time; • band program administration.

Band camp fees cover:

• cost of accommodation (where camp is residential); • meals; • conductors; • tutors; and • other incidental costs in running the camp.

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Band Bags and Textbook (Junior Band only) Band bag and textbook purchases need to occur at the end of Term 4 to ensure that they are distributed to all Junior Band participants before their first rehearsal. In order to cover the cost of these purchases, all Junior Band students will need to pay this cost of $35 when they commit to joining the band at the end of Term 4. This cost is no refundable if there is a change of mind before the program commences.

Band Uniforms All band members are required to wear the band uniform (also known as the ‘band blacks’) for performances. The band uniform consists of a printed Cammeray Band black polo shirt, black trousers, black socks and black shoes. Leggings, black jeans and tracksuit pants are not considered uniform.

The band requires all students to dress in the same uniform. New uniforms may be purchased from the school uniform shop, or via flexischools. Based on 2018 prices, costs for a new uniform will be:

• Black Shirt with Cammeray band logo = $20 • Black Pants (boys and girls) = $25 • Black Socks = $5

The Band Committee also provide the opportunity to purchase second hand band uniforms. Existing and previous band members may donate band shirts and pants they no longer require. Second hand uniforms will sell for the same prices as the school uniform second hand sale. Based on 2018 prices the expected cost is $5 per item. Second hand uniforms will be available on a ‘first come, first serve’ basis. The money raised from the second hand sale will be used for new instrument purchases.

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Instrument Hire, Usage Fees or Purchase Instrument Hire You may wish to start by hiring an instrument. The band program has a small but growing number of instruments for hire, which will generally be offered to Junior Band members in order of receipt of the application form. These are rented out at a lower rate than commercially hired instruments.

Instruments for hire (or use) currently owned by the Band Committee

Tier 1 Instruments Tier 2 Instruments Tier 3 Instruments Usage Only

3 x Bass Guitar + Amp

5 x Alto Saxophone 5 x Bass Clarinet 1 x Keyboard

5 x Trombone 5 x Tenor Saxophone

1 x Baritone Saxophone

1 x Glockenspiel

7 x Trumpet 8 x Euphonium 4 x Tuba 1 x Drum Kit 5 x French Horn 2 x Timpani 2 x Piccolo

1 1 x Xylophone

3 x Oboe The above list is subject to change, as the band may ‘retire’ instruments and/or make additional purchases when recommended. Tier 1, 2 and 3 instruments may be hired out to band members and taken home for practice and tuition. Usage only instruments generally remain at school for use during band practice and concerts.

Fees for Hiring Band Instruments Tier 1: $250 per year plus annual servicing fee (see below).

Tier 2: $320 per year plus annual servicing fee (see below).

Tier 3: $380 per year plus annual servicing fee (see below). Parents hiring an instrument from the band program are asked to sign an indemnity form at the start of the school year and pay a $150 servicing fee before the instrument is given to the student. All hired instruments are serviced at the end of the year in preparation for rental to incoming band students. Any additional services required during the year will be organized by, and paid for, by parents and will be in addition to the service fee mentioned above. Instrument hire is available for one year only. Longer term hire may be possible in some circumstances subject to availability. Parents need to commit to one year’s hire to ensure fairness to all families.

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After one year of hiring an instrument from the band program, you will generally need to hire or purchase elsewhere to make instruments available to the new Junior Band children. Should there be insufficient demand from the incoming Junior Band, instruments may be available for hire to Intermediate or Concert Band members. Instrument hire/purchase schemes are also available from most musical suppliers (see contact list below).

Fees for Usage Only Instruments All percussionists are charged a usage fee of $130 per year to help us cover the cost of keeping these instruments in sound working order, and replacing them when required.

Purchasing an Instrument Purchasing your own instrument does lead to a greater commitment to the instrument and the band. Good quality instruments are a vital investment and hold their value over many years. Good second hand instruments can be purchased through EBay, Gumtree or in music shops. For second hand purchases we recommend that you have the instrument checked out by a qualified musician before purchase. Below are some useful contacts for the purchase of new and second hand instruments.

Sax and Woodwind Address: 3/155 Parramatta Rd, CAMPERDOWN

Phone: 9557 4588

In Tune Music, Address: Suite 101, 48 Atchison St, ST LEONARDS Phone: 9439 1143

Turramurra Music Address: 1267 Pacific Highway, TURRAMURRA Phone: 9449 8487

Big Music Address: 85 Alexander Street, CROWS NEST Phone: 8622 6555

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So how do I join the Cammeray Band Program? Step 1: Mr Connors will be conducting instrument testing for Year 2 classes in Term 4 to

assess the best instrument for your child. At the end of this assessment you will receive a letter stating which instruments have been recommended.

Step 2: Attend the Band information night on Monday 29 OCTOBER 6.30PM and read the band handbook.

Step 3: Complete the online Application Form at https://portal.msmusic.com.au/cammerayps. In your application we ask your child to nominate three (3) preferred instruments based on their assessment.

Step 4: The Band Committee will advise you of which instrument your child is being offered before the end of Term 4. Please be aware that because the overall aim is to develop a balanced band and sound, unfortunately you may not be offered your first preference of instrument.

Step 5: To accept your instrument offer, you and your child will read and sign the online Commitment Form in https://portal.msmusic.com.au/cammerayps, agreeing to Band Program Membership conditions. You will pay for the purchase of your Band Bag and Textbook for next year ($35) before the end of Term 4.

Step 6: If you have requested to hire an instrument, you will be notified by email if your hire request has been successful or not. You are required to pay the service fees and complete the online indemnity form before the end of Term 4. If you do not complete the form and pay the service fees the instrument will be offered to the next band student on the waitlist.

Step 7: You will receive an email with a list of approved music tutors before the end of Term 4.

Step 8: Where you have been allocated a band hire instrument, this will be issued to students in week 2, Term 1 in 2019. All Junior Band students will receive their band bags and textbooks by week 2 of Term 1.

Step 9: The first Junior Band Rehearsals will be held in Week 3 of Term 1 in 2019.

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FAQs Will my child be offered a place in the band?

The school band program is a major part of Cammeray Public School’s music activities. All interested children will be offered a place in the band program. Letters of offer will be sent to all applicants before the end of Term 4.

What should I expect from my child and their music lessons? Your child should learn the skills and techniques required to play their selected instrument. This will include the ability to read and play music (not to be confused with playing by ear). Your child should enjoy their music lessons and enjoy playing their chosen instrument. Naturally the level of enjoyment and satisfaction each child gains depends to a certain extent on their commitment to a regular practice routine.

How much practice is required at home? Initially small amounts of regular practice are necessary (10-15 minutes at least five times per week). This will gradually expand to longer periods as your child improves, but the frequency of practice should be encouraged from day 1. Practice needs to become a GOOD HABIT… this will only happen through repetition, so help your child to learn how to practice. A regular practice routine ensures that your child will steadily improve in their playing. Don’t expect miracles overnight and give lots of praise if it has been a good practice session. Always check the homework requirements and notes in your child’s notebook. This notebook can also be used as a way to communicate with the tutor. All tutors will use these notebooks.

How much Band practice is involved at school? Each of the Junior, Intermediate and Concert Bands have two band rehearsals a week, an early morning rehearsal before school and a lunchtime rehearsal. The Big Band rehearses one morning per week. Whilst the band work will initially be fairly easy, students should never underestimate the little things they will be learning - accurate counting, listening to the band as a whole and watching the conductor. Band skills are developed alongside the learning of an instrument and are imperative to the development of the band as a team. Attendance at rehearsal is compulsory. If you do miss a rehearsal, you must ring or text the band coordinators or provide a note the following rehearsal. Rolls are marked at the beginning of each rehearsal, and unexplained absences are followed up.

Are the instruments insured? All musical instruments owned by the band program are covered by the P&C insurance policy against theft, fire, malicious or accidental damage.

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Important Contacts You can always contact us at any time if you require more information on the band program throughout the year: Band Director: Mr Michael Connors For any questions/concerns with the band program and student engagement in band

Phone: 0430 424 728 Email: fancymike@live.com.au

Band Committee Executive: For any specific question around the band program including (but not limited to) instruments and invoices

Email: cammeraypsband@gmail.com

Your Band Co-ordinators To notify non-attendance and for general questions related to the band your child is performing with.

Vary each year – will identify themselves at the beginning of the year.

School Liaison/Student Welfare: Mrs Elizabeth Bernasconi For specific student welfare issues.

Email: elizabeth.bernasconi@det.nsw.edu.au

Please keep a copy of this information handy.