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Willoughby Public School Band

Information Pack for 2014 Updated October 2013

Performing Band 2013 (years 5, 6) performing at the Sydney Town Hall

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1. WILLOUGHBY PUBLIC SCHOOL BAND

We would love to welcome you and your child to the WPS Band program. Training Band is the first of the three bands we have at WPS. After one year in Training Band, students usually graduate to the Concert Band. After one year in Concert Band they usually graduate to the Performing Band. The Willoughby Public School Band program aims to contribute to each student's development musically, socially and personally. Our musical aims are to give all students, regardless of their previous musical experience, the opportunity to:

Play an instrument in a fun team environment;

Develop an appreciation and understanding of a wide range of musical styles;

Develop aural and expressive skills; and

Provide performance opportunities appropriate with band skill levels. Playing in a band can contribute to a student's development of team and community spirit, self-esteem, social interaction, self-discipline and responsibility.

Playing at Band Camp 2013

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2. BAND ORGANISATION STRUCTURE

The Willoughby Public School Band operates under the auspices of the School. All parents of band members are members of the General Band Committee and, as such, are responsible for the organisation and logistics of administering the band. The Band Committee is a sub-committee of the Willoughby Public School P&C and is managed according to the rules of that body. The Band Executive Committee engages the Band Conductors who take responsibility for all technical aspects of musical development and the performance program. The Executive Committee is elected at the AGM in Term 4 each year. The Executive meets each term to manage the day-to-day operation of the band and reports to the General Band Committee, the WPS P&C and liaises with the School via one of the Deputy Principals, Michelle Verhagen. Positions on the executive include Convenor, Assistant Convenor, Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, Band Coordinator (two to three per band), Tutorial Coordinator, Instrument Coordinator and External Events Coordinator. This format spreads the weight of organising the band program. Band Meetings are held once per term to provide information about upcoming events for each band. Each family is asked to have a representative at these meetings to assist with good communication. Participating in the Band requires commitment from both students and parents. The Band requires that parents and students sign a statement of commitment at the time of application.

‘Clowning around’ at Spring Spectacular 2011

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3. CONDUCTORS

TRAINING BAND CONDUCTOR: Joshua Mann Josh graduated from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and has pursued a professional conducting career since. His main employment is to teach music studies to years 7, 8, and 9 at Chatswood High School alongside Gavin Stains, the Band Program Director. Josh is also the head Conductor of the Sydney Youth Band of the Salvation Army (members are aged 13 to 30). Josh is a current member of the 1/15 Lancer Band of the Australian Army. He plays trombone, trumpet and euphonium. Training Band achieved a Silver medal at Yamaha in 2013 under Josh’s tutelage. Josh works in partnership with percussionist and Assistant Conductor, Damian Pigot.

CONCERT BAND CONDUCTOR: Robert Sidaway Robert began playing trombone in 1993 and started teaching music in 2003 while studying for his Bachelor of Music at the Sydney Conservatorium (completed 2008). While studying at the Con he was a member of the Conservatorium Big Bands and began developing his skills as a teacher via elective courses in Instrumental Pedagogy and Music Education. He is currently studying a Master of Teaching with the University of New England. Robert tutors students ranging from beginner to HSC level and directs Concert Bands, Beginner Bands, and Jazz Bands on Sydney’s North Shore. Robert has continued to further his own education and in 2009 completed the Jerry Nowak Summer Conducting Course, run by the Australian Band and Orchestra Directors Association.

Concert Band Conductor, Rob Sidaway, working with band members at Band Camp 2013

PERFORMING BAND CONDUCTOR: Phil Molloy Phil Molloy is a qualified music teacher having completed his Bachelor of Music Education at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. With many years experience teaching primary school music programs including bands, choirs, musicals, and K-6 class music, Phil now runs Directions In Music, which specialises in primary school music programs. Whilst busy conducting more than 12 different primary school bands, Phil is involved in numerous school music festivals throughout the year and is a project co-ordinator with the Music Council of Australia.

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4. PERFORMANCES and EVENTS

WPS bands are encouraged by the school to play at school assemblies and major school events throughout the year. The WPS Band is often invited to perform at special school events such as Grandparents’ Day, Presentation Day, Bloke’s Breakfast and Education Week. The band also responds to requests for performances from other schools and community organisations during the year such as the annual Willoughby Street Fair in September and occasional performances at the Zenith Theatre, Chatswood. Whilst not the focus of the WPS Band program, each band normally participates in one band competition during the year. This is usually the Dickson’s Music Yamaha Festival and is typically held in May / June in the local area. The Band Committee organises performance opportunities throughout the year. Easter Breakfast Morning, Spring Spectacular and End of Year Festivities have all become traditional band events. Over recent years, band members have also had the opportunity to attend the senior stream of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra Education series excursion. This series of concerts is an age-appropriate introduction to classical music, held either at the Angel Place City Recital hall or ABC Ultimo Centre. Band Camp is undoubtedly the highlight of the year for many children in the Concert and Performing Bands. They spend two days playing both as a band and in small group ensembles. The camp includes lots of musical work in preparation for the Yamaha Festival, as well as a lot of fun! The End of Camp Concert a few days later is a high point as they show off all they have learnt over the camp. The camp is usually held during the school week (with supervision by teachers) in early May at Crusaders, Galston. The Training Band Workshop is run at the school on a Sunday in May/June in the lead up to the Yamaha Festival. Students learn in small groups with a tutor as well as with the whole band. At the end of the day, they perform what they have learnt to parents.

Phil Molloy, 3 WPS teachers, Rob Sidaway and 2013 Band Captains

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5. INSTRUMENTS

Opportunities exist for children to play flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone horn, french horn, bass guitar, mallet percussion and percussion in the band. In Concert and Performing Bands, tuba is an option for one baritone horn player. Most of these instruments are available for hire by students in the Training Band. The larger, more expensive instruments such as baritone horn, trombone, saxophone, french horn may continue to be hired as students move on to Concert Band and Performing Band. While it is unlikely, occasionally smaller instruments may also be available for ongoing hire, subject to availability after Training Band allocation the following year. Instrument hire is currently $130 per semester (two school terms) or $260 per annum. This fee covers the cost of an annual instrument service. Percussionists pay $20 per semester to cover the cost of sticks and percussion instrument maintenance and replacement. Percussionists are expected to have their own percussion/drum kit at home for practice and Bass guitar players are expected to have their own instrument to bring to rehearsal. Amps are provided. Should a problem occur with a hired instrument and repairs are required, parents should contact the instrument coordinator. All contact details will be provided at Registration Day in Term 1, 2014. Parents are responsible for any damage, as well as loss, to the full value of the instrument should either situation occur, and are expected to include the hired instrument in their household insurance (your Insurer may charge an additional fee). You may be asked to provide the band with details of the insurance coverage of the instrument. NOTE: Without exception, parents are responsible for the full replacement cost if an instrument is lost, as well as for the cost of significant damage to hired instruments. We strongly advice you insure the instrument in your home insurance.

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INSTRUMENTS FOR 2014

Flute Note: It can take a few goes to get started so don’t be put off if you can’t get a note straight away! The flutes sit at the front of band and often have the melody.

Clarinet

Trumpet

Trombone Note: The only instrument with a slide!

Saxophone

French Horn

Baritone Horn

Percussion Note: Performers on percussion rarely get the drum kit itself – they usually share the percussion around.

Bass Guitar Note: Bass guitarists must have their own bass guitar – these are not hired out.

Mallet percussion Note: We no longer offer keyboard to TB. Mallet percussion may suit a keyboard/pianist who is keen to expand their skills or a percussionist who wants a wider range.

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6. MUSIC / MUSIC FOLDERS

Training Band members must buy the Band Book for their instrument (estimated to be $30 for Percussionists/Keyboard and $25 for all other instruments) – this will be supplied on Registration Day. Additional music provided to band students is copied in accordance with the Copyright Act and is provided to band members without charge. All music used in our band program is officially stamped. Consequently it is important that students look after the music. All photocopies of music remain the property of WPS Band and must be returned to the Band if the student resigns from the band. All band students are required to have their own black folder with slip-in plastic sheets as soon as music is handed out (generally from the beginning of term 2).

7. BAND UNIFORM

Training Band and Concert Band wear full school uniform for their performances. This may vary depending upon the season, and band co-ordinators will confirm details prior to any performance. As the school’s uniform is changing in 2014, band members will be required to purchase or borrow the new uniform for any external performance events. The Performing Band wear full school uniform for some performances but also have a uniform for “non-official performances” e.g. Willoughby Council Spring Festival. This uniform consists of a branded black Band T-shirt and black pants or full length leggings for girls. T-shirts cost approximately $20 and are available for purchase through the band coordinator.

The black uniform worn by Performing Band

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8. EXPECTATIONS

BEHAVIOUR For all members to achieve their full musical potential and for the Band to continue to improve, it is essential that all members are courteous and considerate of each other and of the Band Conductors. The band has a discipline policy (formulated in conjunction with the school) that is used when necessary. Repeated poor or disruptive behaviour is handled by the school and can incur a suspension from the Band.

BAND REHEARSALS All rehearsals are held in the Willoughby Public School Hall and last for approx one hour. Children are expected to arrive at 7.30am for each rehearsal, to help set up music stands and equipment. TRAINING BAND 1 morning rehearsal per week Conductor: Mr Josh Mann Tuesday morning rehearsal. Assistant Conductor: Arrive: 7.30am Mr Damian Pigot Start: 7.40am CONCERT BAND 2 morning rehearsals per week Conductor: Mr Robert Sidaway Monday & Thursday mornings Arrive: 7.30am Start: 7.40am PERFORMING BAND 2 morning rehearsals per week Conductor: Mr Phil Molloy Wednesday & Friday mornings Arrive: 7.30am Start: 7.40am We ask that all parents encourage their children to practice at home each day or a minimum of 4 times per week. Setting aside a regular practice time can help achieve this.

PARENT INVOLVEMENT ROSTER: A roster of parents is organised each term to supervise rehearsals. This requires the parent to supervise the chair and music stand set-up, ensure discipline is maintained during the rehearsal, hand out music and any other information, collect notes, and direct the students to pack-up the band. Rehearsals cannot take place unless a supervising parent is present. Parents are required to help on roster at least once per term – this means staying the entire rehearsal. OTHER EVENTS: All parents are required to assist with the band events throughout the year. These events include Easter Breakfast, Spring Spectacular (usually held in late September) and Band Workshop/Camp (usually held around May / June). Parents will be asked to volunteer for specific events at Registration Day and can choose to take on a small or larger involvement in each event, thereby allowing everyone to fit in some volunteering within our busy family/ work commitments. Training Band parents who are new to the Band program are encouraged to take on assisting roles within the executive, so they can learn the ropes for later years.

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TUITION

Music Tuition is compulsory for all band students in the Willoughby Public School Band Program. Tuition can be arranged either privately by parents, or through the band program. Willoughby Public School Band Committee has engaged Music Partnership, in association with Alex Bieri, to provide qualified tutors for all band instruments to tutor our children. These lessons are of a high quality and are held in the school classrooms after school. Parents who choose to use this service will enter into an arrangement with, and pay tuition fees directly to The Music Partnership. Unless there are extenuating circumstances, once tuition fees are paid they are non-refundable. Parents should note that children should not be left unattended at school before or after their

designated tutorial time. Tuition Fees are currently$34 ($37.40 including GST) for individual 30 minute lessons. Music Partnership will contact families individually in regard to lesson times and locations. Parents are reminded that music tuition is their concern and private fees not arranged through the school will vary from tutor to tutor. Parents arranging private tutorials will be asked to supply the names/contacts of the tutor in case required.

MUSIC PARTNERSHIPS: Alex Bieri Alex was a Conductor at Willoughby Public School from 2002 to 2012. She is now responsible for running our tutorial program through her business The Music Partnership. Alex has a Bachelor of Music from the Sydney Conservatorium. Alex plays the trumpet and regularly performs with the Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra and the Sydney Symphony.

9. REGISTRATION and FEES

REGISTRATION DAY Registration Day is anticipated to be held on Sunday, 2 February, 2014 at the school hall and be split according to family surname. Families with surnames starting with A-K are requested to register from 2:00pm-3:00pm; families with surnames starting with L-Z are requested to register from 3.00pm-4.00pm. Families will need to register all band children, irrespective of their band, in this allocated slot. Semester one Band Fees (terms 1 & 2) will be due on Registration Day. This is also the day that your child will collect their hired instrument. We have no credit card facilities. Only cheque, cash or bring your digital device and make an online payment. Invoices for Semester 2 (terms 3 & 4) are sent out early in term 3 and we ask that they be paid promptly. Any fees not paid after 4 weeks may incur a late fee. PROPOSED FEES in 2014 The fees cover the cost of the conductors for rehearsals and performances, general band equipment and new music scores. The band operates on a not-for-profit bases and fundraising is made towards purchasing instruments for future years.

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Fees are set out below. These may be reviewed at a later time once final band numbers are determined.

Band Fee - Training Band $90 per semester (once weekly rehearsals)

Band Fee - Concert Band $170 per semester (twice weekly rehearsals)

Band Fee - Performing Band $170 per semester (twice weekly rehearsals)

Instrument Hire Fee (only if hiring through the school) - $130 per semester

Percussion - $20 per semester In Semester 2, the Performing Band is also given the opportunity to be involved in a Trash Percussion group practising once a week for 8 weeks. The Performing Band may also have the opportunity to participate in small ensemble groups instead of one of the regular band rehearsals during term 4. Both of the activities involve a small extra cost. The aim is to improve the overall musicianship of the band and to add a little variety for our senior band members. This will continue at the discretion of the conductor and band committee.

SIBLING DISCOUNT The Band offers a discount for families with two or more children in the band program of 10% off Band fees for each child.

REFUNDS/NOTICE OF DEPARTURE

Band Members must give at least one month’s notice of departure from the band. In order not to disrupt the band’s programme we require band members to attend rehearsals and any scheduled performances until the end of the relevant term. Once Semester fees are paid they are non-refundable.

Performing on the stage of the Chatswood Concourse in 2013 at Yamaha Band Festival.

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THE BOTTOM LINE: Approximate annual cost **

In order to give an “estimate” of the annual cost of having a child involved in the Band Program for one year we have put together this list:

TRAINING BAND 2014

TOTAL PER ANNUM = $2,046 (including weekly lessons, hiring the instrument, all events and music)

Note:

Total is based on non percussion instruments. Deduct hiring costs if instrument not hired from the Band.

**Fees are kept as low as possible, however, please realise that music tuition

is an essential major cost of being in the band program.

Band Costs Semester 1 (1 day a week)

(Term1/Term 2)

Semester 2 (1 day a week) (Term 3/Term 4)

Band Fees

$90

$90

Band Workshop

$60

Music Book Percussionist/Keyboard $30 Other

$25

Instrument Hire Percussion $20 Other Care kit (compulsory)

$130 Approx $25

$130

Total Band Costs:

$330

$220

Music Tuition (private) approx

$748

$748

TOTAL

$1,078

$968

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CONCERT and PERFORMING BAND 2014

Band Costs

Semester 1 (2 days a week)

(Term1/Term 2)

Semester 2 (2 days a week)

(Term 3/Term 4)

Band Fees

$170

$170

Band Camp

$250

Total:

Music Tuition (private) approx

$748

$748

Total without instrument hire

$1,168

$918

Instrument Hire Percussion $20 Other (Trombone, Saxophone, French horn,

Tuba ONLY)

$130

$130

Total with instrument hire

$1,288

$1,048

: TOTAL PER ANNUM = $2,336 (including weekly lessons, hiring the instrument, all events and music)

Note: Total is based on non percussion instruments.

Deduct hiring costs if instrument not hired from the Band.

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10. FINAL NOTES

We hope your child will get an enormous amount out of their experience with our band program. Typically children in Training Band will start to learn how to read music, to play an instrument and how to work as a team by the end of the year. In 2013 some of the music the children learned included: Contempora, Some Nights, Thrilled, Stadium Rock, Songs from ‘Wicked’, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Skeleton Dance and many more well-known and lesser-known musical scores. We would also like to welcome parents to our executive who would like to learn the ropes and make their own contribution to our wonderful band program – particularly, we are looking for three Band Coordinators for Training Band 2014.

Concert Band 2013 performing at Grandparent’s Day 2013

For any questions or enquiries please contact: Nikki Templeton, Secretary nikki.templeton@me.com or

Caroline Herrman (Renike), Convenor cj_herrman@bigpond.com or cj_renike@bigpond.com

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BAND 2014 REGISTRATION DAY:

Date: Sunday, 2 February, 2014

Venue: WPS School hall

Time: Surname starting with A-K: 2-3pm Surname starting with L-Z: 3-4pm

What to bring: Cheque or Cash (no credit cards) Semester 1 (school terms 1 & 2) Band Fees are due on Registration Day.

Tutorials: Music Partnership will contact you directly regarding the day and time of your child’s tutorial lesson.

Instrument Collection: Hired instruments will be collected on

this day. Invoices for Term 3 & 4 are sent out early in term 3 and we ask that they be paid promptly otherwise a

late fee may apply.