JUNIOR BAND 2025

Your child recently participated in the Instrument Suitability Assessments for band.    We were delighted with the talent we saw and are excited about the potential of the Junior Band in 2025.  

After considering the child's preferences, the results of the ear test and the instrument assessment, discussions with your child and the overall balance of the band, your child invited to play the (instrument) in the 2025 Junior Band.  For some of you this may have been one of the preferences and for others this was based on the results of testing your child on this instrument.  

The process of selecting each child for their instrument is very thorough. It includes results from ear tests, instrument assessments, special needs requirements, physical factors such as child’s stature, mouth muscle structure, size of hands and back pressure in the inner ear.  The most important factor is the child’s preferences, discussions with your child about those and what they find easiest to play at the assessments - it is an infallible barometer of future happiness on the instrument. We worked hard with each child during the selection process so we are comfortable with our advice.  

The instrument recommendation is open for discussion so if you have any questions or concerns, we would be happy to talk these through with you.  Please make contact via text to 0403 579 130 or  bnpsband@hotmail.com and we will then be in touch.  

CONFIRMATION OF INSTRUMENT – Please let us know  

After you and your child have had time to discuss and consider the above, please confirm your acceptance or non-acceptance plus provide other information via the online form accessed via this link. Please DO NOT reply to this e-mail address.    

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A little information to get you started ……  

INSTRUMENTS HIRE/PURCHASE  

Instruments such as Euphonium, Trombone, Tuba, French Horn, Bass Guitar and percussion kits can be hired (contact bnpsband@hotmail.com)  We have a few available at the school however there are also instrument hire places. We can provide a list of those.  Smaller instruments such as clarinets, saxophones, trumpets, flutes and trombones are usually purchased by the parent however these can also be hired.  If you need details for hiring please access the website.  Tip:  Instruments make great Christmas presents!  

Be careful when purchasing an instrument 

For purchasing (new or 2nd hand) we recommend contacting In Tune Music at St Leonards - new instruments  (9439 1143) or Musicorp (https://www.musicorp.com.au/schools/band-orchestral/ ) who have good prices for hire and purchase for student model instruments.  Both of these companies provide great service.  

Yamaha brand is a reliable, hard wearing brand for all instruments and parts are readily available - it slightly more expensive but much better quality.  You may find second hand instruments on websites/social media/ALDI/Bunnings etc however it is important that you know what you are purchasing as there are a lot of poor-quality instruments the market. You might be up for an extra $300 to repad or service an instrument to make it playable (if that's even possible). Before purchasing please ensure our get professional advice. We can give you contacts for that. 

Also, please ensure your child has their OWN instrument and that they aren’t sharing with a sibling who is playing the same instrument. If children have their own instrument they are responsible for, they will have a higher level of commitment and develop better practice habits leading to a better musician.  You will be doing them a favour.  

Another Tip:  Your child will need a music stand also.  These are foldable, cost about $20 and come in a range of colours.  These can be purchased from In Tune Music or Mall Music.  Another great Christmas gift!  

PRIVATE TUTORS - Access tutors on site at school 

It is essential and a requirement for Band Membership that each child has weekly private tuition so that all technical and musical skills are developing and each child can move at the same pace and progress of the Band.   We have a list of excellent tutors who are willing to teach at the school (after school) and a few who live locally.  These tutors are experienced in tutoring children in the correct technical skills required to play in a concert band.   If you are keen to utilise the services of a tutor working at the school in the afternoons (after school), please indicate that on the instrument confirmation form.  

IMPORTANT:  Ensure your tutor is experienced as it is important good habits are learnt from their very first lesson. While the teenager next door, sibling/relative or a local music school might be convenient and less expensive, this could ultimately disadvantage your child and they could pick up incorrect habits that will be hard to undo and may hamper their progress.  It is imperative that the tutors have the right skills or knowledge to set your child up to participate in a school band program.  Please contact us to discuss if you are unsure. 

Questions?  

Please access the website which should answer your questions. However if you don’t find the answers there then please e-mail Caroline Fechner, Band Manager on bnpsband@hotmail.com 

We are looking forward to welcoming your family to the BNPS Band Program 2025.  

Regards  

Caroline Fechner

BNPS Band Program Manager