Join An Awesome Team
BNPS Band Program
The BNPS Band Program provides children with the opportunity to develop musically and gives an outlet for their creativity. Band rehearsals, the excitement of performances and the pleasure of working as a team all contribute to a rich learning experience.
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The BNPS Band Program is an extra-curricular activity, employing professional conductors and a band manager who work with the school executive and a group of enthusiastic volunteers to ensure the smooth running of the program.
We'd like to invite you to be part of our successful team. Being part of large team like a band is an enjoyable, social experience, benefiting children in many ways. There is also compelling evidence for how playing an instrument benefits brain development. You may wish to view this short video which explains the long-term positive effects on the brain.
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Learn about the BNPS Band Program and see our Performance Band Play
Hear our Concert Band students, see the instrument demonstrations and a performance from Year 4, 5 and 6s in our Performance Band - BHPS Band Program. Grab a cup of tea and your future band member and sit back and enjoy.
What Instrument Should My Child Play?
Your child will have an Instrument Suitability Assessment to determine the instrument on which your child will likely have the most success. Experienced tutors along with our Director of Bands will assess each child on many factors eg stature, mouth shape, teeth, hands, ear physicality, information from parents and the child’s preferences, to advise the instrument your child will be best suited for. Sometimes the instrument your child wants to learn isn’t the right fit for them so it’s a very thorough process because we want your child to have a positive experience from the start. ​
Find out about the instruments in the band from the who provide excellent demonstrations of instruments in the band. If you have questions about instruments please contact us on bnpsband@hotmail.com. Access the footage here - US Navy Band.
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If you have questions or need clarification on any points, please contact the Band Manager, Caroline Fechner on 0403 579 130 or via bnpsband@hotmail.com
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What happens after the Instrument Suitability Assessments?
Your child will be assessed to find the best instrument for them. This is a thorough process but can have a huge impact on the child's enjoyment of their instrument and being part of the the band. Instrument suitability assessments will be held for all Year 2 students
​After the assessments you will receive notification about the instrument your child will likely have the most success on. We can then have a discussion about the instrument suitability, joining band etc.
The instrument your child would like to play sometimes isn't the right choice for them as it may not give them the best chance of success longer term. We want to make sure the learning of the instrument and their participation in band is a positive experience from the outset. The more information you can give us about your child on the sign up form will increase the likelihood that the right instrument choice will be made for them.
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Need to Know Information
Rehearsals
Two rehearsals will be held each week. Monday lunchtime and Wednesday morning
Students need to attend both rehearsals.
Fees and
Associated Costs
Beginner Band Start up Package includes Band Bag, Music Folder and Essential Elements Book $70
Band Fees includes workshops, conductor fees, administration, music and other items approx $800-850 p.a.
Band Shirt deposit (refundable) $25
Other Costs
In addition to the fees and costs above, you should expect to outlay for the following:
Instrument - hire or buy (new or 2nd Hand) - prices vary according to instrument
Tutor costs - parents should expect to pay around $50 (per 30 mins) once a week for a high quality, experienced tutor who will set your child on the right path from the start.
Instrument Purchase/Hire
In Tune Music at St Leonards - has competitive rates for purchasing and hiring instruments 9439 1143
SW Brass - swbrass@optusnet.com.au 0423 076 625
The Arts Unit - has excellent hire rates for public school students however they are popular so make contact asap if you would like to hire from them https://www.artsunit.nsw.edu.au/resources/instrument-hire
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