KHPS Band & Strings Ensemble Handbook€¦ · Tutors and Private Lessons 9 Instruments 10 Our Conductors 12 ... various fundraising activities and is run entirely by volunteer parents

KHPS Band & Strings Ensemble

Handbook

Killarney Heights Public School

Killarney Heights Public School Band & Strings Ensemble Handbook

Version 6 | July 2020

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ContentsWhat you need to know 3

Introduction 4

Committee Administration 5

Band Program 6

Strings Ensemble Program 7

Band and Strings Rehearsal Schedule 8

Tutors and Private Lessons 9

Instruments 10

Our Conductors 12

Our Conductors (cont) 13

Award System 14

Band & Strings Ensemble Code of Conduct 15

“Music improves brain health and function It makes you smarter, happier, and more productive at any age. Listening is good, playing is better.”https://bebrainfit.com/music-brain/



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What you need to knowLearning a musical instrument requires commitment by both the student and the parents/caregivers.

For your child to get the most from the program there are a few things you can do to help.

Recognise that you are as much a part of the program as your child by:

♪ Ensuring that your child is attending private instrumental lessons once a week.

♪ Encouraging your child to practise on a regular basis.

♪ Supporting them through the challenging times.

♪ Transporting your child to and from rehearsals and performances on time.

♪ Support your child when they play in public.

♪ Pay all fees promptly on receipt of the account. If this is difficult for you, please speak to the treasurer.

♪ Ensuring your child takes good care of their instrument.

♪ Most of all - have fun.



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IntroductionWelcome to the Killarney Heights Public School Band and Strings Ensemble program. This program is a valued addition to our extra-curricular music program, offering an opportunity to learn a musical instrument in a group.

Our Band and Strings Ensemble program provides outstanding opportunities for to learn an instrument, develop as musicians and enjoy the social benefits of interacting with children from other years, under the direction of our Band or Strings Conductor. The Program aims to provide a high standard of tuition whilst instilling a life-long love of music. We focus very much on working as a group, with every member taking responsibility for their own part.

Children join our Junior groups and then graduate to intermediate (strings), followed by the senior and concert levels. Players from beginners to experienced players are welcome to join the program. We will also be introducing a new Beginner Strings Group in 2020.

The Band and Strings Ensemble committee is a sub-committee of the P&C. The committee works in partnership with the conductors, P&C and the School Principal and Deputy to ensure the successful administration of the program. The program is self-funded, using fees, instrument hire fees and various fundraising activities and is run entirely by volunteer parents of students in the program.

Our Band and Strings Ensembles perform throughout the year at school assemblies and functions, and local community events. Students are expected to participate in weekly rehearsals, private lesson and performances.

Joining the Band

Students in year 3-6 are welcome to join the Band. The Band offers students the opportunity to play either a brass, woodwind or percussion instrument. (Bass Guitar, Bassoon, Clarinet, Euphonium, Flute, French Horn, Keyboard, Oboe, Saxophone, Trombone, Trumpet, Tuba).

Joining the Strings Ensemble

Students in year 1-6 are welcome to join the Strings Ensemble. The Strings Ensemble offers students the opportunity to play a string instrument. (Violin, Viola, Cello or Double Bass).

The KHPS Band and Strings Ensemble committee is excited to introduce a new Beginner Strings Group program in 2020. This program allows students the opportunity to learn how to play a violin in a small group lesson with a commitment of only 2 terms.

You can register your interest at https://revolutionise.com.au/khpsband/



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Committee AdministrationThe Band & Strings Ensemble Committee, in conjunction with the band program director and strings director, coordinates the Killarney Heights Public School Band & Strings Ensemble program. New volunteers are always welcome. If you are interested in helping with the program please contact us.

Roles within the committee consist of supervisors for each band or ensemble group, co-ordinators, secretary, treasurer, instrument coordinator, fund raising co-ordinator, general committee members and parent helpers.

The committee is responsible for the following:

♪ Written communication to all members

♪ Co-ordinating performances and venues

♪ Collecting and banking fees and instrument hire fees

♪ Instrument management including, inventory and hire and maintenance management,

♪ Maintaining the ‘Tutor Contact List’

♪ Purchasing, copying and distributing music

♪ Organising Band & Strings Intensive Program

Communication

The committee communicates with members by:

♪ Email communication

♪ School Newsletter & Website

Parent Helpers

We request each group has a parent helper. The role of the parent helper includes:

♪ Liaise with Teachers, Conductors and committee members

♪ Communicate to parents regarding performances, rosters, rehearsals and other general information.

♪ To provide assistance to the conductor during rehearsals, send emails about the homework and any specific directions from conductor to the parents.

♪ Ensure that a supervisor attends each rehearsal.

Rehearsal Supervisors

We request that a parent is present at each rehearsal. The parent helper will be responsible for supervisors.



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Band Program The Band offers students the opportunity to learn either a brass, woodwind or percussion instrument. (Bass Guitar, Bassoon, Clarinet, Euphonium, Flute, French Horn, Keyboard, Oboe, Saxophone, Trombone, Trumpet, Tuba).

Junior Band

Our Junior Band Program allows students who are new to playing an instrument the opportunity to learn how to play in a group. Students who have not played a band instrument previously will join the Junior Band.

Junior Band students must have at least 2 lessons before the first week of rehearsals. This ensures that students learn to play their instrument correctly and that band rehearsals are used for instrument and music collaboration, not individual instrument tuition.

Senior Band

Students will progress from Junior Band to Senior Band. All students are required to continue their private lessons with a tutor.

Concert Band

Entry to the Concert Band is via an audition. Concert Band is open to all students from year 3 - 6. All students are required to continue their private lessons with a tutor.

Big Band

The Big Band is an extension band of the Concert Band and is via invitation only.

Orchestra

Depending of numbers and ability, there may be an opportunity to have an Orchestra in 2021. Stay tuned!



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Strings Ensemble ProgramStudents commence learning the violin in the Beginner Strings Group. Students will be required to either hire or purchase their violin.

Students progress from the beginner strings group to the ensemble groups. In the ensemble groups, students can continue to play the violin. They may also choose from the larger stringed instrument family, the viola, cello or double bass and may have the opportunity to hire these instruments from the school.

Beginner Strings Group

Our Beginner Strings Group allows students who are new to playing an instrument the opportunity to learn how to play a violin in a small group lesson.

The beginner strings group:

♪ has a maximum number of 8 students. ♪ rehearsal is 1/2 hour with the strings conductor ♪ do not require a tutor ♪ are required to participate in the group for 2 terms. ♪ progress to the Junior Strings Ensemble.

Students will perform a concert for parents and family at the end of their second term to showcase their learning.

Junior Strings Ensemble

Students will progress from the Beginner Strings Group to the Junior Strings Ensemble. Students now have some experience on their instrument and will learn to play together as an ensemble, continuing to rehearse with the Strings Conductor. All students are required to commence private lessons with a tutor. An annual commitment (pro-rata) is required.

Eg: If students commence the training strings group in Term 1 & 2, they will progress to Junior Strings in Term 3 & 4. Depending on demand, the training strings program may be offered in Term 3.

Intermediate Strings Ensemble

Students will progress from Junior Strings to the Intermediate Strings Ensemble. The Strings Conductor will determine the progression. All students are required to continue their private lessons with a tutor.

Senior Strings Ensemble

Students progress from the Intermediate Strings Ensemble to the Senior Strings Ensemble. Senior Strings is for students who are in their third or fourth year of playing - generally year 3-6 students. All students are required to continue their private lessons with a tutor.



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Band and Strings Rehearsal Schedule 2020All children are expected to be committed and punctual at all rehearsals. Students need to bring their instrument, music, pencil and eraser to all rehearsals. All students are expected to help with setting up and packing away where required.

Mornings Lunch-time Afternoon

Monday Senior BandJunior Band

Senior Strings Ensemble

TuesdayBig Band

Intermediate Strings EnsembleConcert Band

Wednesday Senior Band

Thursday Junior Band Concert Band

Friday Beginner Strings (Term 1 & 2) Junior Strings (Term 3 & 4)

*Additional beginner groups will be scheduled in Term 3 & 4 if demand is met.

Band and Strings Fees 2020The Band and Strings Ensemble Program requires an annual financial commitment. We need to ensure that the program is funded for 12 months, which is why we ask parents to commit to the required period. There are no refunds if your child drops out. The Program is an extra-curricular activity for which the school does not receive funding to operate. The fees cover the cost of the weekly rehearsals, performances, sheet music and the use of rehearsal space and school equipment.

A deposit is required term 4, 2019 to secure your spot, with the balance due term 1, 2020. Students participating in both the Band & Strings Ensemble Program will have to pay 2 x fees.

The annual fee for all Band groups and Intermediate & Senior Strings Ensemble for 2020 is $490.

Amount Payment DueDeposit $200 (week 9, term 4, 2019)Final Balance $290 Friday 22 February 2020 (week 4)

Beginner Strings Group

The Beginner Strings Group Program runs for two terms. If students wish to continue being a part of the program they will progress to the Junior Strings Ensemble. A deposit is required in term 4, 2019 to secure your spot, with the balance due term 1, 2020.

The Beginner Strings Group fee is $225. (2 terms) (Includes music book)Amount Payment Due

Deposit $100 Friday 29 November 2019 (week 7)Final Balance $125 Friday 22 February 2020 (week 4)

The Junior Ensemble fee is $240 payable at the end of Term 2. (2 terms)



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Tutors and Private Lessons All students participating in either the band or strings ensemble are required to attend a weekly private lesson from a recognised teacher of their designated instrument. This is to ensure the correct technique is learnt and the children sufficiently master their instrument.

Tuition is a private matter between parents and tutors. You may make arrangements with one of the tutors suggested by the committee or with a tutor of your choice. Tutors may encourage students to undergo the AMEB music examinations; these are beneficial as they ensure students will continue to improve.

The committee gives no endorsements or recommendations. It is the responsibility of each child’s parents to ensure the tutor conforms to the Child Protection laws.

Home Practice Regular practice is essential for the development and enjoyment of playing an instrument. Students may need parental encouragement to develop good practice habits.

Students can be supported by:

♪ having a quiet area and music stand always available

♪ encouraging regular practice.

♪ listening and supporting practice as often as possible.

We recommend at least 15-20 minutes of practice every day. Even just a little practice a day is beneficial.



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Instruments

Band Instruments for hire

It is essential for students to have both an instrument stand and a music stand at home. It is strongly suggested that these remain set up permanently where your child practises.

BAND instruments are available for hire from the school, however numbers are limited and depend on availability of each instrument. Whilst the school covers payment for repairs of general wear and tear, please note that any damage caused to the instrument through carelessness or misuse is the responsibility of the hirer. Instruments MUST be returned back to the school at the end of each year.

Parents must sign an instrument hire contract at the time of hire. It is the responsibility of the student to return the hire instrument to the committee upon leaving the band.

Instrument hire fee 2020

Annual hire fee $280

Strings Ensemble hire or purchase options

Violin students are required to obtain their own instrument when joining the Strings Program. Children who select larger instruments (viola, cello and double bass) may have the opportunity to hire these instruments from the school.

You may want to check out the following options for sourcing your child’s own instrument. You may choose to purchase or hire your instrument. Please ensure you obtain the correct size.

Sydney Strings Centre: https://www.violins.com.au/

Mona Vale Music Warehouse: https://www.monavalemusic.com/

The Mall Music: https://www.mallmusic.com.au/

Music and Folders

Students will be provided with a band bag and folder at their first class. Music will be provided. The music remains the property of the school. All music MUST be returned at the end of each year.

Please note that music handed out to your child is NOT to be copied. Music is subject to copyright laws and whilst the band and strings ensemble may distribute photocopied music, it has been photocopied within these laws.



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Performances

String Ensembles:

Students in each ensemble will have opportunities to perform in a public forum.

The Beginner String Group will perform a concert for their parents and family at the end of their second term of learning. This is an opportunity for the students to showcase their learning before progressing to the Junior String Ensemble.

The string ensembles perform at several school-based events including Mother’s Day Breakfast, Father’s Day Breakfast, and Education Week.

In 2019 the Ensemble groups combined to play at the Northern Beaches Instrumental Festival.

Our most senior players are invited to perform at the Festival of Instrumental Music. This is run by the Department of Education The Arts Unit. It is a challenging and exciting performance, where students learn and memorise four pieces, to be played with a large group of students from many different schools and professional conductors.



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Our Conductors

Nic Jeffries

Nic Jeffries is a big-hearted, soulful musician from Sydney Australia. With a gifted voice that has been described as ‘smooth like chocolate’ his sound has been delighting audiences around Australia and the globe for more than ten years. Also a formidable Saxophone player, Nic recently wowed viewers with his appearances on the popular Channel 9 television series ‘The Voice Australia’ working with the internationally renowned, Ronan Keating.

A musician that his fellow peers simply love working with, Nic has spent years nurturing younger talent and supporting fellow Australian artists not only through his work hosting ‘The Monday Jam’ at The Basement in Sydney, but also through his inspiring work in music education. He has also enjoyed some extensive time on the radio airwaves, with his own shows in the past featuring on Sydney’s FM99.3 and Eastside FM89.7.

Nic holds a Bachelor of Music degree, majoring in Jazz performance from The Sydney Conservatorium of Music. He was a performer in the HSC ‘Encore Series’ in 2001 after receiving a mark of 100% for HSC music performance.

Derek Barg

Derek Barg has over 25 years experience in instrumental music education. His broad experience includes working in public and private, primary and high schools such as Cranbrook, Sydney Boys High School, Chatswood Public and Forestville Public. Derek has shared his educational focus between private percussion tuition, stage band conducting and concert band conducting.

Derek has guided numerous ensembles to performances which have won Gold Awards at competitive music festivals throughout Sydney and repeatedly been selected for performances at the Sydney Town Hall and Opera House. As a performer, Derek’s focus has been diverse. Ranging from 10 years in the Sydney Youth Orchestra to successful World Music ensembles, to many rock bands and jazz ensembles. In parallel to his musical education focus, Derek has been actively involved in composition of original music with accompanying video clips.

Derek is consistently developing processes to facilitate optimal learning for musicians. He utilises professional audio recording to provide optimal feedback for musicians, facilitating an objective perspective and framework for self-assessment. In his capacity as a professional audio engineer, he has recorded many of Sydney’s fine large ensembles including the Northern Sydney Symphonic Wind Ensembles, Northern Beaches Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Arts Alive Combined Schools Band.



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Our Conductors (cont)

Philippa Collins

Philippa Collins grew up in Canberra and started violin lessons at the age of 8 with renowned French violinist Josette Esquidin. At the age of 11, she was offered a scholarship at the Canberra School of Music, and throughout her high school years, studied under Len Dommett OBE. In 1986, she moved to Sydney and joined the National Ensemble under the tutelage of John Hopkins, touring extensively, and working with major international artists visiting Sydney. During this time, she studied under Harry Curby and Carl Pini.

Philippa has played in all of the major orchestras in Sydney including Opera Australia for 11 years, Sydney Symphony Orchestra and the Australian Chamber Orchestra. She has accompanied many artists such as Valery Klimov, Joan Sutherland and Luciano Pavarotti to name just a few.

Philippa is an experienced teacher who is committed to providing excellence in string teaching from the young beginner right through to tertiary level and the emerging professional. She has taught at many schools including Brigidine College, Terrey Hills Public School, Ravenswood School for Girls, Roseville College for Girls and the University of New South Wales. Philippa currently teaches at Sydney Grammar Preparatory School, as well as running a busy home teaching studio.

We are delighted to welcome Phillipa to KHPS in 2020.



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Award System

Stay tuned - Coming soon.


Version 5 | December 2019

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Band & Strings Ensemble Code of ConductThe band and Strings Ensemble are part of Killarney Heights Public School. The school code of conduct is Respect, Responsibility and Success.

We expect the same behaviour and respect in the band and strings programs for everyone to have fun and achieve great results. This includes:Arrive on time

♪ Make sure you have you instrument and music with you

♪ No talking or disruptive behaviour (just like in the classroom)

♪ Be musically prepared (know your part BEFORE rehearsal wherever possible)

♪ Attend all rehearsals and performances (unless my parent sends an email)

If these behaviours are not met the consequences are:

1. Time out a) short b) long

2. An email sent home to parents and the school music liaison teacher (Ms Destefanis)

3. Yellow card

4. Suspension/expulsion from band

I understand what behaviour is expected of me and I understand the consequences involved so that making music at KHPS can be a great experience for everyone.

Please sign and return to your conductor:

Band or String Group: ________________________________________

Student Name: ______________________________ Class: __________

Signed: ____________________________________________________

Parent: ____________________________________ Date: ___________

KHPS Band & Strings Ensemble Handbook€¦ · Tutors and Private Lessons 9 Instruments 10 Our Conductors 12 ... various fundraising activities and is run entirely by volunteer parents

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