ST IVES NORTH PUBLIC SCHOOL BAND AND STRINGS

SINPS Music Ma ic!! ST IVES NORTH PUBLIC SCHOOL BAND AND STRINGS MUSIC PROGRAM 2015 INFORMATION BOOKLET Registration Link www.myschoolmusic.com.au/sinps/

1 WELCOME TO ST IVES NORTH PUBLIC SCHOOL'S MUSIC PROGRAM 2015 1.1 INTRODUCTION SINPS P&C Music Committee welcomes you to our School Music Program. We hope that being part of a SINPS Band or Ensemble will be an enjoyable and rewarding musical experience for all children and parents involved. The Music Committee is a sub-committee of the SINPS P&C. Music Committee meetings are held during the school year and we encourage all parents to attend and/or to become actively involved in the Music Committee. No musical expertise is required - only a willingness to further your child's musical experience. Should you have any queries, problems or suggestions, any member of the Music Committee will be very happy to assist you. St Ives North offers two instrumentals streams; the string program and the band program. The band program has 3 bands; Training Band, Junior Concert Band Senior Concert Band. Band instrument players enter at Training Band level, and no experience is required. Students must be in Year 3 or older to participate and are normally in Year 4 or older for a higher band. Entry of younger children to higher bands is at the discretion of the conductor and after audition and probationary period and only year 5 and 6 children can participate in the Senior Concert Band. The string program caters to children from kindergarten to Year 6. The strings program has 4 ensembles; String Experience (less than1 year experience), Junior Strings, Intermediate Strings and String Orchestra. Children with more than 1 year experience in their string instrument (violin, cello, viola or double bass) can audition for the Junior Strings, Intermediate Strings or String Orchestra depending on their level. During 2013 we introduced an opportunity directed at children in the infants school called Fun with Strings. Small groups of children participate in violin lessons for a four week block. These lessons will continue to be offered again during Term 1 and Term 4 of 2015. The Strings Experience Ensemble is primarily directed at children in the infants school. Students may enter the String Ensemble without audition, however must have started private instrument lessons early in Term 1. Students in this group may move up to the Junior Strings or Intermediate Strings the following year at the discretion of the conductor. Students in the Strings Experience ensemble will not attend the full May music camp but might be offered to join the camp on the Sunday (TBC). 2

1.2 BACKGROUND INFORMATION In 1998 a small group of parents, with the approval and support of the Principal, formed a Music Committee with the sole purpose of providing an enrichment musical program at St Ives North. The Music Program at St Ives North Public School is a parent run program and the weekly operations for each group within the program are totally dependent on parent participation and support of the program. 1.3 OBLIGATIONS WHEN YOU JOIN A BAND OR ENSEMBLE Being a member of a Band or Ensemble group at St Ives North Public School requires a significant commitment. To keep up with the groups, each member is expected to contribute to the group by participating in the following: Weekly rehearsals Once a week private tutorial session Attend the Music Camp Practice regularly Parents support their group by way of Parent Rehearsal Roster Good and respectful behavior as would be expected in any intra- or extra-mural school activity Being a musician in a Band or Ensemble is a team activity that requires commitment to the whole group and indeed the Music Program. If you have any questions about the commitment please speak to one of the Music Committee members. 2 GROUP REHEARSALS 2.1 WEEKLY REHEARSALS The weekly rehearsal sessions are pivotal to the success of each group and the need for parental support of these rehearsals cannot be over stated. 2.2 PARENT PARTICIPATION Due to Child Protection requirements it is essential that a parent helper attends each rehearsal session to assist the conductor and to act as a liaison person between the students, parents and school staff. Parent rosters are set and every parent is expected to commit to supporting this program. Parents who are unable to attend may be required to pay a fee that will exempt them from rostered duties. We operate as a cooperative so it's essential that everyone in the program makes a contribution for the program to work. 2.3 THE ROLE OF THE PARENT ROSTERED ON TO REHEARSALS One parent is required at each rehearsal to assist the conductor and duties may include supervising the setting up and packing away of chairs and music stands, checking the roll, helping with photocopying and distribution of sheet music and notes when necessary. Each Band and Ensemble Coordinator is responsible for the parent roster that will be drawn up each term, in negotiation with the parents involved. If unexpected circumstances occur and 3

parents are unable to help on their scheduled time, they are asked to organise another parent to take their place. 2.4 REHEARSAL TIME EXPECTATIONS The rehearsal time listed on the timetable is the starting time for each group. To ensure groups benefit from the rehearsal it is important that all members of the Band or Ensemble are seated and ready to play by the appointed times. It is recommended that students arrive at the hall 5 MINUTES earlier to allow time to set up chairs, stands and musical instruments. It is the responsibility of all the children to neatly pack away all equipment after each rehearsal. No children are to leave the hall until everything is put away neatly. 2.5 REHEARSAL ATTENDANCE EXPECTATIONS Band and Ensemble members are required to attend every rehearsal. It is essential that each student bring his/her instrument and music folder to every rehearsal. Even if a child's instrument is being repaired, or has been left at home, that child must still attend the rehearsal. If a student fails to attend a rehearsal prior to a performance or fails to attend regularly, it will be up to the conductor to decide whether or not the student will be allowed to perform. Please direct any problems or questions to the Band and Ensemble Coordinators or a Committee Member who can refer them on to the conductor if necessary. 2.6 REHEARSAL TIMES During 2014 the rehearsal times were as per the table below. As far as possible we will try to keep the timetable below, however there may be unavoidable changes. Rehearsals are scheduled to start from the third week of term (Monday 12th February 2015) for all groups. GROUP 1ST REHEARSAL 2ND REHEARSAL Training Band Wednesday 3.00pm - 4.00pm Fridays 3.00pm - 4.00pm Junior Concert Band Tuesdays 3.00pm - 4.00pm Thursdays 3.00pm - 4.00pm Senior Concert Band Mondays 7.30am 8.45am Thursday 7.30am - 8.45am Fun with Strings Lessons Term 1 & 4 Only Friday 1:10 1:40pm & Friday 2:45pm 3:15pm Strings Experience Friday 1:45pm 2:40pm One only Junior Strings Friday 3:00 3:45pm One Only Intermediate Strings Mondays 3:00pm 4:00pm Tuesday 7.45am - 8.45am String Orchestra Mondays 7.30am - 8.45am Thursdays 7.30am - 8.45am 4

2.7 STUDENT BEHAVIOUR AT REHEARSALS A high standard of self-discipline is required of each Band and Ensemble member. The following qualities are essential: Punctuality: Group members need to be at the right place at the right time. Listening: All group members should only play when asked and should stop immediately upon request. Respect: Students are expected to respond positively and respectfully to conductors and parents' requests. All students should share in the packing and unpacking of equipment. Good Behavior: Students are expected to respect the Conductor and their peers and conform to the same rules of conduct as would be expected in the classroom. Failure to comply with this could result in the student being requested to exit the program. 3 MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS 3.1 SCHOOL INSTRUMENTS HIRE PROGRAM The school has a limited number of instruments available for hire to encourage beginners. The following instruments are available for hire: 5 1 Baritone (like a small tuba) 3 Tenor Saxophones 2 Cornets (equivalent to trumpet) 5 Trombones Drum kits 3 Trumpets 6 Euphoniums (like a small tuba) 3 Cellos (l/8th size to suit 5-9 3 Single French horns year olds and 1/4 size to suit 7-10 1 Double French horn yrs, ¾ size suit 9-12 yrs) 5 Alto Saxophones 8 Violins (1/8) for hire in term 2 & 3 2 3/4 size Tubas 1/8, 1/4, ½ & ¾ violins all year hire 1 Piccolo 2 Bass Clarinets Should you be interested in hiring any of these instruments, please contact the Instrument Hire Coordinator (see contact details at the end of this booklet). After one year of hire, parents are asked to buy an instrument for their child (or hire from music shop) to free the school instruments for beginners. The Euphoniums, and potentially some of the other large instruments, are however available for hire for the duration of the student s involvement in the music program as a Euphonium player. The cost of instrument hire is currently $110 per semester (half year). Hire charges may change for 2015 the schedule of fees will be available on the online registration for 2015. Parents are responsible for the purchase of consumables such as strings and reeds. Standard instrument maintenance is covered by the school. Any damage to a school instrument that is not normal wear and tear will be at the cost of the parent. Please do not attempt to repair instruments yourself, but rather inform the Music Committee which will arrange for repairs.

Instrument insurance should be arranged as a small extra premium on your house contents insurance. Contact your insurer for information. 3.2 INSTRUMENTS MAY BE PURCHASED OR HIRED FROM: Turramurra Music Centre: 9449 8487, 1267 Pacific Highway, Turramurra Billy Hyde Music: 02 9967 3777, 65 Penshurst Street, Willoughby Gary Haines Musical Services (Shirley Haines): 9387 3113 Ultimo / Bondi Junction Betty Korber Music Workshop: 9809 6700, Victoria Road, West Ryde Sydney String Centre, High Street, Chatswood, 9904-8051 3.3 BAND INSTRUMENTS CAN BE SERVICED/REPAIRED AT: In Tune Music: 9439 1143, 81 Alexander St Crows Nest 2065 (SINPS official repairer) Tim Sparks Instrument Repairs: 9477 7133, Unit 6, 103 Hunter Street, Hornsby Steven Giordano: 9571 9086, Wells Street, Annandale The Horn Doctor: 9417 2755, 29a Babbage Road, Roseville Chase.but report any damage to the Instrument Coordinator before authorizing any repairs on School-owned instruments!! 3.4 STRING INSTRUMENTS CAN BE SERVICED/REPAIRED AT: The Sydney String Centre: 9904 8051, High St, Chatswood The Violinery: 9416 8351, 2 Kochia Lane, Lindfield Zephyr Music: 9439 8900, 51 Hume Street, Chatswood.but report any damage to the Instrument Coordinator before authorizing any repairs on School-owned instruments!! 3.5 STORAGE OF INSTRUMENTS AT SCHOOL Instruments are the personal responsibility of each child. All instruments when at school should be securely placed in the classroom. Teachers are aware of the value of instruments and make provision for instruments in their classrooms in a place that is safe. It is advisable to speak with your child's classroom teacher to confirm where they should store the instrument when they bring it to school. Please ensure that instrument cases are clearly labeled with name, phone number and school name. The school does not accept any responsibility for any damage or loss to instruments brought to school. 4 MUSIC AND COPYRIGHT All music folders and sheet music provided via the Music Program are and at all time remain the property of SINPS P&C Music. 6

SINPS P&C Music provides the folders and music for use exclusively in relation to the Music Program s activities. Students are not to mark, damage, remove music from the folders or make copies of the music. Students will be provided with folders and music at the beginning of the year, will have the uses of the folders and music throughout the year, and must return the folders and music at end of the year. Any loss or damage to the folders or music must be reported to the relevant Ensemble Coordinator immediately, so that replacements can be arranged. 5 PRIVATE MUSIC TUITION It is compulsory for each child participating in the program to have weekly tuition in order to keep up with the progress of the music group. Students will need to spend a small part, 5 to 10 minutes, of their private tuition time covering Band or Ensemble music so they can keep pace with their groups. It is up to each parent to organise weekly tuition. The Music Committee has prepared a list of names and phone numbers of tutors that offer tuition in the St Ives area. For further information, contact the Tutor Coordinator (see contact details at end of booklet). 6 PRACTICE AT HOME Parents are encouraged to participate in their child's practice sessions at home. Children will be given sheet music to take home to put in their music folders. Regular practice is essential to maintain progress on any instrument. One sure way of fitting practice into the child's busy day is by choosing a landmark event and practicing before and after this event. Expert advice says that short daily exercises are preferable to trying to catch up by doing an extra long session. 7 CONDUCTOR DISCRETION While the Conductors and the Music Committee will make every reasonable effort to satisfy the members wishes, acceptance in particular groups or ensembles, choice of instrument as well as progress through the various levels of the Music program is at the discretion of our highly skilled professional Conductors. Please respect their decisions their aim is to provide the members with a positive, instructional and fun experience. 7

8 BAND AND ENSEMBLE FEE STRUCTURE 8.1 GENERAL Music fees are payable in advance and parents will be billed for the full year in Term 1. The payment can be split between 2 semesters (Term 1 and Term 3) if needed but a discount is offered to all full payments made in full at the beginning of the year. Fee payment is by CHEQUE or DIRECT FUNDS TRANSFER. Cash payments can only be made by special arrangement with the Treasurer or the Music Committee. The big advantage of having parents run Music Committee is that there is a high focus on keeping the cost of the program as low as possible - due totally to the volunteering efforts of the parents. 8.2 FEES FOR 2014 Training Band $500 for the year PLUS purchase of music book $25 2 rehearsals a week Junior Concert Band $500 for the year 2 rehearsals a week Senior Concert Band $500 for the year 2 rehearsals a week Strings Experience $210 for 3 terms (Term 2, 3 & 4) 1 rehearsal a week Junior Strings $280 for the year 1 rehearsal a week Intermediate Strings $500 for the year 2 rehearsals a week String Orchestra $500 for the year 2 rehearsals a week Approx $260 Paid in full 1 month prior to Camp (April). Music Camp Please Note: Strings Experience do not participate in the full music camp but might be offered to join camp on the Sunday morning (TBC). Junior Strings may join the music camp for the day only depending on the ages of the children which will be advised during term 1. Music Camp will be held May 9-10 2015 at the Crusaders Centre in Galston ** Please Note: Fees are payable in full in term 1. If payment is split between 2 semesters, the semester cost is $260 per semester. Additional fees levied: Essential Elements Book 1 for the Training Band ($25 on registration); Where applicable, Instrument Hire 8

8.3 WHAT MUSIC FEES COVER Music fees cover conductors' costs, sheet music and some transport costs and are essential to the running of a successful music program. Fee statements will be issued at the beginning of each semester and are payable within two weeks of receipt. Fees are non-refundable. 9 MUSIC CAMP 2015 A 2 day residential Band Camp will be held on the weekend of the 9 and 10th of May 2015. Attendance at this camp is compulsory for all band and string ensemble members with the exception of the beginner strings ensemble. Participation in the program is conditional on this attendance. The aim of the camp is to provide intensive musical tuition and other musical experiences as well as having lots of fun learning! It also prepares the groups for the performance season. The musical growth evident in each child over such a short, intensive period is always impressive and music camp is one of the highlights of the program for the children. Detailed information relating to this camp will be provided at Registration night. The full amount of $260 will be payable 1 month before Music Camp. We are committed to keeping the costs as low as possible. Last year s Music Camp was a great success, ending at midday with a wonderful Mothers Day Concert, affording mothers a relaxing Sunday morning and leaving families time to enjoy the remainder of the day together!! 10 PERFORMANCES FOR 2015 The Bands and Ensembles routinely participate in various performances and events during the year. These may include: Sydney Opera House (June); McDonald's Performing Arts Challenge (July-August); Ryde Eisteddfod (August-September); University of NSW Band Festival; North Shore Music Festival (September), Hornsby North Band Festival (October); Australian School Orchestral Festival (October); End of Year Concert (November); G & T Open Day (November) and Presentation Day (December). The Bands and Ensembles are also called upon to perform at school assemblies and other school functions. More information will be sent home, as details become available. 9

11 REGISTRATION PROCEDURES Registration for 2015 is online: Registration Link www.myschoolmusic.com.au/sinps Please note that entry to all string & band groups with the exception of Strings Experience and Training band are through audition. Collection of hired instruments will be during week 1 or 2 of the school year. 12 AGM AND NEW COMMITTEE MEMBERS The Music Committee is a sub-committee of the SINPS P&C. The AGM is held on Registration Night immediately after Registration. Music Committee meetings are held in the Staff Room on the second Tuesday of each month during term time. We encourage all parents to attend and/or to become actively involved in the Music Committee. No musical expertise is required - only a willingness to further your child's musical experience!! We welcome assistance in the areas of Administration, Treasury, Ensemble Coordination, Instrument Hire, Tutor Coordinators, Music Camp Organisers, Events Organisers, Enrolments, improving our use of IT, Media & Communications and in any area where you could help make a great program even better! Some of the positions do not require attending the monthly meetings and can be fulfilled in your own time. Some positions are particular to events, such as the Music Camp or Enrolments Drive at the end of the year. See below for Inquiries and 2014 Music Committee Members details. 2015 INQUIRIES In the first instance, please access our Music section of the school website which will answer many questions: http://www.stivesnth-p.schools.nsw.edu.au/sinps/music.html Please consider becoming involved in our Music Committee for a fun and rewarding experience! 10

Should you have any queries, problems or suggestions, any member of the Music Committee will be very happy to assist! COMMITTEE POSITIONS NAME CONTACT NO. EMAIL ADDRESS Presidents (Co) Kirsty Allen-Koulouris 0478 674 166 Kirsty.a.allen@gmail.com Treasurer Elena Stocker 0411 277 704 es@asindustries.com.au Instrument Hire Sharon Cummins 0438 112 962 cumminssharon@bigpond.com Music Committee meetings are held during the school year. We encourage all parents to attend and/or to become actively involved in the Music Committee, and require some 10-15 Committee Members to ensure the smooth running of the Program. No musical expertise is required - only a willingness to further your child's musical experience!! SINPS Music Ma ic!! 11