Applications close Friday 1 May 2026 (Term 2 Week 2). Students will be notified of their acceptance by Friday 8 May 2026 (Term 2 Week 3).

The program is open to any students currently enrolled in Years 5 to 9 at a NSW Public School who would like to play one of the following instruments:

• flute
• clarinet
• saxophone (alto and tenor)
• trumpet
• trombone
• euphonium / baritone
• percussion (tuned and/or untuned).

The ensemble is aimed at students who are absolute beginners on their instrument. No experience is necessary. Students will be provided with an instrument on loan for the duration of the workshop program and parents will be offered an option to continue with the loan should the student wish to continue on the instrument. 

Please note, this program is open to public school students from anywhere in NSW, not just in the Metropolitan North, South and West areas.

There is a participation fee of $190.00 (GST inclusive) including instrument hire to participate in the 2026 Greater Western Sydney Beginner Band program. This fee includes the loan of an instrument, provision of all music and equipment, access to expert tutorial staff and an ensemble performance shirt to be worn at the performance.

This fee will be payable via The Arts Unit's student payment portal on acceptance into the ensemble.

Students are encouraged to approach their school for financial assistance if required.

Workshops are from 8:30 am to 2:45 pm at Penrith Selective High School.

• Saturday 9 May (Term 2 Week 3)
• Thursday 21 May (Term 2 Week 5)
• Thursday 4 June (Term 2 Week 7)
• Thursday 18 June (Term 2 Week 9)
• Saturday 20 June (Term 2 Week 9)

Performance

• Term 2, Greater Western Sydney Music Festival – Rouse Hill Anglican College

Students will need to commit to all workshop and performance dates to participate in this program. Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the ensemble director for students who have examinations which fall on the day of a workshop.