Greater Western Sydney Public Schools Instrumental Music Program

Greater Western Sydney Public Schools Big Band

Region: Metro Metro South and West Metropolitan North | Penrith
Years 5 to 12
Program Music
Tags: Brass, Instrumental ensemble, Jazz, Percussion, Strings, Woodwind

The Greater Western Sydney Public Schools Big Band  is an ensemble for talented musicians in Years 5 to 12 from NSW public schools.

Students will need to commit to all seven workshops and the 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.

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Enquiries

Richard Sandham
Ensemble Coordinator and Conductor
[email protected]
GWSPS Big Band performing at the Sydney NorthWest Music Festival

2026 workshops

All workshops are from 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm at Penrith High School

Term 2

  • Wednesday 11 June (Term 2 Week 7)
  • Saturday 1 June (Term 2 Week 7) 

Term 3

  • Wednesday 6 August (Term 3 Week 3) 
  • Wednesday 13 August (Term 3 Week 4) 
  • Saturday 16 August (Term 3 Week 4) 

Term 4

  • Saturday 15 November (Term 4 Week 5) 
  • Wednesday 19 November (Term 4 Week 6)
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2026 performances

  • Term 2, Greater Western Sydney Music Festival, date TBC
  • Term 3, Wednesday 12 August, Sydney NorthWest Music Festival
  • Term 4, Week 3, Saturday 31 October, Penrith end of year concert
  • Term 4, SpecFest, date TBC
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Eligibility

To be eligible to be a part of the GWSPS Big Band, you must be a member of either the GWSPS Concert Band or GWSPS String Ensemble.

Participation is by invitation from the GWSPS Instrumental Music Program Ensemble Director and Conductor.

Only the following instruments are invited to take part in the GWSPS Big Band:

  • alto saxophone
  • tenor saxophone
  • baritone saxophone
  • trumpet
  • trombone
  • piano
  • guitar
  • drums
  • bass guitar.
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Cost

There is no additional cost to be a member of the GWSPS Big Band as this cost is covered through the students' participation in the GWSPS Concert Band.

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All Arts Unit programs are inclusive. If support is required to participate in the Greater Western Sydney Public Schools Big Band, please email [email protected] so that we can assist.