Greater Western Sydney Public Schools Beginner Band
Beginner band – new for 2024!
The beginner band program is designed to allow students who have no experience in playing a concert band instrument to have a 'taster' of what playing an instrument in a band is like. Students will be provided with an instrument for the duration of the workshop program as well as expert tuition at the workshops. Parents will be given the option to continue the instrument hire (at additional cost) following the conclusion of the workshops.
This program will take the form of 5 full-day workshops.
2024 workshop dates
The workshop dates for the program are:
- Tuesday 21 May (Term 2 Week 4) from 9:15 am – 2:45 pm at Penrith High School
- Tuesday 28 May (Term 2 Week 5) from 9:15 am – 2:45 pm at Penrith High School
- Tuesday 4 June (Term 2 Week 6) from 9:15 am – 2:45 pm at Penrith High School
- Monday 17 June (Term 2 Week 8) from 9:15 am – 2:45 pm at Nepean CAPA High School
- Tuesday 25 June (Term 2 Week 9) from 9:15 am – 2:45 pm at Penrith High School
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.
Eligibility
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, tenor and/or baritone)
- trumpet
- french horn
- trombone
- euphonium / baritone
- tuba
- 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.
Nomination process
Students must complete an online nomination form to participate in this program.
Nominations will close on Friday 3 May 2024 (Term 2 Week 1).
As part of the nomination process, students must submit a parent permission form, publicity form and school endorsement form. Please note, these forms are in addition to the online nomination form.
Cost
There is a participation fee of $175.00 (GST inclusive)including instrument hire to participate in the 2024 Greater Western Sydney Concert 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.
Contact
For more information, please contact Richard Sandham, Ensemble Director or Peter Hayward, Arts Coordination Officer.
