School Band

Junior, Intermediate, Concert and Jazz Band

Welcome to the Beacon Hill School Band

Commit to something musical!

Our Band Program is provided by the P&C and is run by a sub-committee of parent volunteers. We employ a Band Director (Matt Hurditch) to manage all the musical aspects of our program but we still rely on volunteers to help with various aspects of rehearsals and performances, and to participate in managing all the ‘behind the scenes’ organisation.

We have three bands and one stage ensembles which accompany the school at functions and perform for a variety of audiences including, retirement villages, local pre-schools, eisteddfods, festivals, etc.

The Junior, Intermediate, and Concert Bands, and the Jazz Ensemble all rehearse weekly in our MPC.

Joining the Band

Students are invited to join the band in Year 3 and 4, or even beyond. During Term 4, the bands will perform a concert for years 2 and 3 and the instruments will be demonstrated. Your child will then have the opportunity to try the instruments and make a first, second and third choice of instrument. The band directors will allocate an instrument to students based on their preferences, their physical ability and balancing the overall needs of the band’s composition.

Students may select to play one of the following instruments: flute, clarinet, alto and tenor saxophone, euphonium, French horn, trumpet, trombone, bass guitar, keyboard or percussion.

Costs

If your child joins the Band, there is an annual fee. You will also be required to pay for weekly one-on-one tutorial lessons for your child and these typically range from $15 to $40 per half hour session.

All members of the band are required to participate in the annual Band Workshop which occurs over a weekend around the end of May each year. Parents are often surprised and impressed at the dramatic improvement in students after our Workshop and it is a wonderful experience for all involved.

Getting Involved

As with any volunteer committee, parent help is vital. There are many ways to get involved and your involvement sends a message to your child that you value the time and effort they put into their music.

Rehearsals: The parents of all students are expected to help at rehearsals at least once per term. The presence of a parent helper at rehearsals helps with supervision, allowing the Band Director to focus on musical development. A roster is distributed at the start of the year, on which parents can indicate suitable times. Parents do not need musical experience.
Performances: At the various performances throughout the year parents are always needed to help set up/clear away/transport instruments, set out chairs, hand out uniforms etc.
Band Committee: All parents are welcome to attend the Band Committee meetings, which are held every term. Parents are encouraged to take on committee positions.
Supporting Your Child: This is the most important way to be involved! Your child needs constant support and encouragement to keep practising and to ensure that they attend all rehearsals and performances.

Communication with Parents

For all the detail and planning, email is the main means of communication with band parents. We also use TEAM App to manage our calendar and send push alert reminders.

Current Beacon Hill Executive:

President: Jonathan Sharp

Vice President: Sally Bate

Vice President: Hannah Creelman

Treasurer: Sarah Garland

Secretary: Alex King