Band Handbook for 2018 - Turramurra High School · Band Handbook for 2018 INDEX ... Improvisation...
Transcript of Band Handbook for 2018 - Turramurra High School · Band Handbook for 2018 INDEX ... Improvisation...
Band Handbook for 2018
INDEX
Introduction .......................................................... 2
Composition of Bands .......................................... 3
Rehearsal Times ................................................... 3
Auditions .............................................................. 3
Jazz Improvisation Classes ................................... 4
Conditions of Registration ................................... 4
Registration and Band fees .................................. 5
Management Of Overdue Fees ............................ 6
Refund of Fees ..................................................... 6
Commitment to the Band Program ..................... 7
Contract ............................................................... 8
Band Leaders ........................................................ 8
Year 12 Students .................................................. 8
Band Director ....................................................... 9
Band Uniform ....................................................... 9
Band Instruments ............................................... 10
Insurance ............................................................ 10
Band Tours ......................................................... 11
Band Support Group .......................................... 11
E-Mail Contact .................................................... 11
Privacy Policy ..................................................... 11
Who to Contact .................................................. 12
Complaint Procedure ......................................... 12
Committee Members – Key Contacts ................ 12
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INTRODUCTION
Turramurra High School bands have been successful in many competitions and have
performed at many prestigious events both locally and abroad.
Our band program has an outstanding reputation for musical achievement enabling our
students to actively participate in a music program that delivers an enjoyment through a
diverse musical experience and growth in an encouraging team environment.
The Turramurra High School Band Program has tremendous support from within both the
School and the general community. It is highly regarded and is widely recognised for
outstanding commitment and achievement and it is our aim to continue this success into the
future.
We welcome all participants to the 2018 programmes and trust your musical experience will
be both challenging and rewarding.
Anne Cornford & Linda Davies
Co-Presidents, Band Support Group
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COMPOSITION OF BANDS
Turramurra High School Band Program has a variety of bands, suited to most musical levels
and needs. Membership is based on auditions conducted by the Band Director during the
first week of Term 1.
Concert Band 1 is the premium concert band, performing classical and contemporary
pieces, committed and dedicated to competitions and prestigious performances,
achieving the highest possible standards.
Concert Band 2 also performs classical and contemporary pieces, at a standard level, in
both competitions and in school and community performances.
Concert Band 3 also performs classical and contemporary pieces, with a lower level of
difficulty, in both competitions and in school and community performances.
The Stage Bands are smaller groups of musicians from the brass, woodwind and
percussion families that play pieces of a jazz orientation in the traditional big band
setting.
o Stage Band 1 is our senior jazz group, often invited to perform at high profile
events.
o Stage Band 2 has a strong local profile and performs at a range of events.
REHEARSAL TIMES
Rehearsals take place in the Band Room (located downstairs in E Block, opposite the School
library) or in the MPC, unless otherwise notified.
Tuesday Concert Band 3 2.25 – 4.00 pm
Concert Band 2 4.00 – 5.00 pm
Concert Band 1 5.00 – 6.30 pm
Friday
Stage Band 2 3.15 – 4.15 pm
Stage Band 1 4.15 – 5.45 pm
AUDITIONS
Auditions will be held during the first week of Term 1, 2018. Times will be confirmed prior
to the day(s) and notified in the Weekly Notes. Auditions will be held in the Band Room in E
Block. Band Registration should be completed on Orientation Day or prior to the
commencement of Term 1, 2018 so that an Audition can be scheduled.
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All new members are requested to attend an Audition with the Band Director. All those
wishing to be considered for Stage Band in 2018, and Concert Band members seeking
promotion, are also requested to attend and complete their registration for 2018.
JAZZ IMPROVISATION CLASSES
On Friday afternoons, in addition to Stage Band Rehearsals, the Band Program offers the
opportunity for all interested band members, at all levels, to participate in Jazz
Improvisation Classes.
This Jazz course is designed to give students the opportunity to learn different approaches
to jazz improvising in a way that can’t be concentrated on in other ensembles. This
knowledge can then also be applied in other areas such as Big Band and small ensemble
playing.
The aim is to give students an understanding of the jazz vocabulary through lessons in
theory, phrasing, and ensemble playing so that they will be able to feel confident and enjoy
improvising solos.
Specifically for horn players this would involve learning about chord/scale relationships;
common chord progressions for soloing; vocabulary (or licks); listening and copying great
solos (transcribing); jazz phrasing; and making up riffs to play behind other soloists.
Specifically for rhythm section players this would involve learning about different jazz
grooves (swing/latin/ballads etc); learning how to interact as a rhythm section and with the
soloist; theory on chords and progressions for bass and piano players; learning forms of
songs for drummers as well as learning the jazz vocabulary phrases that drummers should
know to be able interact with soloists as well as solo on their own.
As well as learning these techniques in the lessons, attention will be given as to how
students can practice these ideas at home, for example playing scales or licks in all the 12
different keys.
Above all, the course aims to give the students a love of jazz and improvising so that they
feel relaxed playing in front of people and excited at creating great solos!
CONDITIONS OF REGISTRATION
The development of our Concert Bands is a priority for the Band program. As such students
must be in a Concert Band if they want to be in a Stage Band. The exception is for a very
small number of instruments that are not suited to being in a Concert Band.
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Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is mandatory unless otherwise arranged
with the Band Director. Please advise your Band Manager in advance if you will be absent
from any band rehearsal or performance.
A contract from each band member is required to be signed by both the band member and
a parent, agreeing to abide by the specified conditions. A copy of the contract can be found
on the Outstanding School Bands page of the school website.
Instrument hire is also available for selected instruments; at a cost of $200 per year hire fee.
A $250 refundable deposit is also payable when the hire is taken out. A copy of the
Instrument Hire agreement can also be found on the Outstanding School Bands page of the
school website.
Percussion and Keyboard players will be required to purchase their own sticks and mallets if
they are not using those available from the school. These must be brought to all rehearsals
and performances.
REGISTRATION AND BAND FEES
Please register online at:
https://portal.msmusic.com.au/thsmusic
Band fees are payable either:
Once per year for the full year, attracting a 5% discount (provided payment is made by
Monday 5 March 2018); or
Once per semester, i.e. twice per year (by 5 March 2018 and 23 July 2018)
The 2018 fees per student are $527 for Concert Band, or $737 for both Concert and
Stage band.
Jazz Improvisation Classes for 2018 will cost $300 for the year.
A discountof 15% applies for each subsequent student within the same family. A 50%
discount applies for Year 12 students (see below).
The 5% discount is calculated ONLY on the Band Participation Fees and the Jazz
Improvisation Class Fees, and is NOT applicable to the Percussion/Keyboard
Maintenance fee, Instrument Hire, nor Band Camp. These fees MUST be paid in full.
Should financial circumstances prevent payment of fees by the due date, alternate
payment arrangements can be agreed in advance with the Treasurer.
Additional fees apply for:
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Percussion and Keyboard: a maintenance fee of $100 is charged per year to cover the
cost of maintaining and replacing these instruments.
Band Polo Shirts: these are to be worn at certain performances and are an additional
$20.
Band Camp, Tours and Workshops
The preferred payment method is by either:
Bank transfer, directly to our Bendigo Bank account:
Name: THS P&C Band General Account
BSB: 633 000
Acct: 140477662
Ref: Band member’s name
Or by Cheque: Mailed to the Post Office Box or left in the locked Band Box in A Block
(near the admin office).
NO Cash is to be placed in the Band Box.
MANAGEMENT OF OVERDUE FEES
Families that are unable to pay their fees should contact the Treasurer well before the due
date to make alternate arrangements. When fees are not paid by the due date, and no
alternate plan has been arranged between the family and the Treasurer, a reminder
program will be implemented as follows:
One week overdue: A reminder email will be sent.
Two weeks overdue: Parents will be advised in writing that the band member will be
asked to leave band if payment is not made and no alternate arrangement has been
agreed upon.
Three weeks overdue: Parents will be advised in writing that the band member will not
be able to attend band rehearsals or performances as from the following week.
Four weeks overdue: The band member will be asked to leave band rehearsal until the
payment is made.
Students will be unable to participate in tours if fees are not paid up to date.
REFUND OF FEES
Refund of band fees will only be provided, based on when the notification of intention to
leave band is given in writing to the Band Director, Band Manager and Treasurer. The
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refund will not be backdated but taken from the date of the written notice, as per the
following schedule:
Before the end of Term 1 – 50% refund
Before the end of Term 2 – 25% refund
After the end of Term 2 – no refund will be given
Refunds are applicable based on total band fees payable for the year.
No refund of band fees will be given in the event of a band member choosing to leave the
program as a result of being demoted.
COMMITMENT TO THE BAND PROGRAM
Band students should understand that when they join the band program, they are joining a
TEAM. It is important that all band members work together for the benefit of the band. It is
expected that students make certain commitments when joining the band program:
Punctual attendance at all rehearsals and performances is required. Late arrivals and
early departures are disruptive and let down the rest of the team.
Students should engage in productive practice between rehearsals.
Students should always help to set-up and clear away after each practice and, when
required, to load or unload the band trailer.
Please advise your Band Manager as soon as you are aware you will not be attending a
rehearsal and inform the Band Director, if you have prior notice. It is expected that this
will be for unusual circumstances only.
At least 4 weeks’ notice should be given if you are aware, that because of exceptional
circumstances, you will not be available for a performance so that a substitute player
can be arranged.
Weekly private tuition with a qualified music tutor is essential.
All students will be provided with ‘home copy’ practice music. Students are responsible
for their practice music. All music is to be returned upon request at the end of the
school year for re-issue by the Band Managers.
Care will be taken with the music folders both at school and when away for a
performance or tour. Due to copyright laws we have original music in these folders that
is expensive to replace. All losses will be individually investigated.
Whenever performing, the band uniform should be worn with pride and students
should pay attention to personal grooming and general appearance.
Students should ensure that their instrument is regularly maintained at their own
expense, regardless of whether it is privately owned or hired from the school.
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Band members are expected to treat each other and the Band Director and any other
adults helping with band with respect. Exemplary behaviour is expected whenever
students are representing the band and the school.
Percussion and keyboard players are responsible for ensuring that they have the
required sticks, mallets and leads to take with them to performances.
CONTRACT
A contract is required to be signed by each band member, and a parent, every year. This
contract commits the band member to certain undertakings based on the requirements of a
band member as listed in this handbook. A copy of the contract can be found on the
Outstanding School Bands page of the school website.
In signing the contract, if these undertakings are not met the Band Director will give the
student a verbal warning. If after two warnings the conditions are again not met the band
member can be demoted to a lower band, or if in the lower band be required to reaudition.
No refund of band fees will be given in the event of a band member choosing to leave the
program as a result of being demoted.
BAND LEADERS
Selected band members are invited each year to be Band Captains. The Band Captains have
specific duties and responsibilities towards the behaviour and performance of the bands at
rehearsals and at gigs.
The Band Captains for 2018 are:
Concert Band:
Sarah Taylor and Matt Ridley
Stage Band:
Luke Bryant and Keith Perry
All band members are expected to follow the example and directions of their leaders.
YEAR 12 STUDENTS
Year 12 students are only required to pay 50 per cent of the total band fees because study
commitments may not always allow attendance at rehearsals as the year progresses. We do
ask that having made the commitment to band you attend as many rehearsals as possible
during first semester.
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Year 12 certificates will be presented at the end of the year to those students who have
made a positive contribution to the band program during first semester through consistent
attendance at rehearsals and performances to the best of their ability and who have
participated fully in band activities throughout all their years as a band member.
BAND DIRECTOR
Mark Barnsley
Mark Barnsley has been heavily involved in music education in Sydney since 1993,
conducting both concert and stage bands in many primary and secondary schools. His
bands have been recognized at the highest levels with invitations to perform at the Opera
House, School Spectacular, multiple bands being awarded Command Performances at the
Yamaha Festival and winning multiple State Band Championships.
Mark is also in demand as a clinician, running master classes and workshops with other
school bands.
As a performer, Mark is one of Sydney's first call jazz and commercial trombonists
performing with such international artists as Robbie Williams, Michael Buble, Jerry Lewis,
Brian May and Roger Taylor (Queen) and has supported the Rolling Stones on tour in Hong
Kong. In Australia he has performed and/or recorded with Tina Arena, Human Nature,
David Campbell, Australian Idol, Guy Sebastian, Doug Parkinson, Jon Stevens, Paulini, James
Morrison, Caroline O'Connor, Don Burrows, Emma Pask, Jeff Duff, Wayne Bergeron and
Bobby Shew to name a few.
Mark has also performed on many national television shows, movie soundtracks and jingles
as well as the professional theatre show productions of Dirty Dancing, Floorplay, Priscilla
Queen of the Desert, Chicago and West Side Story.
Turramurra High School is very pleased to have access to such a skilled and dedicated
musician to the benefit of both our children and the band program.
BAND UNIFORM
The Band uniform consists of black trousers, black belt, black microfibre long-sleeved shirt
and/or black polo shirt, black socks and clean black shoes. Please ensure the black socks are
long enough to cover the lower leg (i.e. no gap between the sock and the pants when
seated).
Black polo shirts can be purchased at Auditions or through your Band Manager, and long
sleeved black micro fibre shirts and black pants can be purchased at Lowes. Each band
member is responsible for purchasing their uniform.
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BAND INSTRUMENTS
There are several instruments available for hire by band members. Larger more expensive
instruments like tubas, tenor and baritone saxophones, French horns and bass clarinets may
be available. Unfortunately flutes, keyboard or percussion are not available for hire.
Members of the Band who do not own their own instrument will be expected to hire an
instrument via an outside source (see some options below) if one is not available from the
school.
If you would like more information please contact the Instrument Co-ordinator. Students
hiring a school instrument will be given a copy of the Instrument Hire Policy Document that
contains all information and appropriate documentation regarding the loan. A copy of the
Instrument Hire Agreement (which is an appendix to the policy document) will need to be
signed, returned and fees paid prior to taking home the instrument.
Please note instrument hire attracts a refundable security deposit of $250.
Irrespective of whether an instrument is being returned or rehired, the family must advise
the Instrument Co-ordinator by email as early as possible before the end of Term 4.
If the instrument is being returned, it must be serviced first and the receipt handed to the
Instrument Co-ordinator at the time of return. This also applies to instruments being
returned at times throughout the year.
Where a family wants to continue to hire an instrument into the following year, they must
present the service receipt to the Instrument Co-ordinator as soon as possible. If the
Instrument Co-ordinator does not receive notice, the family will be invoiced for hire fees for
the following year.
The companies listed below hire and/or sell a range of instruments:
Turramurra Music: 1267 Pacific Hwy, Turramurra, Phone: 9449 8487
Musicorp: http://www.musicorp.com.au, Phone: 1300 858 911
INSURANCE
Members who own their own instruments should ensure they include such instruments on
their household contents insurance. Unfortunately, they will not be covered, under any
circumstances, by the school’s policy.
Band instruments that are hired are covered by the school policy when at school or on an
approved excursion. However, at all other times including when at your home, they are the
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responsibility of the borrower and should be included in your household contents insurance
cover.
BAND TOURS
Regular international and regional band tours are a feature and attraction of our Band
Program. Recent destinations our bands have enjoyed have included the United Kingdom,
Eastern Europe, West Coast of America, Melbourne, South Western and North Western
New South Wales, Adelaide and Tasmania.
BAND SUPPORT GROUP
Everyone is encouraged to demonstrate support for the Band Program. This is an extra-
curricular activity run by parents with school support.
The Band Support Group meets during school term every 2nd Tuesday evening of the month
at 7.30 pm (usually in the staff common room – upstairs in A Block).
Everyone is welcome. The first meeting for 2018 will be held on Tuesday 13 February 2018.
E-MAIL CONTACT
All band members and supporters are asked to provide at least one email contact address,
preferably both a parent’s address and the band member’s address.
Weekly notes are emailed out to all band members and parents with news updates and
details about upcoming events. Band members are encouraged to read the Notes
themselves and take responsibility for knowing what is happening in the band program.
PRIVACY POLICY
Information collected from parents and band members is to support the administration and
operation of our Band Program, and will not be disclosed to any other person. It may be
made available to Committee members and the Turramurra High School P&C Association.
From time to time, photos and videos clips of band members will be placed on the Band
website or other publications for promotional purposes. Individual Band members will not
be identified by name without the express permission of their parents.
Should you not wish your children to be on the web site, or identified by name, please
advise the Committee in writing.
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WHO TO CONTACT
For general enquiries your first point of contact should be your Band Manager (whose
contact details are available on the Outstanding School Bands page of the school website,
http://www.turramurrahighschool.com.au/content/outstanding-school-bands, in the Band
Support Group contacts document).
The next point of contact should be any of the key contacts detailed below and they will
forward you onto the most appropriate person, if needed.
Financial matters/enquiries should be directed to the Treasurer.
COMPLAINT PROCEDURE
The Band Director, Mr Mark Barnsley, is available after rehearsals or via email on
[email protected] to discuss any issue concerning band members’ participation in
the Band Program. He should be approached in the first instance with any queries regarding
musical direction and accomplishment.
Other issues of an administrative nature should be raised with your Band Manager or with
the relevant Committee member.
Otherwise, concerns can be addressed in writing to the Band Executive via the Band Box in A
block. Mr Jeff Lambert, Head of Creative Arts, is the staff member who liaises between the
school and the Band Program.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS – KEY CONTACTS
Co-Presidents: Anne Cornford 0412 616 691 [email protected]
Linda Davies 0435 058 459
Vice –President: Humberto Ho 0413 752 117 [email protected]
Treasurer: Leigh Hudson 0409 609 199 [email protected]
Secretary: Cathy Sanders 0431 736 143 [email protected]
We look forward to welcoming new band members in 2018 to an exciting,
enjoyable and rewarding year, in which all band members can strive to
maximise their enjoyment of music and participation in our program.