THS Band Handbook 2021 · 2021. 7. 24. · Band Handbook for 2021 INDEX ... • The Jazz...

Turramurra High School Band Program P.O. Box 5126 South Turramurra NSW 2074 School website: http://www.turramurrahighschool.com.au/

Band Handbook for 2021

INDEX

Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 2

Composition of Bands .............................................................................................................. 3

Rehearsal Times ....................................................................................................................... 3

Auditions .................................................................................................................................. 4

Jazz Improvisation Classes ....................................................................................................... 6

How to Join the Band program ................................................................................................ 6

Conditions of Registration ....................................................................................................... 7

Band Fees ................................................................................................................................. 7

Management Of Overdue Fees ................................................................................................ 8

Refund of Fees ......................................................................................................................... 8

Commitment to the Band Program ......................................................................................... 9

Contract ................................................................................................................................. 10

Band Leaders .......................................................................................................................... 10

Year 12 Students .................................................................................................................... 10

Band Directors ....................................................................................................................... 11

Band Uniform ......................................................................................................................... 11

Band Instruments ................................................................................................................... 12

Insurance ................................................................................................................................ 12

Band Tours ............................................................................................................................. 13

Band Support Group .............................................................................................................. 13

Band Notes and Email Contact .............................................................................................. 13

Privacy Policy ......................................................................................................................... 13

Who to Contact ...................................................................................................................... 14

Complaints Procedure ........................................................................................................... 14

Committee Members – Key Contacts .................................................................................... 14

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INTRODUCTION

Our band program has an outstanding reputation for musical achievement enabling our students to actively participate in a music program that delivers enjoyment through a diverse musical experience and growth in an encouraging team environment. Turramurra High School bands have been successful in many competitions and have performed at many prestigious events both locally and abroad. 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 2021 program and trust your musical experience will be both challenging and rewarding. Jane Willis and Jane Barnwell 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. Placement in bands is based on auditions each year conducted by the Band Director during the first weeks 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.

• The Jazz Improvisation group (see below) is an innovation introduced to the band program a couple of years ago with the aim of teaching students the improvisation skills so valuable to stage bands. This class is open to anyone on any instrument, not just the standard jazz instruments and not just members of the Stage Bands.

REHEARSAL TIMES

Rehearsals take place in the Band Room (located downstairs in E Block, opposite the School library) or in the Multi-Purpose Centre (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 Improvisation class (1) 3.15 – 4.15 pm Stage Band 1 4.15 – 5.45 pm Improvisation class (2) 4.15 – 5.15 pm

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AUDITIONS

Auditions will be held during the first week of Term 1, 2021. Times will be confirmed prior to the day(s). Auditions will be held in the Band Room in E Block. The easiest way to join the band program as a new member is to complete and submit a Registration Form and complete our online new intake form via this link, https://www.bandforte.com.au/bin/bf.dll?portal&pkey=HNKE-DIEL-NECM-IGCM You are also required to complete the Invoice for Fees, and Student Band Contract. You will receive these in your Year 7 student pack, but they are also available from the school website. In order to organize welcome interview schedules, forms should be completed and returned asap, but absolutely no later than 23rd January, 2021. Forms can be returned by email to [email protected]

All new band members are requested to attend a welcome interview with the Band Director. All those wishing to be considered for a Stage Band in 2021, and Concert Band members seeking promotion, are also requested to attend an audition and complete their registration for 2021.

Audition Requirements include:

1. Scales a. Please prepare 1 major, 1 harmonic minor, 1 melodic minor and 1 chromatic

scale. b. Students wishing to be included in CB1 should play all scales over 2 octaves in

quavers at ♩= 140. c. Scales must be played by memory for everyone auditioning. d. Students wishing to be included in CB1 should prepare at least TWO of their

scales over 2 octaves. 2. Pieces

a. Please prepare 2 pieces that are appropriate to your current grade level. These are NOT to be pieces from band.

3. Sight reading will be given to you on the day.

4. A photocopy of the sheet music for your pieces (not scales) MUST be brought into the audition with you and given to Jeff. For guitar and bass guitar, tablature will not be appropriate. Even if you plan on performing by memory, still bring music in so he can see what you’re playing.

Audition Tips

Scales

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- When you are preparing scales, please practice them thoroughly and regularly with high repetition. Scales are very easy to learn, but if you only play them once or twice per practice you will struggle to remember them. The best way to practice 4 scales (considering your time frame) would be to play each scale once every day. Then for week 1 focus on 1 scale and play it 10 times in a row correctly with the music before you move on. Do this 3 times during your practice separated by other things. Choose a scale to be your focus scale for each week, but remember to keep playing all scales each day to keep them fresh.

- Use sheet music when practicing scales until you’re absolutely sure that you are playing them correctly at every repetition. Don’t ‘feel’ your way through the scale by memory to learn them.

- Use a metronome in your preparation. Start learning your scales slowly, then once you know them thoroughly and correctly, start to increase the speed.

Pieces

- For your pieces it is very important that you choose things you can play really well. Don’t choose something way too hard for you in order to impress, then not be able to play it. On the other hand if you choose something that is very easy it might not qualify you for entry into the upper bands.

Sight Reading

- Sight reading can be practiced. There are wonderful books available with playable compositions appropriate for all instruments. Not only are these great to play, but excellent for sight reading practice. Please consult your teacher and if you don’t have one already, buy one immediately and start working on it (you can order online, www.jwpepper.com is excellent but in order to receive music quickly you need to choose the most expensive shipping method. Sometimes this choice isn’t made available so leave a comment with your order).

Holidays!

- You may like to take a break from playing during the holidays however while it is sometimes good to have a break in order to come back refreshed, the flip side is that you lose a substantial amount of quality in your playing when you don’t practice for even a few days. If you’re going on holidays and can’t/won’t take your instrument, there are still ways that you can practice. For example, take your music with you and work through your pieces and scales in your mind - this means think through the process of playing, using fingers to pretend to play as you internally sing/think through the pieces/scales.

Finally a message from our Musical Director

- The actual audition is a great atmosphere. It is a time for you to be able to show what you can do and a time for the me to enjoy hearing you play on your own rather

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than covered within the band (which is why audition days are one of my favourite musical days of the year). Try not to stress too much about it- no one is there to jump down your throat. The aim is just to make sure everyone is placed into the correct band for them.

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 and develop different approaches to improvising in a way that can’t be concentrated on in other ensemble rehearsals. The skills developed in these classes are beneficial to students interested in both 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 feel confident and enjoy improvising solos.

Specifically for horn and woodwind 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 to 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 about creating great solos!

HOW TO JOIN THE BAND PROGRAM

The easiest way to join the band program is to complete and submit a Registration Form and an Invoice for Fees (download documents from the school website link above), as soon as possible, and sign and return a Contract prior to the start of band rehearsals in Term 1,

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2021. These may be emailed to [email protected]

We look forward to welcoming Year 7 2021 to the Turramurra High School Band Program.

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.

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, mallets and leads. These must be brought to all rehearsals and performances.

BAND FEES

Band fees are payable either:

• Once per year for the full year; or

• Once per semester, i.e. twice per year (by 3 March 2021 and 3 July 2021)

• The 2021 Concert band fee per student is $600

• The 2021 Stage band fee per student is $300

• Jazz Improvisation Classes for 2021 will cost $410 for the year.

• Discounted fees apply for subsequent students within the same family.

• Should financial circumstances prevent payment of fees by the due date, alternate payment arrangements can be agreed in advance with the Treasurer.

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Additional fees apply for:

• Percussion and Keyboard: a maintenance fee of $100 is charged per year to cover the cost of maintaining and replacing these instruments.

• 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 Account BSB: 633 000

Acct: 152494647 Ref: Band member’s name

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 is only available when a written notification of intent to leave band is received by the Band Director, Band Manager and Treasurer. The 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.

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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 truck.

• Please advise your Band Manager and the Band Director as soon as you are aware that you will be unable to attend. 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 manager of the music library.

• 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.

• 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.

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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 2021 are as stated in the weekly Band Notes emailed to band parents and children.

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. The positive contribution of Year 12 students is greatly appreciated.

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BAND DIRECTOR

Jeff Barnsley

Jeff is admitted Licentiate of Trinity College London (LTCL) – a Performer’s Diploma in Trumpet. As a student, he won Australian championships as a soloist (Soprano Cornet), with a concert band (Hills Music Academy under Director Mike Butcher) and with a brass band (Willoughby under Director Peter Walmsley). As a professional player, Jeff has played both trumpet and guitar extensively in Sydney and on tour within Australia working across pop, rock, jazz, Latin and big band styles. As an educator, Jeff continues to conduct, and teach privately. His music career has existed alongside his career as a Senior Executive of Regional Operations and Engineering and he brings extensive leadership skills and experience to the Band Director role.

The purpose with which Jeff leads is: “to provide the students with a musical experience that brings them joy, development as musicians, personal development, professional development and growth as a team, school and community.”

His goal is for the students to have the lifelong benefits that accompany a love of playing music.

Rose Foster

Rose Foster directs the Jazz Improvisation classes on Friday afternoons. Rose is a professional trombone player who is a member of several big bands including Sirens Big Band and Queen Porter Stomp, as well as being experienced in conducting and teaching.

Turramurra High School is very pleased to have access to such skilled and dedicated musicians to the benefit of both our children and the band program.

BAND UNIFORM

The Band uniform consists of plain black trousers, black belt, plain black long-sleeved collared shirt, black socks and clean black shoes. A black THS band polo shirt with the school emblem is also used and specified as band uniform for some performances in a more relaxed setting. 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). THS Band polo shirts can be purchased through the BSG, and long-sleeved black shirts and black pants can be purchased at Lowes (or your preferred outlet). 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, keyboards and 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.

Turramurra Music hires and/or sell a range of instruments:

• Turramurra Music: 1267 Pacific Hwy, Turramurra, Phone: 9449 8487

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 responsibility of the borrower and should be included in your household contents insurance cover.

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BAND TOURS

Regular international and regional band tours are a feature and attraction of our Band Program. Recent destinations our bands have enjoyed include the United Kingdom, Eastern Europe, West Coast of America, Melbourne, South Western and North Western New South Wales, Adelaide, Perth 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 second Tuesday evening of the month at 7.00 pm (usually in the staff common room – upstairs in A Block).

Everyone is welcome and indeed encouraged to attend. The first meeting for 2021 will be held on Tuesday 9 February 2021

BAND NOTES AND EMAIL CONTACT

Email is the main form of communication between the Band Support Group, band students and parents. The Weekly Notes newsletter is emailed out to all band members and parents on Sunday evenings/Monday mornings with news updates and details about upcoming events. Band managers also email additional information about events and updates as required during the week. As such all band members and supporters need to provide an email contact address that is read regularly. All band members and supporters are asked to provide an email contact address, preferably both a parent’s address and the band member’s address.

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.

Please ensure that this status is up to date in the school’s records.

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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, and in the Weekly Band Notices 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.

COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE

Band Director, Jeff 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 Band Committee member.

Otherwise, concerns can be addressed via email to the Band Executive [email protected]. Mr Douglas Sham, Creative and Performing Arts Department, is the staff member who liaises between the school and the Band Program.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS – KEY CONTACTS

Co-Presidents: [email protected]

Vice –President: [email protected]

Treasurer: [email protected]

Secretary: [email protected]

We look forward to welcoming new band members in 2021 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.

THS Band Handbook 2021 · 2021. 7. 24. · Band Handbook for 2021 INDEX ... • The Jazz...

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