School band
Balgowlah North Public School has a thriving music program comprising three band ensembles and two string ensembles. The band programs are run by an active parent committee, have strong community and school support. There is a junior, senior, a concert band, along with a junior and senior string ensemble. A professional bandmaster conducts each band, at rehearsals twice a week. Parents whose children are involved in the band program coordinate the band program. There is an overall band coordinator, a band liaison for each of the 3 bands and string ensemble and a school liaison.
Playing in a musical ensemble can contribute to a student's development of team, community spirit, self-esteem, social interaction, self-discipline and leadership. Through Balgowlah North's music program we aim to foster an interest in and enjoyment of music. For many of our ex-students this early musical grounding has provided a foundation for their continued musical education and participation in ensembles through secondary school.
Band program
The Balgowlah North Public School band program, comprising separate junior, senior, concert bands, is an integral part of the school's entire Music Program and an excellent beginning to a great music education. The children in the bands learn to play an instrument and to read music. By being exposed to a wide repertoire, they also develop an appreciation and understanding of a range of musical styles. Students from year 3 and up are welcome to join the band program.
Junior band
Junior band is a beginner ensemble for woodwind and brass students from Years 3 and up who are in their first year of learning. It is designed to introduce the children to ensemble playing as early as possible so that they can develop the skills needed to play in the senior band. Junior band members must also attend weekly private tuition on their chosen instrument.
Senior band
Senior band consists of children in who have been playing for one year or more on their chosen instrument. Senior band members must also attend weekly private tuition on their chosen instrument.
Senior band criteria
Instrument - flute, oboe, and lower brass
Criteria (one octave only) - C, G, F, B flat major and chromatic scale starting on a note of their choice
Instrument - clarinet, trumpet, alto and tenor sax
Criteria - C, F, G, D major and chromatic scale starting on a note of their choice
Instrument - electric bass guitar or french horn
Criteria C, G, F, B flat major and chromatic scale starting on a note of their choice
Instruments - percussion
Criteria para-diddle, rim shot, basic 4/4 rock beat with fill (4 bars), snare or timpani roll. (Optional if tuned percussion is used: C, B flat major and chromatic scales)
Concert band
Concert band consists of children who demonstrate skill and application to playing more challenging and demanding music. To be promoted to the concert band, students will need to demonstrate that they are able to play competently to a level equivalent to Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB) grade 2. They should enjoy being challenged with a broad repertoire of concert pieces, which contain an increased degree of difficulty and complexity.
Concert band criteria
Instrument - flute, oboe and lower brass.
Criteria (one or two octaves) - C, G, F, Bb (flat), D majors and Eb (Flat) major and chromatic scale starting on a note of their choice.
Instrument - clarinet, trumpet, alto and tenor sax.
Criteria (one or two octaves) - C, G, F, D, A, B flat major and chromatic scale starting on a note of their choice.
Instrument - electric bass guitar and french horn.
Criteria (one or two octaves) - C, G, F, Bb (flat), D majors and Eb (Flat) major and chromatic scale starting on a note of their choice.
Instrument - percussion.
Criteria (one or two octaves) - para-diddle, rim shot, 4/4 rock beat with fill (8 bars), snare or timpani roll, flam, 16th notes for 16 bars at 120bpm. Technique will be observed for stroke type, grip and posture and bead placement. (Optional if tuned percussion is used: C, B flat major and chromatic scales).
