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

markbarnsley@hotmail.com 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 bsgpresident@ths.community

Linda Davies 0435 058 459

Vice –President: Humberto Ho 0413 752 117 bsgvp@ths.community

Treasurer: Leigh Hudson 0409 609 199 bsgtreasurer@ths.community

Secretary: Cathy Sanders 0431 736 143 bsgsecretary@ths.community

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.