Engadine West Public School has developed a very successful and well respected band program over many years. The program consists of two sizeable bands, training band and performing band. Recently the school has partnered with Engadine Music Education Centre which engages skilled conductors and tutors to implement an inspiring instrumental program BandTime.
The BandTime program is fully administered and follows an educationally sound structure that teaches musical skills. Students have fun participating in a concert band and socialising with their peers. The program is supported by other Engadine Music events such as BandFest, BandCamp and BandTastic. These are all exciting events and activities encouraging young musicians to play and develop their skills.
Dates for the diary
- Monday 12 February 2024 - performing band rehearsals begin - 8:15am for an 8:20am start
- Wednesday 14 February 2024 - training band rehearsals begin - 8:15am for an 8:20am start
- Wednesday 21 February 2024 - tutorials begin - refer to timetable below
Training Band
The training band is made up of Year 4 and Year 5 students. The majority of students in the training band have had no prior experience on their instrument.
The training band is designed to equip students with musical technique and experience required to prepare them for the next step of the program, the performing band.
Students in this band rehearse together every Wednesday morning from 8:20am to 9:20am in the school band studio with the training band conductor from BandTime. During this time the students play together as a whole band, learning how to be a part of an ensemble and learning the foundations of music theory. Students also attend one tutorial with their smaller instrument group after school where they are taught by qualified music professionals. The training band performs at school assemblies, performs at Bandfest and joins the performing band at the annual band camp.
Performing Band
The performing band rehearses every Monday morning from 8:20am to 9:20am in the school band studio with a qualified music teacher from BandTime. This performing band performs at important school events and represents the school at the Sutherland Shire Schools Music Festival, Bandfest and other public venues.
Performing band students also attend tutorials with qualified music professionals after school.
Gaining entry into the Engadine West PS Band Program
At the end of each year, all Year 3-5 students are given the opportunity to audition for positions in this prestigious program for the following year. If successful, students must commit to ongoing practice of their instrument and involvement at all band activities and performances including sessions before and after school.
The instruments available are:
- flute
- clarinet
- bass clarinet
- alto saxophone
- tenor saxophone
- trumpet
- trombone
- baritone
- keyboard bass
- glockenspiel and xylophone
- un-tuned percussion (drums and auxiliary percussion).
Our Band Committee
The band program runs smoothly due to a well organised band committee. The band committee assists BandTime with the running of the program, all band activities, and numerous performances during each school term as well as the annual band camp at the Tops Conference Centre.
Our parent crew
The dedication and support of our wonderful band parents is also a key element in the program's success. Our band parents provide support in many ways by attending performances, supporting students in their home practise as well as transporting equipment to and from performance venues.
The time, funds and planning dedicated to the program and the many performance opportunities available ensure that students are able to perform to a high standard each year.