
Bands and Ensembles
“Band members have a special bond. A great band is more than just some people working together. It's like a highly specialized army unit, or a winning sports team. A unique combination of elements that becomes stronger together than apart.” - Steven Van Zandt
After a suitable period of instruction on an ensemble instrument, students who take lessons at the College are required to participate in the ensemble program when they have reached an appropriate standard. Students who learn a band instrument are required to play in one of the concert bands, and those learning a stringed instrument are required to play in one of the string ensembles. The Big Band program is by invitation or audition. Those students who learn piano, guitar or voice are also welcome to join ensembles and simply need to ask relevant staff.
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- Arrive at least 10 minutes before the commencement of the rehearsal.
- Have all the required equipment (instrument, music).
- Help in the set-up and pack-up of the rehearsal space.
- Practise your part between rehearsals.
- Focus on the requirements of the ensemble and behave in an appropriate manner during rehearsals.
- Notify ensemble director in advance of all absences (messages from friends are not acceptable).
- Attend scheduled performances.
- No phone use during rehearsals
Band (Core Concert Band Program)
Year 5 Concert Band |
A Concert Band is essentially a wind orchestra which combines wind instruments with percussion. The Concert Band program is our “core” band program and begins in Year 4, where all students are required to choose an instrument for the year with the hope that they may find their niche and continue playing in bands into Senior school. All students who play a wind or percussion instrument are expected to participate in this program. There is also some scope for other musicians to join the band program if they wish. This is generally, but not limited to, piano players who may wish to participate in some of the percussion or band areas. |
Year 6 Concert Band |
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Intermediate Concert Band |
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Wind Symphony |
Strings (Core Strings Program)
Junior Strings |
The Strings program begins in Year 4, where all students are required to choose an instrument for the year with the hope that they may find their niche and continue playing into Senior school. Junior Strings welcomes all the Year 4s from the previous year to enjoy a more challenging program. This continues into Intermediate Strings and eventually to Senior Strings. All students who play violin, viola, cello or bass are expected to participate in this program. There may often be scope for piano players to participate here if required. |
Intermediate Strings |
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Senior Strings |
Big Band (and Jazz related)
Junior Big Band |
A Big Band is essentially a large Jazz Ensemble and plays a more contemporary repertoire. This is a specialist ensemble and students are chosen based on ability, often by selection and sometimes by audition. Junior Big Band consists mainly of Year 6 students and in some cases suitable Year 5 students. Intermediate Big Band is the next step and Senior Big Band is at the top of this program. |
Intermediate Big Band |
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Big Band |
Small Ensembles
Rock Band |
Guitar Ensemble 1 |
Guitar Ensemble 2 |
Guitar Club |
Drum Line |
Small Ensembles (Quartets, Trios etc.) |
Musical Orchestra |