Band

We have had a very successful Term 3. Students have continued to improve and are really starting to enjoy their lessons and Band/Ensemble rehearsals. This is very evident in their rehearsals, and performances. Well done to everyone and keep up the hard work. We must not forget our hard-working Instrumental Music Teachers; the students have accomplished some remarkable results so far this year. Thank You!

Gallery Image — Novice Guitar Ensemble - Assembly Performance

Novice Guitar Ensemble - Assembly Performance

The Victorian School's Music Festival - Symphonic Band

The Symphonic Band recently performed at the Hawthorn Arts Centre in the VSMF (Victorian Schools Music Festival). They were excellent ambassadors for the school in their behaviour and deportment, and their performance exceeded all their expectations. Outstanding reports from not only the assessors, but from other High School teachers and students. They were justifiably awarded the GOLD award, no mean feat as there were over 60 High School Bands in their section. Great work! A very proud Conductor.

Finding out they were awarded a gold award!

Term 4 - Upcoming Music Events

Symphonic Band - ‘Play-In Day’ at Blackburn High School – Thursday 30th October

More information next term.

Evening of Music - Thursday 13th November

All Ensembles and Choir have now started preparations for the Evening of Music (our end of year concert in Term 4) and groups are starting to sound great. We are in for an incredible night of music-making and entertainment. This event will be held at One Church (opposite BPS) on Thursday 13th November. You do not want to miss the highlight of the BPS musical calendar, so please keep the date free! More information next term.

Students currently in Grades 2 to 5 who may be keen to join the 2026 Band Program may also like to attend this concert - so please note the date in your diaries!

Band Recruitment Night - Thursday 20th November

Students currently in Grades 2 to 5 who are interested in being part of the 2026 Band Program are also invited to attend our Band Recruitment Night on Thursday 20th November in the Multi-Purpose Room. More information next term.

AMEB examinations

A few of our students have already taken AMEB (Australian Music Examination Board) examinations and have received glowing reports. Well Done! Some students will be taking their examinations next term; we wish them the very best and please.....

Prepare, Prepare, Prepare!

Our Ensembles and Choir will also be performing at assemblies in Term 4. Our Concert Band is playing at the VSMF later in the year and we will no doubt hold a Carols assembly and play Carols outside the gym later in Term 4. A very busy term ahead.

As always, if you have any questions or queries, please don’t hesitate to contact us, all teachers contact details are listed below. A big THANK YOU to all parents; without your full support and encouragement our jobs would be much harder and not as enjoyable and rewarding.

BPS Instrumental Music Staff 2025

Ken MacDonald - Band Co-ordinator, Trumpet and Trombone teacher, Concert Band and Symphonic Band Director
Adrienne Garneau – Clarinet and Saxophone teacher, Training Band Director
Alwaynne Strentz - Acoustic & Bass Guitar teacher, Guitar Ensemble Director
Jake Underwood - Acoustic Guitar teacher, Novice Guitar Ensemble Director
Jirene Beh - Flute teacher
Flora Carbo - Clarinet and Saxophone teacher
Justin Zheng - Percussion teacher

Yours musically,

Ken Mac - Band Coordinator(Wed, Thurs, Fri)

Lisa Shacklock - Band Liaison (Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri)