Band

Band Update - Ken MacDonald

We have had a very successful Term 2. Students have continued to improve and are really enjoying their lessons and Band/Ensemble rehearsals. This was very evident in their hard work which showed in our recent Mid-Year Soirée. What a great night of music! All students equipped themselves well and the night was a huge success. Bands and Ensembles have also performed in assemblies and our Open Night.

We must not forget our hard-working Instrumental Music Teachers; the students have accomplished some remarkable results so far this year. Thank You! As always if you have any questions or queries, please don’t hesitate to contact us, all teachers contact details are listed below.

We must thank Flora who is leaving us to take her Master’s Degree in Copenhagen, she has been a great inspiration to all her students and a valued member of our Instrumental Music Team. I am sure I speak for everyone in wishing her every success in her studies and look forward to her return to Australia.

Adrienne will take on some of Flora’s students. We are in the process of finding a suitable replacement, don’t worry, all students will have lessons in Term 3. 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.

Timetables

An important reminder that all student’s need to get into the habit of reading their timetables and attending their lessons a few minutes earlier than their scheduled time. Much time can be lost collecting students from class and the school yard. Timetables are also posted on the Music noticeboard where lessons are held, they should have their own copy, and they can always ask their teacher what time their lesson is.

If students have a 9.00am lesson, they MUST go to class first and have their attendance recorded by their teacher, then go to their lessons.

AMEB Examinations

If you wish to enter your child for an AMEB (Australian Music Examination Board) exam, please contact their instrumental teacher first.

AMEB Entry Fees

Grade 1: $119

Grade 2: $126

Grade 3: $140

Grade 4: $149

Grade 5: $158

You will also require a piano accompanist. I have asked Aiden (piano teacher at BPS) and he is able and willing to assist. Fees to be arranged with him. If you already have or know of an accomplished accompanist could you please advise me of their contact details etc. as we are always trying to find more proficient pianists to assist our students, not only with exams but other performances.

The cut-off date for entries is 23rd July, and the exams will be held at the AMEB Music Centre in Hawthorn from 5 October – 15 November. (5th Metropolitan Session)

Term 3

Term 3 is again looking to be a busy time for our students and Ensembles.

Assemblies, VSMF performance (Symphonic Band) and other school events will keep our students very active in preparation and performance experience. This will also help to our lead up to the End of Year Concert and Xmas events.

2026 Ensemble Rehearsals

TRAINING BAND – Wednesdays (Gym) with Adrienne Garneau
GUITAR ENSEMBLE – Wednesdays (Music Classroom) with Alwaynne Strentz
SYMPHONIC BAND – Thursdays (Gym) with Ken MacDonald
CONCERT BAND – Fridays (Gym) with Ken MacDonald
NOVICE GUITAR ENSEMBLE - Fridays (Music Classroom) with Jake Underwood

Please note that all Band and Ensemble rehearsals begin at 7.50am.

Instrumental Vacancies

For anyone who would still like to participate in our Band Program, we have a few available vacancies. If your child is interested in learning any instrument, please contact me for more information at kenneth.macdonald@education.vic.gov.au

BPS Instrumental Music Staff 2026

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
Roderick McLeod - Percussion teacher

Yours musically,

Ken Mac (Wed, Thurs, Fri)

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