Band

Dear BPS Community,

Welcome to the end of Term 3, its been a busy one! Music teachers have been working hard to deliver your child’s weekly lesson, in what has been an extremely challenging term to timetable around (with so many things going on at school). As always, music lessons unable to be given will be deducted from your Term 4 fees. 

Term 3 has seen all bands and ensembles continue to make significant improvements in all areas of their performance and musicality. It’s the term that many students find their ‘feet’ and start to realise their potential as young musicians. It’s exciting times as all Bands and Ensembles are starting to ‘hit their straps’. I constantly have to pinch myself and remember that we are a Primary School Band Program, when I hear our musicians playing at levels that outshine many High School Programs.  

In Week 5 of this term, the Advanced Guitar Ensemble performed at Carly’s farewell assembly. We did two items, ‘All I Have to Do is Dream’ by The Everly Brothers and ‘Purple Haze’ by Jimi Hendrix. The AGE continues to wow audiences with its varied and contrasted song choices. We hope our performance made Carly’s last day at BPS even more special and memorable.

In Week 8 of this term, the Symphonic Band represented BPS at the Victorian Schools Music Festival. The Band received a Gold Award for their outstanding performance at the Festival. A huge congratulations to the members of the Symphonic Band, their conductor Ken Macdonald, the instrumental teaching staff, and to Lisa Shacklock for assisting me in the administration. The success of our program lies within the strength of our amazing team. 

Thank you to all!

On Monday of this week, the Beginner Guitar Ensemble performed for the Grades 2-4 in the amphitheatre, whilst they ate their lunches. The audience was entertained with renditions of Aura Lee, Walking Blues and Molly Malone. Congratulations to Jake and the members of the BGE on a fine performance.

Term 4 will see the highlight of our year, the Evening of Music! This year’s event is on Wednesday 15th November, and promises to be an amazing celebration of Victoria’s best Primary School Band and Ensemble Program. Don’t forget to put this date into your calendar!

One week later on the evening of Wednesday 22nd November, is our annual Band Recruitment Night. This is an informative evening for prospective current Grades 2 to 5 students wanting to join the program in 2024. More information will be sent out in the lead up to the event. Please keep this on your radar.

Have a safe and restful break. I look forward to witnessing our music students reach their peak in Term 4.

Yours Musically,

Alwaynne Strentz

BPS Instrumental Music Staff Term 4 2023

•          Alwaynne Strentz - Band Coordinator, Acoustic & Bass Guitar teacher, Training Band Conductor, Advanced Guitar Ensemble Director

•          Ken Macdonald - Trumpet & Trombone teacher, Concert and Symphonic Band Conductor

•          Jake Underwood - Acoustic Guitar teacher, Beginner Guitar Ensemble Director

•          Adrienne Garneau - Clarinet & Saxophone teacher

•          Jirene Beh – Flute teacher

•          Catherine Bates - Clarinet & Saxophone teacher

•          Justin Zheng - Percussion teacher