Band
Term 4, Week 10
Dear BPS Community,
Welcome to the final Band Program report for 2023, and my final as the BPS Band Coordinator. It’s been such an honour to reconnect with and lead Victoria’s best Band Program again. The BPS community are so blessed to have access to a vibrant, well supported and widely respected Program, that would be the envy of any Primary (and Secondary) School in Australia. Be proud and always celebrate the amazing musicians that our program nurtures and creates.
Term 4 has been full of significant events for our musicians.
Evening of Music
In week 7, we saw the highlight of our musical calendar, the Evening of Music! This year’s event is on Tuesday 14th November was an incredible showcase of Victoria’s best Primary School Band and Ensemble Program. Every single Band, Ensemble and Choir performed with energy, enthusiasm and passion. I’m sorry if you couldn’t be there, but it was incredible! A big shout out to all who helped out in the lead up and running of the evening.
Concert Band at VSMF
Also in Week 7, the Concert 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 Concert Band, their conductor Ken Macdonald, the instrumental teaching staff and Lisa Shacklock. The success of our program lies within the strength of our amazing team. Thank you to all!
Band Recruitment Night
One week later on the evening of Wednesday 22nd November, our annual Band Recruitment Night was held. This informative evening for prospective new Grades 2 to 5 band/ensemble students resulted in over 40 new students signing up. 2024 is potentially shaping up to be bigger than 2023! As far as instrument offers, we have staggered the rollout to prospective new students. Our priority is to make sure we have a balanced band at the end of the rollout. Due to this factor, not all students will get their first preference. Rest assured, if you have not received and offer yet, you will soon. Thank you for your patience.
2024 Instrumental Teaching Staff
We sadly farewell Catherine Bates who will be leaving us at the end of the year. We thank her for her time at BPS. She has accepted a full time position in 2024 teaching in a secondary school. We will all miss her!
2024 will see Flora Carbo return to teach Woodwind at BPS. She is a formidable performer within the local and national jazz scene. Ken MacDonald will step into the role of BPS Coordinator in 2024. Ken brings with him a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record of musical excellence at BPS. He is widely respected among the Victorian and Australian musical community. The program will continue to flourish under his direction and leadership. I will still be teaching at BPS with a reduced load in 2024. I look forward to my continued association with the amazing musical team at BPS, as the program continues to grow and strengthen under the professional and skillful direction of our teachers.
Have a safe and restful break over the summer holidays. Thank you for entrusting me with the honour of leading the Program in 2022/2023.
Yours Musically,
Alwaynne Strentz
BPS Instrumental Music Staff Term 1 2024
• Ken MacDonald – BPS Band Coordinator, Trumpet & Trombone teacher, Training, Concert and Symphonic Band Conductor
• Alwaynne Strentz - Acoustic & Bass Guitar teacher, Advanced Guitar Ensemble Director
• Jake Underwood - Acoustic Guitar teacher, Beginner Guitar Ensemble Director
• Adrienne Garneau - Clarinet & Saxophone teacher
• Jirene Beh – Flute teacher
• Flora Carbo - Clarinet & Saxophone teacher
• Justin Zheng - Percussion teacher