Band & Instrumental News

A reminder that ALL rehearsals BEGIN at 8.00am.

Arrival time should be no later than 7.50am to help set up, 

warm instruments and be ready to start at 8.00am.

Wednesday - Training Band in Gym & Guitar Ensemble in Music Room

Thursday      - Symphonic Band in Gym

Friday            - Concert Band in Gym & Novice Guitar Ensemble in Music Room

Symphonic Band - Music Workshop 

at Blackburn High School - Tuesday 15 October 

BPS Music Captain Ava writes:

On Monday 15th of October our Symphonic Band took a short walk to Blackburn High School to play a variety of band pieces. We were joined by Healesville High and Blackburn High. We learnt about dynamics and timing of notes. For a lot of kids, the lunch and snack breaks were the best parts of the day. At first, I think some students found it a bit intimidating and awkward around the high schools but as we started to play we eased up.

From Mrs Shacklock:

What a wonderful opportunity for the 40 students in our Symphonic Band! I know we are all looking forward to seeing the videos / photos of the students' combined performances. I will share these with families as soon as I receive them. 

A huge thankyou to the music staff at Blackburn High School for initiating this excursion and for hosting us. Also, to Adrienne Garneau (BPS conductor of the day!), Mrs Fountain, Yuki Zhang and Jo Seton for attending the excursion. Thanks to Ken Macdonald and Skye T for their organisational assistance 😊

Upcoming Performances 

• THIS WEEK - Fri 18 Oct - Concert Band - Assembly 2.40pm
• Week 3: Fri 25 Oct - Novice Guitar Ensemble & Choir - Assembly 2.40pm
• Week 5: Fri 8 Nov – Training Band - Assembly 2.40pm
• Week 6:  Tues 12 Nov – Concert Band at VSMF - Hawthorn Arts Centre, Burwood Rd, Hawthorn
• Week 6:  Wed 13 Nov - Evening of Music Rehearsal (set-up and walk-through) - All Bands, Ensembles & Choir. Morning (at One Church - opposite BPS) 
• Week 6: Wed 13 Nov - Evening of Music Concert (at One Church - opposite BPS) Evening of Music 6.30pm-8.30pm
• Week 7: Wed 20 Nov - Band Recruitment Night - Symphonic Band & Guitar Ensemble to perform ( Multi-Purpose Room)  

More details soon on Compass regarding these events.

Band Recruitment Night

Current students in Grades 2 to 5 who are interested in being part of our 2025 Band Program are invited to attend this information night. Hear how the Band Program works and try out the instruments! More information coming soon.

The Symphonic Band and Guitar Ensemble will perform on this evening. We hope to see you all at as many performances as possible to listen and encourage our fabulous music students. Thank you for your continued support!

Selling an instrument?

If you think you may be interested in selling your instrument at the end of the year, please contact Jo Seton on bps.friendsoftheband@gmail.com 

There will be new students requiring second-hand instruments following the Band Recruitment Night. Jo is happy to be a point of contact between sellers and buyers, however will not be participating in price negotiations. 

34th Annual String Workshop for Primary and Secondary Student String Players

BPS Instrumental Music Staff 2024

• Ken Macdonald - Band Coordinator, Trumpet and Trombone teacher, Training Band, Concert Band and Symphonic 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
• Adrienne Garneau - Clarinet and Saxophone teacher
• Justin Zheng - Percussion teacher 

Yours musically,

Ken Mac (Wed, Thurs, Fri) 

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