Band & Instrumental News
Blackburn Primary School
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 to everyone!
Welcome to Isobel
A big welcome to Isobel Frankish, (who has replaced Flora, who is studying overseas) as our new Clarinet/Saxophone teacher and joined us in Term 3, her students are really enjoying their lessons and are making excellent progress. Welcome to the IM (Instrumental) family at BPS Isobel, we hope you will continue to encourage, support and assist our students on their musical journey.
Symphonic Band Performance at VSMF
The Symphonic Band recently performed at the Hawthorn Arts Centre in the VSMF (Victorian Schools Music Festival). They not only were excellent Ambassador’s for the school in their behaviour and deportment, but also 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.
Pre-Loved Music Instruments Wanted!
Do you or someone you know have an unused instrument that you would like to move on?
You may like to consider selling it to an aspiring new member of the 2027 BPS Band Program, or even donating it to the school so we could offer it to a student who may otherwise find the cost of an instrument and lessons a barrier to joining the program.
Why not ask your local music store to check the condition and playability of your instrument and give an appraisal of its approximate value?
If you are interested in selling or donating your instrument at the end of the year, please contact Kate Heng at bps.friendsoftheband@gmail.com There will be new students requiring second-hand instruments following our Band Recruitment Night on Thursday 19th November. Kate is happy to be a point of contact between sellers and buyers; however she will not be participating in price negotiations.
We look forward to helping you move on your instrument to another BPS student!
Evening of Music
We have now started our preparations for the End of Year Concert on Thursday 12th November in Term 4 and groups are starting to sound great.
Please see the notice on Compass for more detailed information.
We are in for an incredible night of entertainment and music making. We will have a new Ensemble to listen to on that evening, our Percussion Ensemble, I am sure you will all join me in thanking Roderick. I am really looking forward to their performance.
Students currently in Grades 2 to 5 who may be keen to join the 2027 Band Program may also like to attend this concert - so please note the date in your diaries!
Band Recruitment Night
Our other BIG night is our Recruitment Night; this will be held on Thursday 19th Novemberin the MPR and various classrooms in the library section. Our Symphonic Band and Guitar Ensemble will be performing, also selected students will be asked to help out and assist with teachers when prospective student’s try-out the various instruments. Thank you in anticipation of a wonderful night for our newbies.
AMEB (Australian Music Examination Board)
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 this term; we wish them the very best and please
Prepare, Prepare, Prepare!
Upcoming Performances
Ensembles will also be performing at assemblies, and other venues to be decided. Also, our Concert Band is performing at the VSMF on Tuesday 10th November, held at the Hawthorn Arts Centre. We will no doubt be holding a Carols Assembly and play Christmas carols outside the gym later in the term. Don’t forget to look on Compass for any events and performances.
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 2026
Ken MacDonald - Band Coordinator, Trumpet and Trombone teacher. Concert Band (CB) and Symphonic Band Director (SB)
Alwaynne Strentz - Acoustic & Bass Guitar teacher, Guitar Ensemble Director (GE)
Jake Underwood - Acoustic Guitar teacher, Novice Guitar Ensemble Director (NGE)
Jirene Beh - Flute teacher
Isobel Frankish - Clarinet and Saxophone teacher
Adrienne Garneau - Clarinet and Saxophone teacher, Training Band Director (TB)
Rod Mcleod - Percussion teacher, Percussion Ensemble Director (PE)
Yours musically,
Ken Mac - Band Coordinator (Wed, Thurs, Fri)
Lisa Shacklock - Band Liaison (Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri)