Band & Choir

BPS Band Program

A word from the New BPS Band Co-ordinator - Alwaynne Strentz

It is with much excitement that I introduce myself to the community as the new BPS Band Co-ordinator, instrumental teacher and Band Director. Although my face may be new to most of you, I have a long history with the BPS music program. The current model that the band program is built upon, started over 25 years ago, and I’m proud to say that I was one of the founding instrumental tutors that helped build the program that you know and love today. I started teaching at BPS in 1997 as a graduate of the Victorian College of the Arts. During my time at BPS, I furthered my study and gained my teaching qualifications from Monash University. Although I could have sought employment as a classroom teacher, my love of the amazing music program at BPS kept me there until the end of 2008. 

The year 2008 heralded so many significant milestones in my life. It was the birth of my youngest child, my 12th year teaching at BPS and my 4th year as Band Co-ordinator. I had the honour of being awarded the title of ‘2008 Victorian Musical Director of the Year’ by the Victorian Bands League. 2008 was also the year that I made the decision to trade my highly successful music career for a new and challenging venture – home duties looking after 6 children ranging in age from 7 months to 11 years old. Yes, I switched roles with my wife and launched myself into a world of beauty and insanity! 

Skip forward 14 years and here I am, ready to immerse myself back into the amazing music program and community at BPS that I know and love. I’m extremely excited and humbled to be given the opportunity to further develop and lead the program again. 

Reflections on Band Recruitment Night - Monday 21st November

On my third official day of duties at BPS, my baptism of fire continued with a trialling of an end of year band recruitment. We had an amazing turnout, with the night netting the largest number of musical recruits, ever! A record breaking 51 students have registered their interest in being a part of our amazing band program. Wow!

How were the offers decided upon?

The offers have been made in an endeavour to involve all students who wish to be part of the Band Program and yet maintain a balance of instruments within the Bands and Ensembles. It’s absolutely crucial to the success of our program that we have a balanced intake of instruments. Due to this factor, not all students will get their first preference. 

Instrument Offers – what families need to do next

Instrumental offers were sent out last Friday 2 December with your child. Please read through, fill and return the offer by this Friday 9 December to the office (preferred) or scan and email to alwaynne.strentz@education.vic.gov.au

BPS Instrumental Music Staff 2023 

• Alwaynne Strentz - Band Co-ordinator, Acoustic & Bass Guitar teacher, Training Band Director, Advanced Guitar Ensemble Director
• Ken Macdonald - Trumpet & Trombone teacher, Concert and Symphonic Band Director
• Jake Underwood - Acoustic & Bass Guitar teacher, Beginner Guitar Ensemble Director
• Laura Harris - Percussion teacher 
• Flora Carbo - Clarinet & Saxophone teacher

And introducing Adrienne Garneau as our new Clarinet and Saxophone teacher in 2023.

Yours musically,

Alwaynne Strentz

Band Co-ordinator, Acoustic & Bass Guitar teacher, Training Band Director, Advanced Guitar Ensemble Director (W & Th)

Welcoming 2023 Foundation students with music

Next year's Foundation students received a lovely welcome from the Concert Band upon arriving for their transition morning on November 25th. The school community got into the Christmas spirit with the band's performances of some traditional Christmas Carols. We even had own jolly carollers! Thank you to Mr Mac, the Concert Band and our carollers!

BPS Choir 

The School Choir held their final performance at last week’s assembly. They performed ‘The Oklahoma Medley’ and ‘Count On Me’ (Bruno Mars) with piano accompaniment by chorister, Youqi. I may be slightly biased, but it was a beautiful performance by Youqi and the Choir. 

THANK YOU to all parents of choristers for supporting your child at performance events throughout the year. It is wonderful to be able to have these opportunities again – we missed out on so much during Covid lockdowns!

I hope that the 2022 Choir had as much fun participating as I have directing. I am so proud of the commitment they have showed ALL year; attending weekly lunchtime rehearsals, learning their songs and harmony parts at home, and most importantly, having fun together while singing! I am looking forward to doing it all again in 2023!

Until then, happy holidays to all!

Lisa Shacklock

F-6 Music, Choir Co-ordinator & Band Liaison (M-W, F)