Music News - Junior

Vale Neill Duncan

We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Neill Duncan, who lost his courageous battle with cancer just after Christmas last year. Neill had tutored percussion and reeds at BMGS for the past 16 years.  During this time, he instilled a love of music in numerous young people, many of whom, through his influence and gentle guidance, have gone on to pursue their own careers in music. He also lent his considerable expertise in accompanying many students for their practical assessments and HSC performance exams. The fabulous student ensemble ‘Neill’s Armee’ performed at numerous Soirées, Spring Fairs and external events. Neill’s extensive contribution to the musical life of BMGS, and his ability to instil and nurture a love of music in his students, will be greatly missed. 

Private music lessons and instrument hire

BMGS has an extensive range of Music tutors available to give private lessons on-site during the school day. You can view instrumental and vocal tutors on our tutor information page www.bmgs.nsw.edu.au/music-department/. Feel free to contact them directly to enquire about lessons.

The Music Department has a selection of band and orchestral instruments for hire. If your child is interested in instrumental lessons and doesn’t yet have their own instrument, please contact Ms Downs in the Music Office to discuss availability. 

Piano lessons

Cathy Laws continues to take a break in Term 1. At the Springwood campus, Saadet Dagistanli will be standing in for Cathy and is looking forward to meeting our young pianists. Saadet is a professional pianist and music teacher with over 35 years of teaching experience. You can contact her directly on saadetstyle@yahoo.com.au or 0403 178 157.

At the Wentworth Falls campus, we have three piano tutors: Robbie Mann, Lyn Phillips and Kerrie O’Connor-Brown. You can find their details and contact information on our Music Tutor page www.bmgs.nsw.edu.au/music-department/

Drum lessons

Cameron Smith (BMGS Alumnus, 2016) has a BMus in Contemporary Music Performance and is offering drum lessons in 2022. Cameron has studied with industry professionals including Rick Grossman from ‘Hoodoo Gurus’ and performed with members of the ‘Wolfmother’ Band. In 2020 Cameron established the BMGS Rock band which rehearses Monday afternoons. Having played drums for the last 13 years, Cameron also tutors drums and percussion privately. You can contact Cameron directly on camysmith@hotmail.com or 0456 619 325.

Year 2 String Programme

Year 2 students will receive their string instruments, either a violin or cello, in Week 3. Parents will receive an Instrument Loan Agreement shortly, which should be signed and returned to school as soon as possible. 

Year 5 Berimba Band

Year 5 students received their band instruments this week and have had their first lesson in how to take care of and play their instrument. Parents will receive an Instrument Loan Agreement shortly, which should be signed and returned to School as soon as possible.

Co-Curricular Ensembles

Junior School Choir is held on Wednesday lunchtimes in the PAC Recital Room. All singers are welcome. Junior School Orchestra is on Friday lunchtimes in the PAC Recital Room and all instrumentalists are welcome. Please see Mrs Cooney if you have any questions or need further information. 

Mrs Debbie Smith

Head of Music