Band Program

A word from the BPS Band Coordinator - Alwaynne Strentz

Welcome to 2023, The year of the BPS Band Program!

There are over 120 Grades 3-6 students in the Band program this year, making it the biggest BPS Band program ever! Our program is the envy of many Primary and Secondary schools Victoria wide. Our Instrumental teaching staff would be worthy of teaching in the finest schools anywhere in Australia. We are so lucky to have such a skilled and experienced team. The support from our Principal team and admin staff is second to none. The confidence and support from the school community is the heart and soul of the success of the program. The music students at BPS are some of the most capable and advanced Primary School music students anywhere in Australia. Thank you to all of you for contributing to Victoria’s original and best Primary School Band Program! Let the 2023 musical journey begin……..

Commencement of Instrumental Lessons

Music lessons are underway for 2023. We have seven instrumental teachers delivering lessons over the week. There are dozens of excited new music students starting what I hope will be a lifelong love of music. Our continuing music students are looking to take their playing to new heights. Our musical teaching spaces have never seen so much activity. What a beautiful, vibrant creative space!   

Music lessons are held in the instrumental teaching rooms on the Whitehorse Roadside of the old schoolhouse or in the multi-purpose room. Your Instrumental teacher will let you know where your child’s lessons are held. Please make sure your child attends with their instrument (sticks for Percussionists), method books and ensemble music. Percussion students do not need to bring their percussion kits and Bass Guitar students do not need to bring their amplifiers to school (but please bring your lead). Students can store their instruments in the old schoolhouse instrumental storage area at the beginning of the day, and collect them immediately after the final bell.

It's important that students get into the habit of reading their timetables and attending their lessons a few minutes earlier than their scheduled time. Much time can be lost collecting students from class and the school yard.

Band Rehearsals and Commencement Dates

All new music students will join either the Training Band (Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Bass Guitar and Percussion) or Beginner Guitar Ensemble (Acoustic Guitars) in around a months’ time. 

Students who were in the Training Band in 2022 will move up to the Concert Band in 2023. 2022 Concert Band members will join the 2022 Symphonic Band members to form the new 2023 Symphonic Band.

All members of the 2022 Beginner Guitar Ensemble will join the 2022 Advanced Guitar Ensemble to form the new 2023 Advanced Guitar Ensemble.

Please check the schedule below for the exact starting dates and times for all the groups:

Advanced Guitar Ensemble – Thurs 9 Feb (Music Classroom) with Alwaynne Strentz

Symphonic Band – Thurs 9 Feb (Gym) with Ken Macdonald

Concert Band – Fri 10 Feb (Gym) with Ken Macdonald

Beginner Guitar Ensemble - Mon 6 March (Music Classroom) with Jake Underwood

Training Band – Wed 8 March (Gym) with Alwaynne Strentz

Please note that all Band & Ensemble rehearsals begin at 7.50am

Upcoming performances

The Symphonic Band and Advanced Guitar Ensemble will be performing at the Welcome Picnic/Holi Festival in March. The day and date are yet to be confirmed.

Training Band Vacancies

For anyone who would still like to be part of our Band Program, we have the following vacancies available:

Trombone (2 positions)

If your child is interested in learning the Trombone, please contact me for more information at alwaynne.strentz@education.vic.gov.au. 

BPS Instrumental Music Staff 2023 

Alwaynne Strentz - Band Coordinator, Acoustic & Bass Guitar teacher, Training Band Director, Advanced Guitar Ensemble Director

Ken Macdonald - Trumpet and Trombone teacher, Concert and Symphonic Band Director

Jake Underwood - Acoustic & Bass Guitar teacher, Beginner Guitar Ensemble Director

Laura Harris - Percussion teacher 

Flora Carbo - Clarinet and Saxophone teacher

Adrienne Garneau - Clarinet and Saxophone teacher

And introducing Jirene Beh as our new Flute teacher in 2023.

Yours Musically,

Alwaynne Strentz

Band Coordinator, Acoustic & Bass Guitar teacher, Training Band Director, Advanced Guitar Ensemble Director (W & Th)