About Us - School Staff - Mission Statement - Italian Program

Since 1992, Oatley Public has had a popular and thriving band program for the students of Years 3 to 6.

There are three bands providing musical enrichment to those talented in music:

• Training
• Intermediate
• Concert

BENEFITS

Joining the band provides students with:

• opportunities to learn an instrument;
• an ability to develop teamwork skills;
• the opportunity to improve reading and mathematical skills;
• a positive social environment to develop friendships; and
• pride in representing the school.

HOW

At the end of Year 2, students are invited to audition for the school band program and enter the training band. This audition is to assist in choice of instruments and no student is excluded from the program. For the first year, students have individual tuition and combined band rehearsals allowing students to develop both individually on their instrument and as a team-member with the training band. Either the school or parent provides the instrument.

At the end of Year 3, students progress to the Intermediate band — the less expensive instrumentscan be purchased from the school by the parent. Individual tuition continues, and as the students progress in Years 4, 5 and 6 they move to the Senior Band.

WHERE

The bands rehearse at school in the hall on Mondays and Tuesdays. Individual tuition occurs separately — it is organised by the tutor and parent, including payment. Some group lessons also occur at school.

In Term 2 each year, a band weekend (or camp, as it is known) is held at the school for extra tuition and to encourage students.

Concerts at school and festivals occur throughout the year for the three bands.

COST

Tuition can vary depending on the experience of the tutor from $10 per half-hour for a high school student to $30 per half-hour for an experienced teacher/musician. This is the parents' choice. All students in the band must have a tutor and have weekly lessons.

Instrument hire from the school is $50 per term or $30 per term for percussion.

If students have their own instrument, a band fee of $25 per term is charged.

Students also need to purchase tutor books and CD if they are joining the training band.

COMMITTEE

The Band committee is made up of staff and parents and is responsible for administration of the band program and the employment of a professional bandmaster. All members are voluntary.

For further information, please ask the School Office for relevant contact details.