The Clovelly Training Band

We’re thrilled that your child wants to learn to play an instrument. There are so many benefits to learning to play a musical instrument and no better time to start than when you’re a child.

How to join the training band

Step 1 – Attend the band information evening (Year 2 students + parents)

An information night was held on 20 October 2022 at 7pm.

The session will start with a 15-minute introduction aimed at our Year 2 students to introduce them to different instruments and what it’s like to be in the band. The Band Director, Murray Jackson, and members of the Friends of the Band Committee will then provide more details about the Band Program and answer your questions.

For further information, please download the Band Handbook.

Step 2 – Complete the application form

Register online. Please include both parents’ or carers’ names and contact details.

Step 3 – Instrument tryouts and audiation tests

Your child may be asked to meet Murray or one of our tutors to assess their suitability to play certain instruments. There will also be some brief audiation tests held during school time on 1 November 2022 to assess their awareness of pitch and timbre. No preparation is required.

Step 4 – Director allocates instruments

Your child will be allocated an instrument based on their preferences, as noted in your registration form, and the requirements of the Training Band. Due to the need for a balance of instruments in the Band, not every child will receive their preferred instrument. Generally instruments are allocated on a first come, first served basis. So please enrol in the band program as soon as possible. The Band Committee will advise you via email which instrument has been allocated to your child by the end of the school year.

Step 5 – Accept enrolment in Band Program

After an instrument has been allocated, you will be sent an email that confirms your child’s enrolment details including intention to hire, payment option and contact details. You need to formally accept your child’s enrolment in the Band Program by returning the Code of Conduct. By signing the code you acknowledge that you have read the Band Booklet and discussed with your child the commitment involved in being part of the Band Program as set out in the section of the Band Booklet: ‘Getting the Best out of the Band Program’.

Step 6 – Contact your tutor

One-on-one or shared instrumental lessons every week are a mandatory part of the Band Program. Please read Appendix C of the Band Booklet ‘Guide for Tutors and Parents’, then select a tutor from the Tutor List (Appendix B) and make arrangements for your child’s lessons. You may find that tutors do not start planning their schedule until the new year but you are advised to make arrangements well before Term 1 2022 starts.

Step 7 – Buy or hire an instrument

If you hire a school instrument, your child will receive the instrument at the first ‘rehearsal’ in 2022, and you will be required to sign an Instrument Hire Agreement. If you would like to buy or hire an instrument elsewhere, please speak to your tutor before committing as they can advise you regarding appropriate outlets, and makes and models of instruments. Children hiring instruments need to come to the school hall to pick up their instrument. The care of hire instruments is the responsibility of the hirer and the instruments must be given the respect they need and deserve. The hirer will be responsible for the cost of repairs to the instrument or replacement of a lost instrument.

Step 8 – Attend the first Training Band rehearsal and pay band fees

Training Band rehearsals generally commence in week 2 of Term 1. Private lessons may commence the week before. Families will be issued with an invoice for rehearsal fees and, if applicable, instrument hire early in Term 1.

Important dates

Dates next year have not been set, but we will be in touch to keep you updated.

Friday 28 October 2022 > Online applications due.

By end of term 4, 2022 > Students advised of instrument allocation via email.

TBC December 2022 > Acceptance of Enrolment and signed code of conduct due.

Before Term 1, 2023 > Make contact with your tutor and arrange your child’s lesson time.

First rehearsal, Term 1, 2023 > Hire instruments will be distributed. Instrument Hire Agreements need to be signed prior to collection of instrument.

Instrument allocations

Nominate preferred three instruments when registering

The Online Registration Form asks you to nominate three instruments your child would like to play, in order of preference. The Band Director will assign instruments to students based on these preferences, the requirements of the band and the order of enrolment. Your child may be asked to meet with Murray so he can assess their pitch, rhythm, tone and physical suitability to play certain instruments.

We need a range of instruments in the school band, so while we make every effort to ensure children are assigned an instrument of their preference, this cannot be guaranteed. There is often high demand to play instruments such as the flute and alto saxophone, but for the band to be a great experience for your child the band has to be well-balanced. To get the best band sound, we need instruments from all sections.

If you already have access to a band instrument, this will be taken into consideration when allocating an instrument to your child. But keep in mind that children who play less popular instruments may have a better chance of securing a place in a high school band or receiving a high school music scholarship!

Training Band instruments

The type of instruments in the Training Band is limited to the following:

• Woodwind: Flute, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone
• Brass: Trumpet, French Horn, Baritone, Euphonium, Trombone, Tuba
• Percussion: Mallet Percussion, Drums
• Electric Bass Guitar

Learning a range of instruments

Please remember that the instrument your child is allocated in Year 3 need not be the only instrument they play during their time in the Clovelly Band. Once students become more proficient, and as their hands, fingers and lips grow, they will be encouraged to try new instruments. For example, all trumpet players will progress to baritone in Terms 3 and 4, and in later years they may like to try euphonium, trombone, French horn or tuba. Woodwind players may progress to the Tenor Saxophone or bass clarinet.

Instruments for hire

The Band Program also has a limited number of flutes, clarinets, saxophones and trumpets available for hire, as well as any low brass instruments that may be allocated. However, we do not hire out bass guitars. Percussionists may purchase their practice kits from the Band Program. Further details can be found in the Band Booklet.

Making music is a wonderful and rewarding experience for our students. We look forward to your young musician joining our Band Program and becoming part of our musical community.

Contact the band