LPS Band
Welcome to Band 2021
Lindfield Public School has an extensive and highly regarded band program that was established in 1979!
Through music, children can find a way to channel their energy and ability into something purposeful and creative.
This year we have approx. 140 children, 3 conductors and many tutors across our 4 bands.
Rehearsals and tutorials commence from 15 February. Further information about performances will be provided throughout the year.
In the meantime, please enjoy the 2020 Music Spectacular showcase – link below. (Special Thanks to our Music Spectacular Co-ordinator, Geraldine Wallbank)
Our Bands
Junior Band (JB)
Junior Band is for beginners, often the first experience learning a musical instrument. Children generally commence in Junior Band in Year 3, but also open for any beginners in Yr4-6. In 2021, we have approximately 40 members.
By the end of their first year our JB will usually have performed at the school at K-2 assembly, Music Camp and Open Day. In the second half of the year, they have their first external performance at the NSW School Band Festival and at Roseville Kindy.
Intermediate Band (IB)
Following a year in JB, students usually progress to IB the following year.
It is largely made up of children from Year 4. We currently have 35 members in IB.
IB usually performs at the school’s Open Day, assembly performances and the North Shore Primary School Band Festival. The children all look forward to their IB Tour, which takes place late in Term 3. On the tour, the Band usually visit schools in Sydney’s west, which either don’t have their own band program, or have a significantly smaller program. The children perform for, or with students from these schools.
Concert Band (CB)
This is our most senior ensemble, and comprises children from Years 5 and 6 who have successfully auditioned following their year in IB. Most children stay in CB until the end of Year 6.
CB perform at many of the same events as IB, however in addition they perform at NSW Band Festival in August every year, and may perform at a local school for students with intellectual disabilities, and at the Year 3 – 6 Presentation Day. Year 6 members of CB are also rostered to perform the National Anthem during Year 3-6 assembly.
CB also have a CB Tour each year, on which they either visit schools or participate in a music development day, finishing with a fun activity as a reward for their commitment to the band program over the years.
Big Band (BB)
Big Band is our extension ensemble. CB members who play piano, trumpet, trombone, saxophone, tuba or percussion may audition to join. The band rehearses once a week in addition to their CB rehearsals.
They perform at NSW Band Festivals, Chatswood Spring Festivals at the Concourse, and visit a local retirement village to perform for residents.
Our Conductors
Megan Lipworth - JB and CB
Anthony Marsden - IB
Lachlan Hamilton - Big Band (BB)
Useful Resources
2021 Rehearsal Timetable
| JB | Wednesday | 3.00 – 4.20 pm | Friday | 7.30 – 8.45 am |
| IB | Tuesday | 3.00 – 4.20 pm | Thursday | 7.30 – 8.45 am |
| CB | Tuesday | 7.15 – 8.45 am | Thursday | 3.00 – 4.20 pm |
| BB | Monday | 5:30 – 6:30 pm |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who runs the band program?
The band program is run by parent volunteers as a sub committee of the P&C, with the endorsement of the School. We engage qualified conductors to lead the bands, qualified instrument tutors to provide lessons and manage the day to day running of the band program, including music camp and performances.
We are a committee of approximately 15, mostly volunteer parents, who meet one night a term to discuss Band matters. We currently have 2 parents acting as “band representatives” for each band, an instrument coordinator, tutor coordinator, Music Camp coordinator, Music Spectacular coordinator and administrative assistant. We are always looking for any interested parents to join us. If you would like to be involved, please contact us on band@lpspandc.org.au
What instruments are in the band?
The instruments available are flute, clarinet, saxophone (alto and tenor), trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium (and baritone), tuba and percussion.
Percussion includes over 30 instruments including drums, glockenspiel, timpani and many more.
The piano/keyboard is part of the extension ensemble (Big Band) only, so students learning the piano and invited to learn a woodwind, brass or percussion instrument in the larger bands.
What is the time commitment to be in the band?
A standard week in band would involve 3hours + home practice time.
All children in the program are enrolled in at least one ensemble – Junior Band, Intermediate Band or Concert Band.
Each concert band ensemble rehearses twice a week (1.25hr before school and 1.25hr after school). Members are required to attend both rehearsals – total 2.5hr per week.
An additional extension ensemble (Big Band) is also available for those wishing to have an additional opportunity (extra 1hr rehearsal).
All band members must also have at least one half hour (30min) individual lesson per week, held at the school with an allocated tutor.
Students who leave the band program will no longer be able to attend lessons at the school.
Additional performances: Our bands are also asked to perform at various school events and external festivals, competitions and events (TBC), which may require additional time outside rehearsals. Members may also be required to attend some weekend performances and the annual band camp.
How do I enrol my child?
New band members are invited to join Junior Band, our beginner band. Students must be in year 3-6 to join the band program.
Intake/enrolments open in Term 4 for the following year. At this time, students are allocated instruments via a matching process. A tutor will also be assigned to each student.
Late enrolments may be accepted in early Term 1, before band commences, however instrument/tutor options may be limited.
If your child has transferred from another school band program, they may be moved into the Intermediate (2nd Year) or Concert Band (3rd and 4th year) once they have met with the conductor.
Contact: band@lpspandc.org.au
Can I hire an instrument?
The Lindfield Public School band program offers a number of larger/rare instruments for hire including:
- Trombone
- French Horn
- Tenor Saxophone
- Bass Clarinet
- Euphonium
- Baritone
- Tuba (including a rehearsal/tutorial instrument kept at school)
To hire an instrument, please contact the Instrument Coordinator: lindfieldinstruments@gmail.com
How do I pay for band, instrument hire and tutorials?
Band Fees:
Annual Fees for band are split into 2 payments – Semester 1 (due Term 1) and Semester 2 (due Term 3).
These are payable online, via this website. Scroll down to select your child’s band fee option.
Instrument Hire Fees:
If you hire an instrument, your annual hire fee is $220, split into 2 Semester payments. Payable at the same time as band fees.
A Instrument Bond of $150 is also payable when you first hire the instrument. It may be refunded when the instrument is returned in the same condition.
Tutorial Fees:
You will be provided a separate invoice and payment instructions from your tutor. Invoices are payable every term.
Late fees may apply to late payments of the above.
Can I use my Creative Kids Voucher?
Yes. LPS Band program has registered with the NSW Government as a provider under the Creative Kids scheme. Parents with eligible vouchers will be able to apply these vouchers against Band Fees, giving a $100 saving. Vouchers can be obtained through Service NSW https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-creative-kids-voucher
Note that vouchers can only be redeemed against one activity.
Covid-19 Protocols
Students, Conductors, Tutors and parent volunteers participating in band rehearsals and tutorials must comply with all current Covid protocols.
- Wash hands/use hand sanitiser before entering rehearsal/tutorial space. Please do not use hand sanitiser anywhere near wooden floorboards (ie. Apply under COLA, outside hall)
- Students must be spaced 1.5m apart; Flute 3m apart
- No sharing music stands and music folders
- Adults (Conductors, tutors and parent volunteers) must maintain 3m distance
- Adults attending rehearsals/tutorials must use the Covid-safe QR code for check-in
- All shared equipment (music stands, chairs, percussion) must be cleaned after use with anti-bacterial wipes
Thanks all for your cooperation
Band Fees
Redeeming your Creative Kids Voucher
LPS Band program has registered with the NSW Government as a provider under the Creative Kids scheme. Parents with eligible vouchers will be able to apply these vouchers against Semester 2 Fees, giving a $100 saving.
Vouchers can be obtained through Service NSW website https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-creative-kids-voucher
Note that vouchers can only be redeemed against one activity.
Once you have obtained your voucher
Step 1: Pay your Band Fees in full – keep note of your Order Number.
Step 2: CLICK HERE to redeem your voucher. Your $100 will be refunded to you.
Instrument Hire Fees & Band bags
Band Committee
Conductors – Megan Lipworth, Lachlan Hamilton & Anthony Marsden
Band Administrator – Miguel Yamin
Band Convenor – Ros Richardson
Tutor Co-ordinator – Gillian Hansen (bandtutorials.lps@gmail.com)
Instrument Co-ordinator – Joanne Pok (lindfieldinstruments@gmail.com)
Camp Coordinator – Seiko Ruff
Big Band Rep – Ros Richardson
Concert Band Reps – Audrey Yau, Cathy Xu, Elizabeth Sullivan
Intermediate Band Reps – Catherine Liu, Jennifer Lam
Junior Band Reps – Ros Richardson, Katharine Chia
Email: band@lpspandc.org.au