Junior Band 2022

Welcome to Junior Band 2022

Joining the Junior Band at Lindfield PS is the best way to learn a woodwind, brass or percussion instrument in a fun, positive and rewarding ensemble. Together with a highly qualified specialist tutor, Junior Band members develop their musical skills, knowledge and confidence while having fun playing together.

Junior Band (JB) is the beginner band of Lindfield Public School – no musical experience needed! The band consists of Flutes, Clarinets, Saxophones, Trumpets, Trombones, French Horns, Baritones, Euphoniums, Tubas and Percussion.

It consists mainly of year 3 students but is open to year 4 if older students would like to start in the band program. This registration is for students who are currently in years 2 and 3 at LPS and are new to the band program. 

Read More Information about the program: Junior Band Handbook

Instrument Matching

Due to the current COVID restrictions our usual instrument matching day cannot go ahead. Instead, students can register their interest and preference. Please note: Instrument quotas apply and your child may not get their first preference.

Learn more about the instruments in the Band: Instruments in the Band Program

Complete the Online Registration form via the link below to register your child.

Lindfield Public School has an extensive and highly regarded band program that was established in 1979. All children joining the program are allocated an instrument, have a weekly half hour individual lesson and participate in two band rehearsals per week.

The majority of children commencing in Junior Band are in year 3, however children in Year 4 in 2021 are also invited to participate. For the past few years, approximately 50% of Year 2 children have signed up to participate in the band program the following year.

The band program is run solely by parent volunteers as a sub committee of the P&C. They engage qualified conductors to lead the bands, and qualified instrument tutors to provide lessons on school premises.

The instruments comprising each of our bands are flute, clarinet, saxophones, trumpet, french horn, trombone, baritone, euphonium, tuba and percussion.

Through music, children can find a way to channel their energy and ability into something purposeful and creative. Parents tell us the program has increased confidence, boosted school spirit, helped children make new friends and discover a new talent.

The LPS band program is comprised of 3 large bands and 2 extension ensembles.

  • Junior Band (Beginner level)
  • Intermediate Band
  • Concert Band
  • Chamber Wind Ensemble (Clarinets, Flutes and French Horns)
  • Big Band (Jazz band comprising of Saxophones, Trumpets, Lower Brass, Percussion, Keyboard, Bass Guitar)

Children generally commence in Junior Band (JB) in year 3.  After 12-months, Junior Band members can progress to the Intermediate Band.

Most members of Intermediate Band (IB) are in Year 4. They subsequently, by audition, progress to the most senior ensemble Concert Band (CB) in Years 5 and 6.

Big Band (BB) our Jazz band and Chamber Wind Ensemble (CWE) are extension bands. Band Members are required to audition for these ensembles depending on their instrument.

Joining a Band is a year-long commitment, and every member is required to rehearse together and privately.

Once your child is registered online they will be matched to an instrument.

In previous years, children participated in an Instrument Matching Day to try out the various instruments, however, due to the current COVID restrictions, this event won’t go ahead in 2020.

The Instruments available include: (Numbers below are a guide only, based on ensemble sizes ranging from 35-55 members)

  • Flutes (5-9)
  • Clarinets (8-12)
  • Saxophones (4-6)
  • Trumpets (5-7)
  • Trombones (4-6)
  • French Horns (2-4)
  • Baritones/Euphonium (2-3)
  • Tuba (2-3)
  • Percussion (3-5)

The band program aims to achieve a “balanced” band, with the right mix of all instruments, just like parts in a play or positions on a sports team. The better the balance of the band, the better the experience for everyone.

The musical director will provide video demonstrations of the instruments to help your child choose their preferences. It is good to have an open mind about the different instruments as they each have an important role to play and different advantages to consider.  Every effort will be made to match children to their preferred instrument, while ensuring the band is balanced and every instrument is included.

Once your child has been allocated their instrument, you will need to obtain an instrument, case, music stand and any consumables needed (clarinet/saxophone reeds, valve oil, cleaning kits).

Students allocated the clarinet, flute, alto saxophone or the trumpet will need to purchase (or hire externally) their own instrument. Music retailers sell or hire beginner/student instruments. Or purchasing a second-hand instrument in good condition is another option.

Instrument hire: The school offers instrument hire for the following instruments only.

  • Tenor Saxophone
  • French Horn
  • Tuba
  • Trombone
  • Euphonium & Baritone

Percussion students will be expected to own their own drum sticks, timpani mallets, and glockenspiel/ xylophone mallets all kept in a stick-bag. They will also need to hire / own their own glockenspiel, drum pad and eventually a drum kit.

Each band rehearse one morning before school (7:30-8:50am) and one afternoon after school (3-4:15pm) in the school hall.

Rehearsals for JB 2021:

Morning rehearsal on FRIDAY 7:30-8:50am

Afternoon rehearsal on WEDNESDAY 3:00-4:15pm.

Every JB member will be required to attend BOTH sessions each week, during school terms (concluding Dec 2021).

In addition to the twice-weekly band rehearsals, all children enrolled in the band program must have one half hour individual music lesson per week with a specialist tutor for their instrument.

The band committee offers a tutorial program that puts students in contact with a specialist instrument tutor who provides lessons on school premises – making it possible for students to have their private 30 min lesson on weekdays after school in LPS classrooms. (First session beginning at 3:30pm and last session finishing at 6:30pm)

Your allocated tutor will be in contact in early February 2020 to arrange a mutually convenient day and time. Preference is given to JB students for an earlier tutorial times where possible. Arranging a mutually convenient day and time can be difficult as the program has over 180 members to schedule tutors for. We appreciate your flexibility and ability to compromise where necessary, as not every student will be able to be allocated their preferred tutorial day and time.

Although it is a requirement to have the private tuition, families do not have to sign up with the tutors organised through the band program and are welcome to arrange the tutorial with an external tutor should you prefer. However, we ask that your selected tutor be willing to teach to the requirements of our Conductors, use the same music book used by our Bands, and provide their contact details to the tutor coordinator so that necessary information can be passed onto external as well as internal tutors. Please advise us if this will be the case for your child.

In 2020,  the internal LPS tutors fees were $41.00 per half hour. This may be subject to change in 2021.

The band program operates on a Non-profit basis and is funded through band fees paid by participating students.

The cost for a child in Junior Band in 2021 is yet to be finalised but below is an approximate guide:

  • Band Fees: approx $630 (incl GST) per year paid in 2 installments (Term 4, 2020 & Term 3, 2021). JB members receive a band bag, tutorial practice diary and JB music book.
  • 2019 Music Camp Fees: $370 (incl GST) for 2 days, 1 night (based on 2019 costs)
  • Tutorial Fees: $41 per lesson (approximately $410 per term, $1640 for the year) Payable to tutors within first 2 weeks of each term. Note. External tutor fees may differ
  • Instrument Hire fees (if hiring an instrument) – $220 per year paid in 2 installments (Term 1, 2020 & Term 3, 2020)
  • Instrument Hire BOND (if hiring an instrument for the first year) – $150 (no GST) Payable Term 1, 2020 upon collection of the hire instrument. Bond will be refunded when the child leaves the band program or instrument hire is no longer required, and the hired instrument is returned in an acceptable condition

Band fees pays for conductors fees, purchase of music and instruments, instrument repairs & maintenance, purchase of equipment and the cost of band participation in events and tours. Band fees are not refunded when your child leaves the band program during the semester (half year).

Every attempt is made to keep band fees as low as possible to ensure the band program remains accessible to all interested and committed students. Confidential fee assistance is available in case of genuine financial hardship. Please contact band@lpspandc.org.au to discuss further with band convenors should you require such assistance.

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

CLICK HERE to redeem your Creative Kids Voucher for Junior Band Fees (before 25 November, 2020).

Please Note: vouchers can only be redeemed once (against one activity).

Code of Conduct

All students must read, sign and adhere to the Band Code of Conduct, before commencing in the band program. This is in line with the School’s ROAR Expectations.

LPS Band Code of Conduct

“The band has given my son so much confidence to challenge himself. It was hard at first but he developed his musical skills very quickly…”

“I cannot rate this program highly enough…it’s so enriching for the life of my daughter…”

“the bands all sound amazing. Two rehearsals a week is hard work, but gee they sound good. The conductors are passionate and dedicated…”

“the program is completely inclusive, teaches the children a love of music… creates a beautiful social environment, fosters school spirit, school pride and enormous self confidence…”

Further Information

Please see below to find out more about the program. If you would like further information, please have a look at our hand book on our website or contact the co-convenors by email at band@lpspandc.org.au

Key Dates:

November 2021

Registration opens for Junior Band 2022

Term 1, 2022

Registration/Instrument allocation complete, Fees due

Arrange instrument purchase or hire

Tutors to contact and arrange tutorial day / time

Term 1, Week 3

Tutorials commence

Term 2, Week 1

JB Rehearsals commence

(* Enrolment payment include JB2022 Term 2 fees + Books and bag costs)