LANE COVE WEST PUBLIC SCHOOL BAND
Lane Cove West Public School has four bands, Junior Band, Senior Band, Concert Band and Jazz Band. Junior Band is open to all students from Years 3 to 6 who are learning a new band instrument. After one year in Junior Band, students progress onto Senior Band and the Concert Band is for those students who have been playing their instrument for more than two years, or invited to audition. For any members of the Concert Band who would like to play more music, they also have the option of joining the Jazz Band.
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Joining Junior Band provides students with a fantastic opportunity to learn to read music and to play an instrument in a group environment. The bands have many performance opportunities throughout the year. These include band festivals, school assemblies and other school functions.
FAQ
WHAT INSTRUMENT CAN MY CHILD PLAY?
The junior band has places for flutes, clarinets, alto saxophones, trumpets, trombones, baritones, French horns, drums and percussion, two electric bass guitar and one or two keyboard players. Some instruments have limited numbers available: drums/ percussion, bass guitar and keyboard.
INSTRUMENT HIRE
The school has a number of instruments to hire including clarinets, flutes, trumpets, baritones, trombones, French horns, saxophones and 2 drum practice kits. Most instruments are only available for a 12 month term and must be returned when your child leaves Junior Band.
COSTS
The annual band fee for students in Junior Band,Senior Band or Concert Band 2019 is $340 + $30 uniform fee. For Jazz Band there is an additional $100 fee.
The band fee covers:
• Conductor fees for weekly rehearsals, festival, workshop and assembly performances.
• Licensed sheet music
• Festival entry fees
• General costs for acquisition and maintenance of instruments
• Gala night and other performances
• General band costs
TUTORS
Band students all must have a weekly one-on-one lesson with a tutor.  Group lessons are not appropriate as they do not provide the standard required. Most private tutors charge approximately $40.00 per half hour lesson.  It is up to you to ask individual tutors what they charge as they vary according to experience. Once your child’s instrument has been allocated we will distribute suggested tutor contact details, that currently teach at the school. You can also source your own tutors that teach outside of the school. We would especially recommend any flute players to try and begin lessons immediately as this instrument can take a little longer to get used to.
PRACTICE TIMES
Band Practice Times
Junior Band: Thursday mornings 7:45-9:00am
Senior Band: Tuesday afternoon 3:30-4:45pm
Concert Band: Tuesday mornings 7:45-9:00am
Jazz Band: Wednesday afternoon 3:30-4:30pm
CORE BANDS
Junior Band: For students in their first year of learning their instrument.
Senior Band: For students in their second year of learning their instrument.
Concert Band: For students in their third or higher year of learning their instrument.
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Jazz Band: For students in Concert Band, playing a Jazz Band Instrument. This band is offered as an elective on top of their participation in the Concert Band. Please note: A student cannot only play in Jazz Band. They must also be a member of the Concert Band.