Handbook
2014
“Children's involvement in musical activity has a profound effect on the
development of the child's general learning. It is now proven beyond
doubt that children who are engaged in arts activities, especially music,
have advantages in all areas of learning.”
Richard Gill, Musical Educator and Maestro, 9 Feb 2011
Contents
Introduction ............................................................................................................... 3
Objectives:............................................................................................................... 3
Obligations: ............................................................................................................. 3
Band Administration ................................................................................................. 4
Music Committee ..................................................................................................... 4
Band Program Director ............................................................................................ 4
Parent Involvement ................................................................................................. 4
Absences................................................................................................................. 4
Commitment ............................................................................................................ 4
The Band Program .................................................................................................... 5
Junior Band ............................................................................................................. 5
Intermediate Band ................................................................................................... 5
Concert Band .......................................................................................................... 5
Rehearsal Times ..................................................................................................... 5
Band Camp ............................................................................................................. 5
Competitions, Festivals, Concerts and other Performances .................................... 6
Music Exams ........................................................................................................... 6
Important Dates ....................................................................................................... 6
Band Fees and Costs ............................................................................................... 7
Fees ........................................................................................................................ 7
Instrument Purchase, Hire or Usage Fees .............................................................. 8
Instrument Bond ...................................................................................................... 8
Servicing Fee .......................................................................................................... 8
Fees for Usage Only Instruments ............................................................................ 9
Purchasing an Instrument........................................................................................ 9
So how do I Join the Cammeray Band Program .................................................. 10
Appendix A: Application Form .............................................................................. 11
Appendix B: Student Band Contract ..................................................................... 12
Appendix C: Hiring of Instruments, Insurance & Indemnity ............................... 13
INSTRUMENT INDEMNITY FORM ....................................................................... 14
Appendix D: FAQs .................................................................................................. 15
2
Introduction
Welcome to the Cammeray Public School Band Program. All students in Years 3 to 6
are invited to join this very successful extra-curricular program at Cammeray Public
School.
The program has been operating since 1999 and established a tradition of
excellence, enormous fun and achievement for the children and parents.
In 2013, 176 students participated across three bands – Concert, Intermediate and
Junior Bands.
Objectives:
The Band program aims to:

provide an opportunity for any Cammeray student to learn to play a musical
instrument for their own and other's enjoyment;

build confidence and self esteem through public performance;

learn to play solo and in groups to develop an appreciation for music;

perform in competitions to encourage team spirit and represent the school;

achieve high levels of musicianship for all participating students; and

do so on an equitable basis without imposing excessive cost on families.
Obligations:
We cannot achieve these objectives without certain obligations on students, parents
and the school:

students are expected to practise regularly, commit to the band program for
the full year and fully co-operate with Band directors;

students are required to undertake private tuition in addition to band
rehearsals;

students are required to attend the annual Band Camp and competitions
which can fall on weekends and wear the Band uniform;

parents must notify their band conductor and music tutor if their child is unable
to make a rehearsal or tutorial;parents commit to support their child's
participation by way of instrument hire or purchase and payment of band fees
and expenses as well as private tuition costs;

parents provide volunteer support to enable the program to function on a day
to day basis;

the school facilitates the program by:
o
the provision of the rehearsal and tuition space required; and
o
allow the program to co-exist properly with other school activities.
3
Band Administration
Music Committee
The Band Program at Cammeray Public School is run by a parent Music Committee
in conjunction with the Conductors and school staff representatives. The Band
Program exists only through Parent organisation and participation. Without parent
volunteers the band program cannot operate.
Parents are welcome to join the committee at any time and we would love to have
your input. The AGM is held in November each year and band committee meetings
are normally held in week 2 and week 6 of each term.
Band Program Director and Conductors
The Music Committee engages Tara Fermor BCA, Grad Dip Ed, as the Musical
Director of the Cammeray Band Program. As well as providing overall musical
direction and coordination for the band program, Tara also conducts the Junior and
Concert Bands. Matthew Browne, Bach. Music, Bach. Education is engaged to
conduct the Intermediate Band.
Parent Involvement
The Band Program can only be successful if ALL PARENTS contribute and are
involved. Each band has a parent roster for rehearsals and all families are required to
assist with supervision at band rehearsals (normally 2 times a year). This is a
wonderful chance to see how your child’s band is progressing.
Parent assistance is also required for the annual band camp, transporting students
and instruments to and from performances and supervision at competitions, as well
as committee roles to which provide for the general administration of the band
program.
Absences
It is the parent’s responsibility to advise the conductor of any planned or unplanned
absences from band rehearsals, competitions, festivals and other performances by
telephone or text in good time wherever possible. This is a courtesy to the conductor
and to the other band members, so arrangements can be made to compensate for
any absence. Parents are also required to notify your child’s tutor if your child is
unable to attend a tutorial.
Commitment
Once a commitment has been made to the Band, it is important that each student
endeavours to remain in the Band for the full year. It takes 8-10 months to start
getting a grasp on a musical instrument.
If your child is unhappy in band, please discuss the issues with Tara Fermor. Should
you decide to withdraw your child from the band program before the end of the
semester, you will still be charged the full semester fees.
4
The Band Program
Junior Band
All new band members join the Junior Band conducted by Tara Fermor. Students
joining the Junior band are not required to have any prior musical knowledge or
experience. The Junior band is split into two groups for rehearsals. New band
members remain in the Junior Band for a year and normally progress the following
year to the Intermediate Band.
Intermediate Band
The Intermediate band builds on the skills developed in the Junior Band and is
conducted by Matthew Browne.
Concert Band
Entry to the Concert Band is by audition. Auditions for subsequent year’s Concert
Band are conducted in the final week of Term 4. The auditions involve a prepared
piece, scales and sight reading. The Concert Band develops a broader repertoire of
concert pieces with an increased degree of difficulty and complexity. The Concert
Band generally goes on tour in Term 4.
Rehearsal Times
Band
MORNINGS
LUNCH TIME
Conductor
(7.45 – 9.15am)
(1.00 – 2.00pm)
Junior Band 1
Wednesday
Monday
Tara Fermor
Junior Band 2
Tuesday
Thursday
Tara Fermor
Intermediate Band
Thursday
Tuesday
Matthew Browne
Concert Band
Friday
Wednesday
Tara Fermor
Attendance at Band rehearsals is compulsory.
Band Camp
Band Camp is a time of great musical growth and promotes the teamwork which is so
important for the bands. Tutors attend the camp to provide intensive tuition. This is
combined with band rehearsals and a bit of social time thrown in. It is lots of fun and
a highlight of the year for the children.
Band Camp is COMPULSORY. This means attending the camp for the entire
weekend and cancelling weekend sport and other activities.
Junior Band Camp
Junior Band children are in the early stages of familiarity with their instrument, they
will attend a two-day non-residential Band Camp held at school on the first weekend
in Term 2. This will include tutorials with other students learning the same
instrument, as well as practice with the whole band. The camp will conclude with a
concert for parents on the Sunday afternoon.
Concert and Intermediate Band Camp
Concert Band and Intermediate Band children attend a weekend residential Band
Camp at Elanora Conference Centre. In 2014 the Concert and Intermediate Band
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Camp will be held early in Term1 from the evening of Fri 14 March concluding at
around 3pm on Sun 16 March 2014.
Competitions, Festivals, Concerts and other Performances
All bands compete at the Sydney Eisteddfod and the NSW Band Festival and perform
at various events around Sydney. Parents are responsible for their child’s transport to
and from events and their supervision during the occasion. Parents will be advised
well in advance of the arrangements for the day. It is expected that the band
competitions/festivals be given priority over regular weekend sports on these
occasions. Any absences should be discussed with the Musical Director well in
advance so the band can be rebalanced if necessary.
Music Exams
In your second year of band involvement, your child’s tutor may discuss taking an
Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB) examination. These exams are
optional and full requirements and costs will be advised by your tutor.
Important Dates
2014
Junior Band
Intermediate Band
Concert Band
Rehearsals begin
Rehearsals begin
Band Camp
Band Camp
Term1
Wk 2
Wk 3
Rehearsals Begin and
rental instruments issued
Wk7
Wk 10
ADay Assembly
Term2
Wk1
Band Camp
Wk3
Sydney Eisteddfod
Wk 10
Sydney Eisteddfod
Sydney Eisteddfod
ADay Assembly
Term3
Wk2
Wk10
NSW Band Festival
Term3 ADay Assembly
NSW Band Festival
NSW Band Festival
Term4
Wk3
Concert Band Tour
Wk6
Year2 Info Night
Wk9
Annual Concert
Wk10
Year2 Info Night
Annual Concert
Annual Concert
Term4 ANight Assembly
*All dates are to be used as a guide only and are subject to change
6
Band Fees and Costs
Band fees for 2014
Band Fees per semester (due term 1 and 3)
$165
Junior Band Camp (due term 1)
$65
Intermediate and Concert Band Camp (residential)
$240
Band Bag and Textbook (Junior Band only)
$25
Band Shirt
$20
The Band Uniform required for band competitions and most band
performances is Band Shirt, smart black trousers, black shoes
and black socks
Weekly Lessons with a Music Tutor (paid directly to tutor)
$35/lesson
Instrument Hire (cost per semester depends on type of instrument $100-$160
hired)
Instrument Bond (annual fee returned at end of year less
instrument service)
$100
Instrument Service (deducted from Bond)
$85-$100
Concert Band tour (varies each year)
$310 in 2013
Please note that fees may vary from year to year. We will advise the following year’s
fees at the end of each year.
Fees
Band fees cover the cost of the conductor’s services, purchasing and photocopying
music and folders, competition entry fees and transportation to performances held
during school time, band equipment repairs and replacement and Band program
administration.
Band Camp fees cover the cost of accommodation (where camp is residential),
meals, conductors, tutors and other incidental costs in running the camp.
Individual lessons are an integral part of the Band Program and all children are
required to have a 30-minute weekly lesson for their instrument.
Students are allocated a music tutor. Tutorials take place during school hours. All
students participating in our tutorial program will receive a contract from their tutor at
the beginning of the year, providing you with further details.
Tutorial Fees are invoiced by each tutor and are paid directly to tutors, and not
to the school or music committee. For 2013, fees were $35 per lesson (plus GST
where applicable) and will generally be invoiced in week 2 of each Term.
All our tutors are qualified, professional musicians. Tara Fermor is the co-ordinator for
the Tutorial Program. All enquiries in regard to music tutors and tutorials should
be made directly to Tara Fermor (0419 233 134).
Parents may arrange to have lessons with a private tutor.
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Instrument Purchase, Hire or Usage Fees
You may wish to start by hiring an instrument. The band program has a small but
growing number of instruments for hire, which will generally be offered to junior band
members in order of receipt of the application form. These are rented out at a lower
rate than commercially hired instruments.
Instruments for hire (or use) currently owned by the Music Committee
Tier 1 Instruments
Tier 2 Instruments
Tier 3 Instruments
Usage Only
1 x Bass Guitar +
Amp
4 x Alto Saxophone
2 x Bass Clarinet
1 x Keyboard
5 x Trombone
4 x Tenor
Saxophone
1 x Baritone
Saxophone
1 x Glockenspiel
6 x Trumpet
2 x Euphonium
1 x Tuba
1 x Drum Kit
3 x French Horn
2 x Timpani
1 x Piccolo
1 x Xylophone
2 x Amplifier
Tier 1, 2 and 3 instruments may be hired out to band members and taken home for
practice and tuition. Usage only instruments generally remain at school for use
during band practice and concerts.
Tier 1 $100 per semester plus annual servicing fee (see below).
Tier 2 $130 per semester plus annual servicing fee (see below).
Tier 3 $160 per semester plus annual servicing fee (see below).
Instrument Bond
Parents hiring an instrument from the band program are asked to sign an indemnity
form at the start of the school year and pay a $100 bond before the instrument is
given to the student.
Servicing Fee
All instruments are serviced at the end of the year in preparation for rental to
incoming band students. Servicing costs vary but are generally in the vicinity of
$85-$100 for each instrument. This fee is charged to all hirers after the instrument
servicing is complete. Assuming the bond is not required to cover any of the
conditions on the indemnity form, the servicing fee will be deducted from the bond,
and the balance returned to the hirer.
Instrument Hire is available for one year only. Longer term hire may be possible in
some circumstances subject to availability. Parents need to commit to one year’s hire
to ensure fairness to all families.
After one year of hiring an instrument from the band program, you will generally need
to hire or purchase elsewhere to make instruments available to the new Junior Band
children. Should there be insufficient demand from the incoming Junior Band,
instruments may be available for hire to Intermediate or Concert Band members.
8
Fees for Usage Only Instruments
All percussionists and keyboard players are charged a usage fee of $30 per
semester to help us cover the cost of keeping these instruments and amplifiers in
sound working order, and replacing them when required.
Instrument hire/purchase schemes are also available from most musical suppliers
(see list of contact below).
Purchasing an Instrument
Purchasing your own instrument does lead to a greater commitment to the instrument
and the band. Good quality instruments are a vital investment and hold their value
over many years.
Good second hand instruments can be purchased through the Trading Post or in
music shops. For second hand purchases we recommend that you have the
instrument checked out by a qualified musician before purchase. Below are some
useful contacts for the purchase of new and second hand instruments.
Sax and Woodwind, 3/155 Parramatta Rd, Camperdown, Ph: 9557 4588.
Musicorp (also known as Flute Fidelity), 47 Hume Street Crows Nest, Ph: 9438
1060.
In Tune Music, Suite 101, 48 Atchison St. St Leonards NSW 2065, Ph: 9439 1143
(Repairs, second-hand instruments)
Turramurra Music, 1267 Pacific Highway Turramurra NSW 2074
(02) 9449 8487
My School Music program
In order to facilitate more efficient management of the Band program, the Band
Committee has implemented “myschoolmusic.com”:
http://www.myschoolmusic.com.au/
My school music is a school band administration program designed to manage all
aspects of the band including parent rosters, band calendar, instrument
management, document management etc.
We will seek parental consent before adding student and parent details to
“myschoolmusic” which can be accessed as a link on the Cammeray Public School
website.
9
So how do I Join the Cammeray Band Program?
Step 1: Attend the Band information night and read the band handbook.
Step 2: Complete the Application form (Appendix A) and the Student Band
Contract (Appendix B) and return to the Band Box (in hallway next to the school
office) by Friday 6th Dec, 2013. In your application to join the band program we ask
your child to nominate 3 preferred instruments based on their assessment. As the
overall aim is to develop a balanced band and sound, it is unlikely that all players will
be offered their first preference of instrument.
Step 3: The Band Committee will advise you, via email, of which instrument your
child has been selected for before the end of term4.
Step 4: If you have requested to hire an instrument, you will be notified by email, as
to whether your hire request has been successful. You will then be required to pay
the rental bond and return a completed indemnity form (Appendix C) to the Band
box. Once the bond payment and indemnity form have been received, instruments
will be issued to students at the beginning of week 3, term 1, 2014.
Step 5: You will receive an email with details of your child’s music tutor and whether
your child is in Junior Band 1 or Junior Band 2 by week 2 of 2014.
Step 6: The first Junior Band Rehearsal will be held in Week 3 of Term 1.
10
Appendix A:
2014 Cammeray Band Program Application Form
Student’s Name:
___________________________
Parent/Carer1
Class: __________
Parent/Carer2
Name
Email Address
Mobile phone
Home phone
Please note ALL communication about the Band Program is via email.
Has the applicant had previous musical experience?
Yes / No
If so, please give details:
Does your child already own an instrument?
Please give details:
Yes / No
The instruments in our band are as follows: Percussion (drums), mallet percussion
(glockenspiel), keyboard, bass guitar, trombone, French horn, trumpet, saxophone,
euphonium, tuba, bass clarinet, clarinet and flute. Please list your child’s first three (3)
preferences below. Remember, we are developing a balanced band, so keep options
open to avoid disappointment.
1.
2.
3.
Parent preference for Morning or Lunchtime Band Rehearsal Supervision Duty
Preference (2 times a year)
Please circle
Morning
Lunchtime
Band Shirt Size (same sizing as Cammeray School Shirts – (circle)
6
8
10
12
14
Student’s signature:
Parent/Guardian’s signature:
Date:
11
Appendix B:
Cammeray Public School Band Program Student Commitment
Student to sign and return to Band Box along with application form
I, ____________________________________________(students name) agree
to the following conditions.
1. To commit to the Band Program for one school year.
2. To practise regularly, ideally 20 minutes per day, 4 days a week.
3. To attend my weekly music tutorials as scheduled.
4. To attend morning and lunchtime rehearsals, annual band camp and Band
performances.
I have read the above and agree to these conditions,
Student’s name______________________ Signature _________________
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Appendix C:
Hiring of School Instruments, Insurance & Indemnity
Term of Hire
All instruments are hired for one year only. Hire is for one full year and not part of a year.
At the end of this year, instruments are returned and serviced ready to hire out the following
year to new Junior Band children.
Insurance
The Cammeray Public School P&C Association owns all the hire instruments and has
insurance which covers theft of, or accidental damage to, the instruments while they are on
loan to the family.
The family is responsible for the excess ($100) and any loss or damage to the instrument
which is not covered by the P&C’s insurance. This includes loss or damage caused by the
family’s intentional or wilful act or with the family’s knowledge or consent, or which the P&C is
unable to recover due to the family not notifying the Music Committee promptly and following
all instructions given.
School instruments can only be issued to children on the condition that their parents accept
these responsibilities and sign the Instrument Hire Indemnity form.
An instrument cannot be provided until the school has received the signed Indemnity form
and the Bond payment.
Bond Payment of $100
A refundable bond is payable in full prior to the instrument being provided by the school. The
bond is repayable when the instrument has been returned and the Music Committee has
deducted the cost of the annual service and any amounts owing for insurance excess or loss
or damage not recoverable under insurance (other than normal wear and tear).
School Instrument Hire Fees
Hire fees depend on which instrument is being hired (Tier 1 or 2).
Tier 1 instruments are available at $100 per semester plus a refundable
bond of $100 per instrument. (Bass Guitar, trombone, and trumpet)
Tier 2 instruments are available at $130 per semester plus a refundable
bond of $100 per instrument. (Euphonium, saxophone, French horn, and
piccolo.)
Tier 3 instruments are available at $160 per semester plus a refundable
bond of $100 per instrument. (Bass clarinet, Baritone Sax and Tuba)
Hire fees for school instruments are included on the invoice for
Band Fees sent home twice a year.
Caring for the instrument
Please make sure your child’s tutor shows you how to maintain and take proper care of the
instrument. Damage and Repairs to any instrument must be reported to the Music Committee
before any repairs are undertaken.
13
INSTRUMENT INDEMNITY FORM
I
(name of parent)
of
(address of parent)
contact
(parent’s phone no.)
in consideration of loan/hire by Cammeray Public School Parents and Citizens Association of:
_____________________
(instrument being hired)
to
of
(child’s class)
(child’s name)
hereby acknowledge responsibility for the proper care of the instrument (which includes its
case and any accessories provided with it) while on loan/hire to my child and I agree to:

maintain the instrument in good working condition;

notify Tara Fermor promptly if the instrument is lost, stolen or damaged, and follow all
instructions given;

be responsible for the $100 excess payable by the P&C if a claim is made under the
P&C’s insurance policy in respect of the instrument (which may be deducted from the
bond); and

be responsible for the cost of any repairs to, or replacement of, the instrument if there
is loss or damage to it beyond fair wear and tear which is not recoverable under the
P&C’s insurance. This includes loss or damage caused by our family’s intentional or
wilful act or with our knowledge or consent, or which is not recoverable because we did
not notify the Music Committee promptly and follow the instructions they gave us.
I am aware that the current cost of replacement
$
for an equivalent new instrument is approximately:
(replacement value)
I enclose the refundable bond payment of $100
Cheque  or Internet banking transfer .
(Cheques to be made payable to Cammeray Public School Music Committee.
If paying by internet transfer: Commonwealth Bank BSB 062 215 AC/No. 10157218 and INCLUDE
CHILD’S SURNAME as reference)
Please return to the Band Box near the school office.
Parent’s Signature:
_______________________________________
Date:
_______________________________________
Office Use Only
Instrument:
____________________________________
Serial Number: ____________________________________
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Appendix D:
FAQs
Will my child be offered a place in the band?
The school band program is a major part of Cammeray Public School’s music
activities. All interested children will be offered a place in the band program.
Letters of offer will be sent to all applicants before the end of term.
What should I expect from my child and their music lessons?
Your child should learn the skills and techniques required to play their selected
instrument. This will include the ability to read and play music (not to be confused
with playing by ear).
Your child should enjoy their music lessons and enjoy playing their chosen
instrument. Naturally the level of enjoyment and satisfaction each child gains
depends to a certain extent on their commitment to a regular practice routine.
How much practice is required at home?
Initially small amounts of regular practice are necessary (10-15 minutes at least five
times per week). This will gradually expand to longer periods as your child improves,
but the frequency of practice should be encouraged from day 1. Practice needs to
become a GOOD HABIT…..this will only happen through repetition, so help your child
to learn how to practice.
A regular practice routine ensures that your child will steadily improve in their playing.
Don’t expect miracles overnight and give lots of praise if it has been a good practice
session.
Always check the homework requirements and notes in your child’s notebook. This
notebook can also be used as a way to communicate with the tutor. All tutors will use
these notebooks.
How much Band practice is involved at school?
Each band has two band rehearsals a week, an early morning rehearsal before
school and a lunchtime rehearsal.
Whilst the band work will initially be fairly easy, students should never underestimate
the little things they will be learning - accurate counting, listening to the band as a
whole and watching the conductor.
Band skills are developed alongside the learning of an instrument and are imperative
to the development of the band as a team. Attendance at rehearsal is compulsory. If
you do miss a rehearsal, you must ring or text the Musical Director or provide a note
the following rehearsal.
Are the instruments insured?
All musical instruments owned by the band program are covered by the P&C
insurance policy against theft, fire, malicious or accidental damage.
15