Please check the important dates for the end of this year and start of 2020 below.

Hired Instrument return and reissue

ALL hired instruments MUST be returned for our annual audit and service inspection on Thursday 12^th December and will ONLY be available for collection for practice over the holidays to continuing students on Friday 13 December. Full instructions have been emailed to instrument hirers.

My child has had an instrument try-out for joining band as a beginner, what happens now?

Before the end of this term you will receive an email advising you of the instrument that your child has been allocated to play in band.

Please then relax and enjoy the holidays!

Close to the start of next term you will be advised of details for your child's instrument tutorial (name and contact details of tutor, day and time, date of first lesson).

On Thursday 30 January at 6.30pm, at the Band Information Night, you may collect your child's hired instrument.  Mr Walmsley will give you some information about the band program and will be available to answer questions. Please put this date in your diary.

Training Band rehearsals do not start until later in term 1 until all students have had a few lessons in their instrument.

If you are thinking of purchasing an instrument for your child please choose carefully as a 'bargain' may not be a good buy for the long term. We STRONGLY RECOMMEND that you seek expert advice (for example from your instrumental tutor) before making an investment in an instrument purchase.

My child has had an audition for continuing in band (or joining as a non-beginner), what happens now?

Before the end of this term you will receive an email advising you of the band that your child will start the year in. This could be Junior Concert Band, Concert Band or Senior Concert Band. As students progress in skill in their instrument they may 'move up' to another band during the year.

Please then relax and enjoy the holidays! Students, don't forget to play your instrument a few times if you can!

The date of the first rehearsal for the year will be confirmed at the start of term, likely to be week 1 or start of week 2.

My child is interested in joining Orchestra or Jazz Band next year, what are the steps?

Mr Walmsley will speak to students at the beginning of next year and information will be communicated to parents early in term 1.

Volunteers needed for Band Committee for 2020

The Band program is administered by parent volunteers and can only continue with your involvement and support. There is a role for everyone, to find out more please contact band@artarmonpandc.org.au.

Thanks to everyone who has been involved in and supported the Band program in 2019:

• Mr Walmsley;
• All the instrument tutors;
• Mrs Green, Mr Coombes and the school staff;
• All parents in the Band Committee;
• All parents who have helped at rehearsals, events and behind the scenes;
• Our amazing kids for working so hard at rehearsals, performances and practising at home, we hope you have started on a lifelong love of music.

Enjoy the holidays! Best wishes for Christmas and 2020 and good luck to those musicians who are moving on to high school.