Band program

Warrawee Public School has a thriving band program which is an integral part of the school and local community. The band program provides an opportunity for students to develop their love of music, nurture their creative skills, and have fun experiences which build confidence and strengthen their relationship with their peers. The band program has three concert bands (Training Band, Intermediate Band, Performance Band), and two extension ensembles (Stage Band and Chamber Ensemble). Stage Band is an extension group open to jazz instruments (saxes, trumpets, trombones/euphos, rhythm section), and entry is by audition. Chamber Ensemble is an extension group for woodwind and non-Stage Band instruments, with a focus on student collaboration and building independence when playing as an ensemble.

There are currently 140 members of the Warrawee band program. Being a member of band involves weekly rehearsals, private music tuition, practice at home, band camp, performance opportunities and fun band events.

Click on this link for an introduction to the band program, as presented in our 2025 Band Info Night:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LHSeGre_n5yxfhHjgeF6bOVNBMmkISQI/view?usp=sharing

Click on this link for access to our 2026 Band Information Pack:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/16IateXKnHxzOaDvuRhWAkfvexCZUiDgY/view?usp=sharing

Band Manager:  Lena Morris
bandmanager@wpspandc.org

Why join the Band?

The band provides a friendly and rewarding learning environment in which your child can participate a music program. The Warrawee band program is also known for its high teaching standard.

Together, these two points help children achieve a level of proficiency in playing a musical instrument as well as nurture their enjoyment in music. Being part of the program can aid in raising children's confidence and self-esteem through opportunities to perform in public and for their peers. They are also able to work actively as a team member.

How do you join the Band?

In Term 4 of Year 2, students are invited to express interest in joining the band the following year.

A Band Info Night is held (link https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LHSeGre_n5yxfhHjgeF6bOVNBMmkISQI/view?usp=sharing), and an registration form is sent out. Students have the opportunity to register up to three instrument preferences. The Band Manager and Training Band Conductor meet with students during school time and allow them to 'try out' their preferred instruments. Instruments are then allocated based on what the student would like to play, what instrument they are likely to achieve success on, and the number of each instrument needed to have a balanced band.

Students in Years 3-6 can also join the band program at any time while at Warrawee Public School. The band conductor will assess their ability and place them in the appropriate band.

Instruments

Instruments can be hired through the band program for an additional cost or students can source their own instruments. All instruments available for hire through the band program are serviced annually and so are provided to the hirer in good working order. Any additional repairs or service, during the hire period must be discussed and approved by the Band Manager, before the hirer takes the instrument for repair or service.

Instruments offered within the Warrawee Band Program include: flute, oboe, clarinet, bass clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, french horn, trumpet, trombone, euphonium, tuba, bass guitar (limited spots) and percussion (includes glockenspiel, timpani, auxiliary percussion - limited spots).

Band Commitment

Rehearsals are mandatory and every band student is expected to attend their appropriate rehearsals.

Students are expected to receive private tutoring for their instrument of choice. Attendance at performances, at school or at competitions and festivals outside of school, is also expected.

Please click on the link to the Code of Conduct (pdf 183 KB), which all members are asked to sign upon joining the program.

If a student is unable to attend a rehearsal, the Band Manager must be advised through bandmanager@wpspandc.org or through Bandforte.

Tuition

Every member of the band is expected to receive private music lessons with a tutor that specialises in their instrument. The band program has a Tutor List that gets sent out to band parents for recommendations of tutors teaching at Warrawee PS (after-school hours) and in the local area. The band program does not employ tutors, you will have to organise lessons directly with the tutor.

If you need help finding a tutor, please contact the Band Manager at bandmanager@wpspandc.org.

Performances

Training Band, Intermediate Band, Performance Band, Stage Band and Chamber Ensemble perform at a huge variety of band events, festivals, showcases, and assemblies throughout the year. Some highlight band performances in 2025 included:

• Band Camp Showcase (April)
• NSSWE Community Concerts (June)
• Australian School Band and Orchestra Festival (August)
• NSSWE Spring Festival at Chatswood Concourse (September)
• Music by Moonlight at Normanhurst West PS (September)
• Twilight Jazz at Ebenezer Uniting Church (October)
• Wahroonga Food and Wine Festival (October)
• Hornsby North Band Festival (November)
• Spring Fling at Warrawee PS (November)
• Wahroonga Village Fair (December)
• End of Year Carols (December)
• Band Breakfast (December)

Attendance at all performances is expected. Performance details are communicated to band parents via Bandforte.

Band Camp

Warrawee Band Camp is an annual event organised and supervised by the WPS P&C Band Staff. It is not a school event and WPS school staff and teachers are not present. Band Camp is usually run on a School Development Day ('Pupil Free Day') before the start of Term 2. Attendance is at the parents' discretion, however full attendance is highly encouraged for every single band member - this is a band highlight of the year, a great way for students to bond over shared experiences with friends, and not one that should be missed!

The Camp is supervised by band conductors, the band manager, band staff (rehearsal assistants), special guest conductors and guest tutors, and band parent volunteers. There is no overnight portion of the camp, however students get the full camp experience by being offsite in a lovely campsite in Ingleside, participating in many activities, and having a fun day with friends away from school. Meals and snacks are provided.

Band Camp 2026 will be on Monday 20th April at Camp Kedron, with the Band Camp Showcase held at Warrawee PS School Hall on Tuesday 21st April.

All enquiries about the arrangements for Band Camp, including insurance provisions, your child's medical requirements or special needs requirements, dietary requirements, and risk assessments should be directed to the Band Manager.

Band Fees

Band is a year-long commitment, and band fees are non-refundable.  Band fees are payable in Term 4 for the following year. The fees cover conducting costs for all rehearsals and performances, music purchases, administration and entry fees for competitions and festivals. Instrument hire fees go towards their annual service and repair, as well as instrument insurance.

Each family pays their private tutor separately. Individual prices vary but are generally around $40 per half hour lesson.

2026 Band Rehearsal Times