BENTLEIGH SECONDARY COLLEGE

music program 2021

Dear Parents

Bentleigh Secondary College has a well established Music program that

continues to offer enormous opportunities for students. We strongly

encourage you to discuss with your child the benefits in participating in

our Music program for 2021 and their consecutive years at the college.

There are over 13 ensembles students can be involved in on a weekly basis,

including: Concert Bands; String Ensembles; Stage Bands; VCE Ensemble;

Woodwind, Brass & Percussion Ensembles; Choirs. Rehearsals are conducted

before school, after school or at lunchtimes.

Students have weekly lessons that are rotated, ensuring minimal impact

on the scheduled classroom timetable. Our committed instrumental music

teachers will direct students on their chosen instrument. On offer at the

college we have: Woodwind; Brass; Percussion; Strings; Voice.

We pride ourselves on keeping our students active throughout a given

calendar year. The school continues to participate in some of the most

prestigious music festivals, including Mt Gambier Jazz Festival and the

Victorian Schools Music Festival. Tours are local, regional, national

and overseas.

Learning an instrument is a rewarding experience that contributes to

students’ development and well being. The school is accepting of all abilities

and encourages students to participate and take part in all the musical

opportunities we have to offer.

We look forward to taking your child through this incredible journey.

Andrew Albanis

Head of Music

andrew.albanis@education.vic.gov.au

welcome

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Please note, all events will be subject to COVID-19 restrictions at the time

of the scheduled event.

Year 7 Recruitment Day

The Recruitment Day will take place on

Monday 1st February during school hours.

Students will have the opportunity to

meet the Instrumental Music teachers,

learn about the program, and trial all of

the instruments offered at the college.

This experience will assist students in

making an informed decision on their

preferred instrument. Teachers will be in

attendance to provide direction to the

instrument most suited.

Year 7 Recruitment Night

This evening will be held on Tuesday 2nd

February at 7pm. Parents and students

are invited to listen to performances and

demonstrations. Students may try an

instrument they may have missed out on

during the Recruitment Day.

Fees Payable Term 1

Tuition Fees

$500 (annual)

Instrument Hire

$250 (annual)

Essential Elements

Book $20

(Concert Band only)

Stringed instruments (violin, viola, cello)

will need to be hired or purchased

externally. Concert Band instruments and

double bass can be hired from the College.

Students beginning on an instrument

are expected to play for a minimum of

one year, to ensure they fully experience

learning an instrument and playing in

a band. An application form will need

to be completed and approved by the

Head of Music. Payments will be

requested via Compass.

Learn music at school

N.B. The Instrumental & College Council Essential Items Charges must be paid in full

prior to lessons commencing.

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Instrument Hire

Instruments available for hire include

flutes, clarinets, saxophones, trumpets,

trombones, tubas, bass guitar, double

bass and glockenspiels. Students who

hire one of the school’s instruments must

complete an instrument hire form and

return this to the Head of Music.

Payment will be requested via Compass.

Students are expected to buy their

own reeds for hired instruments, and

are responsible for the cost of repairs if

the instrument is damaged in any way.

In most cases it is expected that after

the first year of learning students will

purchase their own instruments.

Stringed instruments - violin, viola,

cello, will need to be hired externally

or purchased.

Lessons

Lessons for Year 7 music students will

commence in week 6, Monday 1st March.

At the first lesson, students will receive their

instrument and Essential Elements book.

Full period lessons operate on a rotating

timetable and are at a different time

each week. Students must go to their

lesson at the appropriate time.

It’s a requirement to catch up on any

missed class work. If a student misses

two instrumental lessons without a

reasonable explanation, their parents

will be informed.

Practice

The following amount of practice

time is expected for students learning

an instrument.

Beginning student

15 minutes per day, 5 times a week.

Student learning for 6 months

20 minutes a day, 5 times a week.

Student learning for over 12 months

30 minutes a day, 5 times a week.

All students are required to bring

their diary, books and instrument

to every lesson.

Choose your instrument

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Start your journey Year 7 Recruitment Day Monday 1st February

Recruitment Night

Tuesday 2nd February at 7pm

Year 7 Band Rehearsal

All beginning Year 7 music students

playing a concert band instrument will

be placed in the Year 7 Band. Rehearsals

will commence on Wednesday 3rd March.

There may be some Year 7 students who

have played their instruments for over

a year already who may wish to audition

for the Concert Band – please speak

to Andrew Albanis if this is the case.

Year 7 Band – Every Wednesday morning

before school, 7.45am to 8.45am.

Year 7 Strings

All Year 7 music students learning

a stringed instrument will be placed

in Year 7 Strings. Rehearsals will be

on Wednesdays, time is yet to be

determined.

Music Events

It is compulsory for students to attend the

relevant camps, excursions and concerts.

Students will not retain their position in

the Music program if they do not attend

without a valid reason.

Year 7 Five Note Rehearsal Day

and Concert

The rehearsal day will be on Wednesday

17th March between 11.00am to 5.15pm.

Students will attend the first two periods

of the school day, then participate in

rehearsals from periods 3 to 6.

The Concert Band and String ensemble

will be showcasing the excellent

progress made with a performance in

the Performing Arts Centre at 5pm for

parents, family and friends.

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Performances & events

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Rehearsal Camp

This will be held on 4th and 5th May,

which is in Term 2 week 3. This overnight

camp is essential to consolidate the

learning of the students and give them

an intensive musical experience. The

camp helps build skills and friendships.

The cost of this camp will be $170

(approx.) and will be payable closer

to the date.

Year 7 Band Healesville Tour

The Year 7 Band will be going on an

overnight tour to Healesville on Tuesday

12th and returning Wednesday 13th

October. This will include performances

and fun activities. The cost of this camp

will be $200 (approx.) and will be payable

closer to the date.

There may be other excursions and

activities throughout the year that may

incur an extra cost to students.

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