Band & Strings Program

Since its establishment in the early 1960s, the Beecroft Public School Band has been a proud and vibrant part of our school’s culture, tradition and history. Today, the BPS Band & Strings Program continues that legacy by offering students a rich and well-rounded musical education - one that extends their skills and experiences far beyond the Creative Arts K-6 syllabus.

Why Join Band & Strings?

Participation in a school band or string ensemble offers students a wide range of educational, social and emotional benefits, including:

• Improved academic skills – Learning music enhances memory, concentration, pattern recognition and problem-solving.
• Confidence and resilience – Performing for others helps students develop courage, self-belief and the ability to work towards long-term goals.
• Teamwork and belonging – Ensemble playing teaches cooperation, active listening and responsibility while fostering strong friendships.
• Creativity and self-expression – Music gives students a meaningful outlet to express themselves and explore their creativity.
• Commitment and discipline – Regular rehearsals and practice build organisational skills, persistence and pride in personal progress.
• Connection to community – Performances at school and local events help students feel part of something special and valued.

These benefits stay with students well beyond their primary school years.

Our Ensembles

The Band & Strings Program, administered by the volunteer P&C Band & Strings Subcommittee, offers a pathway for all levels of musicianship.

Bands

• Training Band
• Intermediate Band
• Concert Band
• Senior Concert Band
• Stage Band

String Ensembles

• Training Strings
• Intermediate Strings
• Advanced Strings

BPS Orchestra

Introduced in 2024, the BPS Orchestra brings together Intermediate Strings, Advanced Strings and selected members of the Concert and Senior Concert Bands, offering an exciting full-ensemble orchestral experience, something which is rare and special for a primary school.

Band & Strings Handbook

You can download the latest Band & Strings Handbook, a comprehensive guide to your child’s participation in the program. It is updated each year with current information, costs, expectations, schedules and guidelines.

Rehearsals

All Band & String ensembles rehearse once a week before school. In addition:

• Band sectionals take place fortnightly after school in the library:

  • Odd weeks: Brass & Percussion
  • Even weeks: Woodwind

• Rehearsals and sectionals are supervised by the Band & Strings Administrator or a parent volunteer.

• Please refer to the Band & Strings Handbook for the most up-to-date schedule.

Intensive Band & Strings Workshop

All Band & Strings students are required to attend the annual half-day Intensive Workshop, held on a Saturday in May. Running from approximately 12:00 pm to 5:30 pm, this workshop is essential preparation for the upcoming festival and eisteddfod season. Attendance is compulsory.

Performance Opportunities

Students in the program have many exciting opportunities to perform, including:

• Music competitions, festivals and eisteddfods
• School functions such as Silver Award assemblies, Presentation Day, Kindergarten and OC Orientation, and Education Week
• Community events, including the Rotary Twilight Christmas Festival, BPS Multicultural Fair, Opera House performances and visits to local nursing homes and hospitals

The Band & Strings Subcommittee also organises special workshops with professional ensembles such as the NSW Police Band and the Australian Army Band.

End of Year Concert

A highlight of the year is the Band & Strings End of Year Concert, where every ensemble performs and we celebrate the hard work, growth and achievements of our young musicians. This concert is typically held off-site on a Friday evening in late November.

Private Tuition

To participate in the Band & Strings Program, students must attend weekly private lessons on their chosen instrument. Parents are responsible for arranging lessons with a suitably qualified tutor.

An award system recognises students’ commitment, effort and musical development. Awards are presented at school assemblies and on Presentation Day.

Parent Involvement

The success of the Band & Strings Program relies on the support of our parent community. Each participating family is required to assist with occasional supervision of rehearsals or sectionals and help at workshops or events. Your contribution ensures the smooth and safe running of the program.

General Enquiries

If you have read the Band & Strings Handbook and still have questions, please contact our Band & Strings Convener at: bandandstrings-convenor@beecroft-pandc.com

Band & Strings Award Forms

During the school year, students have the opportunity to earn a Band or String Award. Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards are presented at special assemblies during the year, but the Diamond Award is traditionally presented at the end of year Presentation Day Ceremony.

Band & String members can now download their award criteria by selecting their instrument from the correct award level below: