The band and strings programme is a parent-run P&C initiative that works closely with the school executive and staff. The programme is managed by a P&C sub-committee and contracts professional musicians to conduct the band and string ensembles. Band and Strings fees cover all the costs associated with the overall operation of the program: conductors, tutors, books and sheet music purchase, administration costs, printing, event entry fees, awards, certificates, transport fees (e.g. buses) etc.
The Band and Strings Committee has invested heavily in instruments to provide an affordable rental option to students during their initial years of learning. If your child is interested in playing an instrument but is not old enough yet to join the band and strings program, we are able to rent out instruments to students within our school. Unfortunately, there are currently no string instruments available for hire. Priority is given to those children joining the programme, but any available instruments after that can be hired to other students within the school.
| Item | Cost | Comment – Current prices for 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Band Fee | $90 per term | $62 per term for siblings |
| Concert Band Fee | $105 per term | $77 per term for siblings |
| Performance Band Fee | $62 per term | |
| String Ensemble Fee | $135 per term | A small group where the fee may change depending on the number of students. No discount for siblings. |
| Instrument Hire | $280 per year | $130 for the first term, $50 per term for subsequent terms (this fee covers the cost of annual instrument servicing) |
| Annual Band Workshop | $55 | Half-day event one weekend. Fee may change from year to year depending on costs. |
| Annual Band Camp | $350 | Weekend event early in term 2. One off payment, may change from year to year depending on costs |
| Band Uniform | $25 | Band shirts are lent to students; students must buy their own black trousers. |
| Private Tutor | $45–$50 | Approximate weekly fee for music lessons with instrument tutor |