Balmain PS Instrumental Program

Our instrumental music program provides the opportunity for all students in yrs 2-6 to learn a musical instrument and play in an ensemble with their peers. We are very proud of each of our ensembles, which are an integral part of our school community.

Our vision is a vibrant school wide instrumental program. We offer 2 concert bands, as well as 2 string ensembles, and together we participate in many events both at school and in the wider community.

Directions In Music is responsible for the management of our instrumental program and we have a dedicated DIM Program Manager who works closely with our school looking after all aspects of the program, including student experience and progression, logistics and administration, concerts and other performance events.

Our conductors and music tutors are coordinated by DIM and are highly regarded professionals who are passionate about spreading the joy of music. Every lesson and rehearsal is focused on engaging their students in positive learning, progression and achievement, and of course lots of fun!

Learning music provides that all important opportunity for our children to explore their creative side, and is a fun way to interact with a variety of different people. Playing a musical instrument sparks new pathways in the brain which can lead to stronger executive functioning, greater numeracy and literacy skills, and of course increased confidence -  music really provides the best start for every child!

 Our band is a great opportunity for all students in years 3-6 to learn an instrument with their friends.   

• Junior Band - Beginners (no experience required)
• Senior Band - 1+ years experience
• Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Drums/Percussion*
• Weekly Ensemble Rehearsal (1 hour) + Weekly Private Lesson (30 mins)

*Other instruments such as Bass Guitar, Piano/Keyboard and French Horn, may also be part of the band, however places are limited, and parents will need to arrange their own tutor outside of school, as we do not offer tuition at school for these instruments.

Our JUNIOR BAND is open to all students in year 3 and above. All junior band members are beginner students, with no prior experience. Students attend a weekly band rehearsal as well as a weekly private lesson, and will be given opportunities to perform for a small audience in a controlled environment throughout the year.  

Our Junior Band highlights include our Hot Cross Buns Concert in Term 1, and our end of year concert where everyone can see just how far we've come! There are also a number of other performance opportunities throughout the year.

Junior Band Rehearsal:  Thursday 8.30am arrival

Junior Band Private Lessons:  Monday - Thursday, during school

Our SENIOR BAND is open to all students with at least 1 year experience on their instrument. Students attend a weekly band rehearsal as well as a weekly private lesson, and are given the opportunity to perform throughout the year. 

One of our Senior Band highlights is performing at School Assemblies and our End Of Year Concert. 

Senior Band  Rehearsal :  Wednesday 8.30am arrival

Senior Band Private Lessons:  Monday - Thursday, during school 

Choosing an instrument may just be one of the most important decisions yet for your child!

The best advice we can give is to choose an instrument that your child really wants to play.  We know that we're all more likely to put our time and energy into doing something that we love - so it'll be much easier to get a practise routine up and running if it's an instrument that your child really wants to succeed at.

An instrument expo is usually held at school during term 4, and this is a great opportunity for all students to see and hear the band instruments. 

When you submit your enrolment form, you'll be asked for your top 3 instrument choices (for band) so that we can ensure we'll have a balanced sound. 

Every musical ensemble requires a balance of sound, with an even spread of instruments. It wouldn't be a band if it was made up of only 1 or 2 instruments! For this reason, there are a limited number of places available on each of the instruments.

String Ensemble has an easier choice! You can choose between violin & cello.

Instruments included in the string ensemble include: Violin & Cello

Instruments included in the band include: Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, and Drums/Percussion. 

Other instruments such as Bass Guitar, Piano/Keyboard and French Horn, may also be part of the band, however places are limited, and parents will need to arrange their own tutor, as we do not offer tuition at school for these instruments.

Click below for extra information on each of the instruments, including important details like maintenance requirements and ongoing costs so that you can make a well informed decision.

 As our young musicians develop their skills, it is wonderful to have the opportunity to share their music with others. Performance is an essential aspect of musical training. It provides a clear goal for our students, develops their confidence and self esteem, and of course provides the opportunity for music to be shared with friends and family, both at school and within the wider community.

We participate in a range of formal and  informal performance opportunities at school, and within the local community. These give all of our students, especially our beginners, a chance to develop their performing skills. 

• Open Rehearsals
• Playground Performances
• School Assemblies
• Hot Cross Buns Concert - Beginners Concert
• End of Year Concert
• School Music Festivals & Competitions