Welcome to the Balmain PS Instrumental Program
About our 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!
Why Music?
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!
Join us for 2022!
2022 Enrolments Now Open!
We are excited to welcome our newest young musicians to our program in 2022! Once you're familiar with how our program works, and you have an idea of the instrument you'd like to play, submit your enrolment form and we'll get things moving!
How to Join
- Get familiar with how our program works. The information on this page is very thorough, so take your time and follow the links
- Decide if you'd like to be part of our school's band OR the string ensemble
- Choose the instrument you'd like to play
- Submit your enrolment form
- We'll be in touch to confirm the details of your enrolment
Balmain PS - Our Band Program
At a Glance...
Our band is a great opportunity for all students in years 3-6 to learn an instrument with their friends.
- Our Band is open to all students with 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.
About Our Band Instrumental Lessons
Band intrumental lessons are open to all students in year 3 and above. Beginner students are always welcome, with no prior experience required. Students attend a weekly private lesson, until they are ready to join our Senior Band.
Band Instrument Private Lessons: Monday - Thursday, during school
About Our Senior Band
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
Balmain PS - Our String Ensembles
At a Glance...
Our string ensemble is open to all students in years 2-6 and are limited to string instruments only - Violin and Cello.
- Violin and Cello
- Ensemble Open to all students with 1+ years experience
- Weekly Ensemble Rehearsal (1 hour) + Weekly Private Lesson (30 mins)
About Our Strings Lessons
String instrumental lessons are open to all students in year 2 and above. Beginner students are always welcome, with no prior experience required. Students attend a weekly private lesson, until they are ready to join our Senior String Ensemble.
Junior String Private Lessons: Tuesday or Wednesday, during school
*Tutorial and rehearsal schedules are subject to change and are dependent on minimum enrolments
About Our Senior Strings
Our string ensemble is open to all students with a minimum of 6-12 months of playing experience. All members are required to be enrolled in weekly private lessons. Our String Ensemble enjoys performing throughout the year.
Some of our Senior String highlights include performing at School Assemblies and Open Rehearsals.
Senior String Ensemble: Tuesday 8.30am arrival
Senior String Private Lessons: Tuesday or Wednesday, during school
Instrument Information
Choosing an Instrument
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.
Why do I need to choose 3 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.
Which Instruments can I choose?
Instruments included in the string ensemble include: Violin and 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.
Instruments - Hire or Buy?
Do I have to buy an Instrument?
All students are expected to have a good quality instrument. You can choose to hire or buy from DIM, or you can provide your own instrument.
BUY your instrument from DIM:
- Brand New - We supply high quality Jupiter Instruments for sale
- Pre Played (2nd hand) - All 2nd hand instruments have been checked and approved before being made available for sale
- See our ONLINE STORE for more details
HIRE your instrument from DIM:
- Hire - DIM offers a competitive hire program which allows you to try your instrument before committing to a purchase (your first term of hire fees are credited towards the purchase of your instrument if you decide to buy it)
- Please Note: Violins and Cellos are not available for hire
- Detailed INSTRUMENT HIRE INFORMATION can be found here
Provide your OWN instrument
- Remember all instruments need to be good quality so that you have the best chance of success!
Performances & Events
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.
Performance Opportunities
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 and Competitions
Connection & Communication
Connection
Music is about connecting with each other. Strong, vibrant and engaging music programs help to build connected communities, and we are very fortunate to have a strong music culture within our school. We are always working on developing our connections and open to ways that we can build even stronger links
- Performance Opportunities
- Community Links
- Supportive Culture
Communication
Communication between our students, their tutors and their families is key to making good progress and gaining a strong foundation. It's also an important way of knowing that we are all on the same page when it comes to linking home practise with what has been achieved during lessons and rehearsals.
- Music Diaries
- Emails
- Phone
- SMS
Commitment & Expectations
A musical ensemble is the same as any other team. We require commitment and team work to really achieve our full potential, and if all team members aren’t fully committed, it is difficult to succeed.
Beginners will need to set aside at least 10 minutes a day, 3-5 days a week to really give themselves the best start on their instrument. A routine is important when it comes to practise, so work it into your family schedule, just as you would a training session for sport, find a time that works and stick to it!
Musical skills are developed over time, and there is no instant gratification when it comes to learning such an intricate new skill. Patience and persistence, together with careful guidance brings great rewards.
- Respect
- Attendance
- Punctuality
- Practise
- Commitment
- Teamwork
Need To Know...
- We welcome OC students to our band program! Whether you're just starting out on your musical journey, or you've been playing your instrument at your previous school, we'd love to hear from you! Just complete our OC Application Form and we'll be in touch
- Click below to check out our FAQs page for more answers to all your questions
- All details are subject to change, and ensembles and lesson schedules rely on minimum number of students enrolled
Membership Fees
Fee Information
Enrolment Fee
- $35
- One off payment, when you accept your position
- Includes music bag, book and diary/folder
- Non-refundable
Full Membership (flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, drums, violin, cello)
- $140 termly ensemble membership fee
- PLUS private lesson fee of $49.50/lesson (the total term fee is based on the number of private lessons scheduled for the term, and may differ between 8-10 each term)
- For example: the total cost of a 9 week term would be: $585.50
- Includes weekly ensemble rehearsal + weekly private lesson + all performances
- Please note, private lessons are arranged by DIM at school
Ensemble Only Membership (piano/keyboard, bass guitar)
- $140 per term
- Includes weekly ensemble rehearsal + all performances
- Please note, private lessons are required and these are to be arranged by yourself, outside of school
All fees are invoiced on a termly basis, and payable prior to the start of term. For full terms & conditions regarding student absences, covid safety and more, please click below.