Is your child learning an instrument through the Central Coast Conservatorium of Music’s School Program this year?
All students need to be enrolled (or re-enrolled) before starting their Schools Program lessons, with most Training and Concert Band rehearsals starting up from Monday 6 February.
What is the Schools Program?
The Schools Program is an entry level band program designed to give primary school students the opportunity to learn an instrument of their choice and to participate in their school band.
All lessons and band rehearsals are held at school during school hours with the exception of the band rehearsals which are usually held before school.
Students generally join the program in Year 3, although older students are also welcome. All beginner students start in the Training Band where they are taught the fundamentals of how to play their instrument and how to read music. Regular performance opportunities enable students to also learn performance skills and to showcase what they have learnt.
After a year of training, most students are then ready to move into their school’s Concert Band where the students are extended on their instrument and introduced to many different styles of music. The Concert Band regularly performs at school assemblies and other special events and is the senior ensemble group at each school.
Many of our Schools Program students have progressed from playing in their School Band to playing in the Central Coast Conservatorium’s Premier Ensembles – from our Primary Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Wind Orchestra to the Central Coast Youth Orchestra.
How do I enrol or re-enrol?
All students (even those continuing from last year) will need to be enrolled for 2023 before they can start, using THIS FORM. Please ensure you have completed the correct enrolment form which would require you to set up a direct debit. If you haven’t yet enrolled your child please do so soon as many of our programs will be starting the week commencing Monday 6 Feb.
When are band rehearsals on?
The following CONCERT BAND rehearsals and tutorials will be starting the week beginning Monday 6 Feb:
- Central Coast Adventist School – Rehearsal Wed 7:45am
- Empire Bay Public School – Rehearsal Thurs 8am
- Erina Heights Public School – Rehearsal Fri 8:15am
- Gosford East Public School – Rehearsal Tues 8.15am
- Gosford Public School – Rehearsal Mon 7:45am (Chapman Band) or Fri 7:45am (Concert Band)
- Holgate Public School – Rehearsal Thursday 7:45am
- Lakes Grammar School – Rehearsal Monday 9:20am
- Lisarow Public School – Rehearsal Friday 7:45am
- Narara Public School – Rehearsal Tuesday 7:30am
- Our Lady Star of the Sea – Rehearsal Friday 8:15am
- Point Claire Public School – Rehearsal Tuesday 8am
- St John the Baptist – Rehearsal Monday 8am
- St Philips Christian College – Rehearsal Wednesday 8am
- St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School – Rehearsal Monday 7:45am
- Umina Public School – Rehearsal Monday 8:15am
- Valley View Public School – Rehearsal Friday 8am
The remaining Concert Band programs will hopefully commence the week beginning Monday 13 Feb, pending enrolments being finalised by then.
The following TRAINING BAND rehearsals and tutorials will start the week beginning Monday 6 Feb:
- Gosford Public School – Rehearsal Monday 11am
- Our Lady Star of the Sea – Rehearsal Monday 8:15am
- Point Claire Public School – Rehearsal Thursday 8am
- St John the Baptist – Rehearsal Wednesday 8am
- Umina Public School – Rehearsal Tuesday 8am
The remaining training band programs are planned to start the week beginning Monday 13 February.
Tutorials times for all schools will be emailed to you by your band coordinator as soon as they are finalised.
More information
If you are needing to hire an instrument from us, please use the link below and we will then deliver your child’s instrument to them at school:
https://centralcoastconservatorium.com.au/instrument-hire/
Please note – instrument hire for Training Band students at EBPS, EHPS and UPS is usually done through the school – please check with them first.
If your child is not sure what instrument they would like to play or if you are unsure if an instrument is available, please see our webpage here for more information:
https://centralcoastconservatorium.com.au/band-program-instruments-2/
If your child is a beginner and has enrolled in the Training Band, you will need to purchase a copy of the “Flying Start” book for their chosen instrument. Books are ordered online using the link below and we will then deliver it to your child at school – please choose “Pick Up In Store” – no postage required. The link to order your child’s book is here:
https://www.pocopublishing.com.au/flying-start-band.html
For more information on what you need to do to get started, please head to our “Getting Started” page or click here to contact us for more information.
