Sacred Heart Mona Vale Band Program
ABOUT THE SACRED HEART BAND PROGRAM
All students from Years 3-6 are invited to play a band instrument and join the school band.
SOME OF THE MANY BENEFITS OF BEING IN THE SACRED HEART BAND
- IT IS SO MUCH FUN!
- Playing, performing and making new friends with children in other classes and years across the school
- We perform at our school events
- We perform at fun events in the area
- We have Workshop Days and rehearsals with other school bands
- We perform with other schools in the Diocese
- We receive special awards
THE BENEFITS OF PLAYING AN INSTRUMENT
All children have the potential to learn an instrument and enjoy the enormous benefits this brings. Studies have shown that children who learn music are advantaged academically, physically and emotionally.
- It improves brain function
- It helps develop self-confidence
- Requires teamwork
- It enhances focus and teaches discipline
- It improves emotional wellbeing
- It improves social skills
COSTS
1. Registration/Band Kit Fee: $69 on initial registration into the program
2. Band Rehearsals: $225 per term
3. Instrument: either purchase, hire or borrow
We can set up instalment plans to make learning an instrument and joining the band accessible to all. Please enquire for more information.
COMMITMENT
- All students attend one Band rehearsal weekly. (Currently Friday mornings before school)
- All students attend a private lesson once per week with an external teacher outside of school. We can help with a list of recommended tutors
Costs
Band Fees 2026
Band Registration:
* 1st year in the program: $69 annually
* Subsequent years: $30 annually
Band Program Term Payment: $225
Private Lesson Fees
* Private lesson fees generally range from between $450-$550 per term. Qualified instrumental tutors base their fees on the NSW Music Teacher's Association recommended fees https://www.mtansw.org.au/teaching-fees-2022/
Instrument Hire or purchase
* Hire can start from $10/week
* purchase can be pre-owned or new
Rehearsal schedule
* Friday mornings before school
We accept Creative Kids vouchers
* These can be submitted via the website home page
Instrument purchase
Cost is dependant on the instrument and whether new or pre-owned.
The following is general advice in respect of purchasing an instrument:
• Shop around – prices vary substantially.
• Ensure you are purchasing a trusted/failsafe brand. Cheaper brands often result in constant repair costs, are difficult to play and worst of all – are out of tune! Also, the more well-known brands, specifically Yamaha and Jupiter and Pearl, have much better re-sale value.
Percussion Mallet and Practice pad pack (percussionists only)
$169 - View here
WHICH INSTRUMENTS ARE IN THE SACRED HEART CONCERT BAND?
Flute
The flute is the highest member of the woodwind family. The initial stages of learning the flute can be quite challenging compared to other instruments however once this hurdle is achieved it is a very enjoyable instrument. Flautists often play the melody line in concert bands
Tenor Saxophone
The tenor saxophone is a larger and lower instrument than the alto saxophone and requires a larger hand stretch.
Clarinet
The clarinet is a woodwind instrument. The clarinet is much needed in a concert band and most bands have many more clarinets than other instruments. It is relatively easy to get started on and enjoys some great melodic parts.
Bass Guitar
Bass Guitar is quite an easy instrument to learn and provides a great support to the bass line of the ensemble.
Alto Saxophone
The alto saxophone is a relatively easy instrument to progress quickly on.It is played in both concert bands and jazz bands. It is also a woodwind instrument.
Trumpet
The trumpet is the highest instrument in the brass family. It provides a wonderfully strong and vibrant melody line in many concert band ensembles.
Trombone
Trombone is a wonderful instrument to learn. It provides a strong bass line for the band and is lots of fun.
Percussion
Percussionist learn to play many instruments including;
Bass Drum, Snare Drum, Timpani, Cymbals, Auxiliary Percussion (Triangle, Tambourine etc) and Drum Kit. Good Percussionist also learn Mallet Percussion (Xylophone, Glockenspiel etc)
HOW DO I GET STARTED?
It's as easy as 1 2 3.............
- Decide which instrument you would like to play:
- have a look at this clip which introduces all the band instruments and decide which one excites you: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QR3w3S5-7Zo&t=4m34s
2. Enrol via our website:
3. Receive confirmation from MusicLinks via email which will include helpful information about acquiring an instrument ready for your first lesson.
If you have any questions about the program, our tutors, lessons, instruments or band please call or email our office via the details below. We are happy to answer all your questions and set you on the right path.