St Ives Primary School Instrumental Program
ABOUT THE ST IVES PRIMARY SCHOOL BAND PROGRAM
All students from Years 3-6 are invited to play a band instrument and join the school band.
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
WHAT DO WE OFFER?
● Three concert bands - Junior Band, Senior Band and Advanced Creative Ensemble (ACE)
● Musical experiences based on a concert band format for students in Years
3 to 6 (no previous musical experience is required)
● Regular performance opportunities at school and around the local
community
● Annual Band Camp
● Weekly band lessons
● One-on-one on site, in-home or local in studio private and pair lessons
Our SIPS Bands
Junior Band - 1st year instrumentalists
2027 Junior Band Fees
Band Fees
Annual Registration Fee : $72
Band Program Term Payment: $180 per term
INCLUSIONS
∗ Weekly band rehearsal on Wednesdays at 8.00am
∗ Band satchel
∗ Band folder
∗ Essential Elements Book 1
∗ Sheet Music
∗ Pencil
∗ Band t-shirt
∗ all performances
Rehearsal Schedule
Band Rehearsal: Wednesday 8-9am
Private Lesson: Weekly time set with your tutor
Private lessons can be with your own choice of Tutor or with a MusicLinks Tutor. MusicLinks lessons can take place on-site at SIPS, in local studios or in your home depending on availability. 2027 MusicLinks lesson fees are:
MusicLinks Private lessons:
* $51 plus gst (half hour lessons)
MusicLinks Pair lessons:
* $42 plus gst (half hour lessons) available if there are 2 students on same instrument
*please note- MusicLinks lessons onsite at SIPS are in high demand so please get in early as they will be offered on a first in basis. Priority is given to Junior Band students.
BAND CAMP: (camp fees advised in Term 2, 2026)
- A combination of band rehearsals, sectionals and outdoor activities culminating in a “Show All” concert at the end of Day 2.
- Non-residential for Year 3 students.
Senior Band- 2nd, 3rd & 4th year instrumentalists
2026 Senior Band Fees
Band Fees
Annual Registration Fee: $25
Band Program Term Payment: $190 per term
INCLUSIONS
∗ Weekly band rehearsal
∗ all performances
∗ Band folder
∗ Sheet Music
∗ Pencil
Rehearsal Schedule
Band Rehearsal:Tuesdays 3 - 4pm
Private lessons can be with your own choice of Tutor or with a MusicLinks Tutor. MusicLinks lessons can take place on-site at SIPS, in local studios or in your home depending on availability. 2027 MusicLinks lesson fees are:
MusicLinks Private lessons:
* $51 plus gst (half hour lessons)
MusicLinks Pair lessons:
* $42 plus gst (half hour lessons) available if there are 2 students on same instrument
*please note- MusicLinks lessons onsite at SIPS are in high demand so please get in early as they will be offered on a first in basis. Priority is given to Junior Band students.
BAND CAMP: (camp fees advised in Term 2, 2026)
- A combination of band rehearsals, sectionals and outdoor activities culminating in a “Show All” concert at the end of Day 2.
- residential for Years 4, 5 & 6 students.
Advanced Creative Ensemble (ACE) Optional for 3rd & 4th year instrumentalists (ACE musicians are also in Senior Band)
2026 ACE Fees
ACE Rehearsal Fee: $155 per term
INCLUSIONS
* Weekly Senior Band rehearsal
* Weekly ACE session
* Band folder
* Sheet Music
* Pencil
* Afternoon tea
* all performances
Rehearsal Schedule
Senior Band:
Tuesdays 3 - 4pm
ACE: Tuesdays 4-4.30pm
Private lessons can be with your own choice of Tutor or with a MusicLinks Tutor. MusicLinks lessons can take place on-site at SIPS, in local studios or in your home depending on availability. 2026 MusicLinks lesson fees are:
MusicLinks Private lessons:
* $51 plus gst (half hour lessons)
MusicLinks Pair lessons:
* $42 plus gst (half hour lessons) available if there are 2 students on same instrument
*please note- MusicLinks lessons onsite at SIPS are in high demand so please get in early as they will be offered on a first in basis. Priority is given to Junior Band students.
BAND CAMP: (camp fees advised in Term 2, 2026)
- A combination of band rehearsals, sectionals and outdoor activities culminating in a “Show All” concert at the end of Day 2.
- residential for Years 4, 5 & 6 students.
Instrument Hire
Click here to find out more about instrument hire
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 pack (percussionists only)
$169 - View here
Instruments
St Ives Primary School has several instruments available for use for students in the school band for little or no hire fee. Enquire via the MusicLinks office.
We can assist you in accessing other instruments for hire from around $10 per week
To view band instruments please click here.
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.