Information

To help you assess whether this program is for your child the following points need to be considered by you and your child.

Instrument selection

The most important part of enjoying your band experience is to start on the right instrument for you. Reflectively two primary considerations must be made: 1. Does your child like the sound the instrument makes? 2. Does your child have the physical attributes necessary to learn that instrument? A Musix with Music representative can assist with instrument selection. For schools already running a Musix with Music program, we host annual Instrument Trials to help interested children choose the right instrument for them.This service is free for schools who run Musix with Music programs.

Flute

Updating soon

Clarinet

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Alto Saxophone

The alto saxophone is one of the larger woodwind instruments of the concert band. Contrary to popular belief, Lisa Simpson does not play the alto saxophone. However, the alto saxophone does have a lovely low tone and strongly supports the band utilizing it's wide range. This instrument plays many roles, like the altos of a choir, support melodies with wonderful harmonies and counter-melodies, and take the leading part when extra strength is required. Children interested in this instrument are assessed firstly by the size of their hands. The saxophone is generally not suitable for year 3 and 4 as it is a heavy instrument. Children with small hands will have trouble reaching all the keys and holding the instrument secure. Children in these cases are recommended to start on the clarinet. As they grow they may find it easy to transfer to the alto saxophone as many of the clarinet principals are transferable. Saxophones are useful in concert bands, big bands and other jazz ensembles. They are rarely used in orchestras. Notable Australian saxophonists include Richard Maegraith who has featured on numerous albums and musicals, and Rafael Karlen, a solo and session saxophonist.

Trumpet

The trumpet is a light weight brass instrument with a very wide range. It can play quite low and is exciting to play high. Trumpets, like the alto saxophone, are the Altos of a choir. Due to the unique sound, which is naturally strong, the trumpets often support the flutes playing the melody, but are equally useful providing harmonies and rhythmic lines. Children interested in this instrument will be assessed at their school's band recruitment presentation for their embouchure formation and the quality of buzzing their lips (think high pitched raspberries or "phht"). Trumpets are a valued instrument in most situations including Brass Bands, Orchestras, Jazz ensembles and pop music. Some notable Australian Trumpet players include Daniel Mendelow, James Morrison as a solo performer and Ralph Pyl who has featured on many CD's and musicals.

Trombone

The trombone is a versatile instrument and performs many of the important harmonies in concert band music. Trombones are the tenors of the choir. They can play quite low, but are also very useful in their upper register. Children interested in this instruments will be assessed at their school's band recruitment presentation for their arm length and embouchure formation. Children whose lips are slightly larger than average and can make a nice raspberry sound find the trombone to be very enjoyable. Children who play the trombone will always find a place to play. Some popular ensembles include community concert bands, Brass bands, Marching bands and, for the advanced, community orchestras, musicals and jazz ensembles. Some notable Australian Trombonists include Ronald Prussing of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, several in the Spring Gully Brass Band, James Morrison as a solo performer and Ian Bell who has performed in many musicals and theater productions.

Euphonium/Tuba

The lower brass instruments are a very important part of the band. These instruments are large and required some body strength to balance. These instruments are the driving force behind rhythm and harmonic progression (not to mention they add some serious grunt to the music!) and provide the bass singers of a choir. Bands that incorporate these instruments are very fortunate indeed. Children interested in these instruments will be assessed at their school's band recruitment presentation for their body size, strength and embouchure formation. Children who can make great sounds on trombone often find these instruments more exciting. Children who play these instruments in primary school are even more highly valued in high school bands and move on to Orchestras, Brass bands, Marching bands and Concert bands. Some notable Tubists include Stephen Rosse of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, and Antonio Neilly and Duncan Spry of the Sydney Brass Ensemble.

Percussion

For most schools, we allow 1 percussionist for every 10 registration to new school bands. This generally means between 1-3 are accepted each year. This is to ensure a balanced band ensemble. Let's face it, if we were all percussionists, how would we hear the melody? Percussionists are auditioned for limb co-ordination at their school's band recruitment presentation. Children who are interested in percussion should also select a "second choice" instrument in case we have too many percussion registrations.

Commitment

When choosing to play an instrument the child needs to realise that they are committing time daily to practicing that instrument. Initially this will mean 10-15 minutes/day but by the end of the year 20-25 minutes/day will be needed. Please discuss this with your child. Most children will need loving guidance and support in the home to encourage progress and practice. This will mean the establishment of a regular practice routine which might need parental involvement. Often children resent being sent to a room to practice but will quite willingly practice if an adult occasionally sits with them and offers words of encouragement. It is best not to approach instrument learning as "having a go" but rather making the decision to learn the instrument as part of a team for at least four school terms. Many children have problems between 6 and 12 months because the novelty has worn off and the progress becomes more challenging. However, if they are supported through this time they usually go on with learning and become a vital part of the Band Team.

Sibling sharing of instruments

It is usually better if siblings play different instruments so that they aren't compared or competing. As this is a band program and all participants are committed to being in the band then it won't be possible for siblings to share an instrument when playing in the band.

Lesson payment

As most packages are based on shared lessons, missing or canceling a lesson will not grant you a discount. The teacher will still be present, teaching the rest of the children and needs to be paid for their time. See Terms and Conditions for more information. Payment is made to Musix with Music directly. Please do not pay through the office or teachers. Fees are payable for the lesson directly to Musix with Music within 21 days of invoice.

Instrument Hire

Instrument hire is more affordable than ever. Percussionists will need to purchase a drum pad and sticks (usually under $30).

PLEASE DO NOT ARRANGE HIRE OF AN INSTRUMENT UNTIL AFTER YOUR CHILD HAS BEEN ASSESSED FOR INSTRUMENT SUITABILITY.

Lesson attendance

The child will need to organise her/himself to attend lessons and band on time. Of course, they will probably need some help from home initially in remembering to bring their instrument and books. If a child does not attend a lesson you are obliged to pay the cost of the lesson unless the child is on a school based activity (e.g. camp) or if the teacher has been notified at least seven days in advance. It is your responsibility to inform the instrumental teacher, in advance, if your child will be away for any reason and cannot attend a lesson. Careful records of attendance are kept by the teachers. Any absence must be accompanied by a letter of absence.

Group lessons are of half-hour duration with the children being taught in groups of 4 - 6. While every effort is made initially to put children in groups of 4- 6 you would be able to appreciate that this is dependent on the number of children in the band program. Children, of course, learn at different rates and so often there is a need to adjust groupings and it may be that a recommendation will be made that your children receive a shared or individual lesson. After a few months they will join the school band. They will, of course, still receive lessons as well.

Children will be required to purchase band book when they begin, also a second one as they progress (around $17 - $20 each), and a music stand ($39.95).

Discontinuing

In order to discontinue after the first year of being a part of your school band, simply send a note to Musix with Music indicating you wish to withdraw your child from the band program. Withdrawals will be effective at the commencement of the next school term. Withdrawal notification must be received before the end of the last Friday of a school term for withdrawal to be accepted.