Manly Selective Campus

Band Program 2009

Information Handbook

Joining the Band Welcome Program The Manly Selective Campus Ensembles Program (established 1990) is a highly successful band program Membership is open to all interested students from that enjoys an enviable reputation throughout Sydney years 7 to 12 with a minimum of one year’s and New South Wales. instrumental playing experience. All applicants will undertake an audition to help determine placement in The various ensembles enjoy performing at music the most suitable ensemble. festivals, and going on regional and interstate tours. In December/January an audition package will be The Manly Selective Campus program is successful mailed or emailed to all students who have completed because it emphasizes three important things: an ‘Expression of Interest’ form, available at the back commitment, dedication and above all, the pursuit of of this handbook. Existing members will automatically musical excellence. receive the information.

This information booklet provides an overview of the program. By understanding how the program works, Auditions the expectations of band membership and your role in the process, you will be helping us maintain the Auditions take place at the start of Term 1 and the program’s exemplary standards. results are posted on the Band Notice Board outside the Band room shortly thereafter. General inquiries from parents regarding prospective new band members may be directed to: The audition process is a necessary part of our program design. Manly Selective Campus enrols a [email protected] cohort of exemplary students each year, and to ensure Barry Hobbs (Pres. Band Program) on 0414 791 462 that our program offers the necessary challenges to stretch the gifted and talented musicians among us, we re-audition all members not already in the most senior ensembles each year to allow for progression up Program Structure the ensemble structure.

The ensembles program employs professional musical It is important that the students auditioning for directors to instruct our students in the many varied placement and their parents understand and accept ensemble types. The diversity of skill amongst our the selection process. Careful consideration of the students is evident in the program's structure, makeup of each ensemble is necessary in order to currently comprising 10 separate ensembles covering maintain a high standard and is not intended to the styles of concert band, stage band, strings and discourage students. The program seeks to provide an improvisation. opportunity to achieve musical excellence.

It is imperative that students achieve grounding in a Audition Requirements variety of styles to ensure adequate technical and musical development. Therefore all students in the ONE SOLO PIECE program must be a member of the Concert Stream – A piece that best demonstrates your musical and Concert Band, Wind Ensemble or Symphonic Wind technical ability (accompaniment is not necessary) Orchestra - to be considered for other ensembles. SIGHT READING The exceptions to this policy are the strings ensemble and Improvisation Workshop, the latter being open to To be given on the day any student interested in learning and exploring the SCALES fundamentals of improvisation. Chromatic scale (full range where possible) Major or minor scale (own choice)

Students auditioning for advanced ensembles must also be prepared to play any major or minor scale commensurate to their grade.

Our Ensembles CHAMBER STRING ENSEMBLE The majority of students in year 7 and 8 are placed in Concert Band, Chamber Strings, Wind Ensemble Director - Mr Steve Buchanan and/or Stage Band. Exceptions are only made where The Chamber String Ensemble accepts students from students demonstrate exceptional skill. all years who have a minimum of 1 to 2 years playing experience. The instrumentation includes violins, CONCERT BAND STREAM violas, cellos and double bass. Each year a position is available for one or two pianists with above average The concert band stream incorporates all instruments sight-reading skills. except strings. There are however only limited places for pianists and bass guitarists. Expected minimum standards for members of these ensembles are: IMPROVISATION STREAM CONCERT BAND Director – Mr Colin Bright Director – Mr Craig Driscoll While the other streams will challenge students in the Comprised of students between Years 7 and 10 who world of structured music, the focus of this stream is have been playing for 1 or more years. to understand what you need to know and consider WIND ENSEMBLE when you want to deviate from the written score. Playing by ear and learning to play jazz standards will Director – Mr Mark Brown feature. Interested students are encouraged to join Comprised of students, predominantly from Years the Improvisation Workshop. 7 to 10, who have played for 2 years or more or have reached a minimum standard of 3rd grade in IMPROVISATION WORKSHOP sight-reading (section leaders 5th or 6th grade). The workshop is open to any student in the school SYMPHONIC WIND ORCHESTRA who would like to learn the fundamentals of improvisation. No audition is required, as this Director - Mr Mark Brown program caters for a wide range of musical For students, predominantly from Years 9 to 12, expertise, ranging from students who have been who have normally attained a minimum level of 5th playing an instrument for a minimum of 1 year right Grade AMEB or equivalent (section leaders 8th up to accomplished musicians. Its aim is to give grade or AMus). students a thorough grounding in the theory and

practice of improvisation STAGE BAND STREAM JAZZ PERFORMANCE GROUPS

Director - Mr Craig Driscoll Students who have reached a sufficient level of Instrumentation for the stage bands includes proficiency in improvisation and wish to get out trumpets, saxophones, trombones and one each of there in front of an audience may be invited to join drums, bass guitar, keyboard, rhythm guitar and one of the jazz performance groups. They must vocals. Students must be a member of one of the also be a member of one of the concert bands. concert bands to be offered a position in one of the stage bands (vocals excepted). STAGE BAND For students from Years 7 to 10 who have played for 1 or more years. BIG BAND Comprised of students, predominantly from Years 7 to 10, who have played for 2 years or more or reached a minimum standard of 3rd grade in sight- reading. JAZZ ORCHESTRA For students from Years 9 to 12 (younger if advanced standard), normally having attained a minimum level of 6th Grade AMEB or equivalent.

Rehearsals,Tours, Band Program Fees Performances,Camps The band program at Manly Selective Campus operates It is imperative that students attend all rehearsals, on a non-profit basis and is funded essentially through performances and annual tours or camps. The band fees paid by participating students. Finances are directors place students according to ability and also assisted by fundraising activities and some grants strive to produce quality and balanced ensembles and donations during the year. across the program. Every attempt is made to keep the fees as low as By accepting a position, both the parents and the possible to ensure that the music program remains student are committing to being punctual and accessible to all interested students. attending all rehearsals, associated concerts, competitions, tours and camps throughout the year. Fees are payable on invoice at the beginning of the Tours and band camps are not optional events, but year for Semester 1 (Terms 1 and 2) and again at the essential to ensuring a quality ensemble. beginning of Term 3 for Semester 2.

REHEARSALS Band fees are made up of two components: a program membership (aka. administration) fee, and a fee for Rehearsals for each ensemble occur once per week. each ensemble to which the student belongs. Please notify the band director either directly or

via the band parent rep of any issue attending a Fees per semester for 2008 were as follows and there rehearsal as the band has a duty of care for may well be small adjustments for 2009: students to the school. Rehearsal times for 2009

will be as follows, at locations to be advised. Program Membership Fee $135 Concert Band Mon 7:20 – 8:50am Wind Ensemble Thurs 7:20 – 8:50am Ensemble Fees: Symphonic Wind Orchestra Fri 7:20 – 8;50am Concert Band $50 Stage Band Fri 7:20 – 8;50am Wind Ensemble $50 Big Band Tues 7:20 – 8;50am Symphonic Wind Orchestra $50 Jazz Orchestra Wed 7:20 – 8;50am Chamber String Ensemble Wed 7:30 – 8;30am Stage Band $80 ImproShop Wed 2:30 – 3;30pm Big Band $80 I-Jazz Wed 7:50 – 8;50am Jazz Orchestra $80 S-Jazz Mon 7:50 – 8;50am Chamber String Ensemble $90 ANNUAL TOURS & BAND CAMPS ImproShop $90 A highlight for each ensemble is an annual tour or I-Jazz Performance $90 band camp. Typically both are of 4 or 5 days S-Jazz Performance $90 duration. The tours travel to regional NSW, where the students perform at other schools and For example, the per semester fees for a student in community centres. The band camp involves guest both the Wind Ensemble plus the Stage Band would be tutors and evening activities. The cost varies from $135 (program fee) plus $50 (Wind Ensemble) plus $350-$500 depending on the destination and $80 (Stage Band) giving a total of $265 each duration. semester (ie. $530 for the year).

INTERNATIONAL TOURS Monies raised through fees are used to cover the running costs of the program. These include payments The band program anticipates that every 3 years for the services of our Band Directors, new music, the senior concert and stage bands will tour non-musical equipment, guest conductors and overseas. competition entry fees. Instrument purchases are

paid for through fundraising activities. Payment for The intent is that each student who progresses tours and workshops is covered by contributions through the MSC program has the opportunity to directly from the participants. experience a different culture and performance

setting. MSC bands have toured Austria (2004) Payment may be by cheque, cash, credit card or the and Japan (2008). preferred method of payment of electronic transfer.

Tutorials Parent/Student

All students participating in the ensembles program Communication are expected to have a private weekly tutorial on their instrument. It is highly recommended that, The Band Program uses 2 main forms of once reaching high school, students ensure that they communication with parents: are learning from an accredited instrumental o The Weekly Pines’ - the school newsletter teacher i.e. teachers with a tertiary music degree in that is published each Friday; the band the instrument they teach. program puts important details in this newsletter each week. The purpose of professional tuition is to teach the o Email – please supply an email address on students correct technique in breathing, musical the ‘Expression of Interest’ form notation, sight-reading and musicality. Please consider the qualifications and experience of the tutor before agreeing to lessons. The following information will be distributed: o Committee member and parent band rep High school aged students should not be learning names and phone numbers from high school aged tutors. o Performance dates and times Instrument Hire o Concert and Tour Information o Requests for assistance

It is expected that students entering the MSC program already own an instrument. The Band Certain times of the year are very busy, especially Program hire out only those instruments that are the end of term 2 / beginning of term 3 (competition less commonly played, or are more expensive to season) and the end of term 4 with the numerous purchase yet essential to enhancing the quality of end-of-year and graduation ceremonies. our bands. Instruments are allocated to students by the band directors. Please help the directors out by asking your band members for notes and newsletters and checking Manly Selective Campus Instruments. your emails regularly. Instruments available for hire include tenor saxophones, baritone saxophones, French horns, Band Uniform bass clarinets, bass trombone, double bass and tuba. Arts Unit instruments. GIRLS BOYS Some instruments that our bands lack may be hired Formal School blazer School blazer from the Arts Unit (aka. PAU) of the Department of Uniform School tie School tie Education. Talk to the directors during auditions for White shirt White shirt details. Winter skirt Grey long pants Black opaque Black socks Hire, Service and Insurance Fees stockings The hire and maintenance of the instruments is set Black school shoes Black school shoes by the Band Committee and reviewed annually. It is Casual Blue band t-shirt Blue band t-shirt anticipated that in 2009, members will be invoiced a Uniform Black skirt or long Black long pants service fee rather than a hire charge, to maintain pants the quality of the instruments. Black stockings or Black socks socks While these instruments are insured by the Band Black shoes Black shoes Program, it is the responsibility of the players to look after them, particularly if taken home or to Band t-shirts and some second hand blazers will be performances. on sale at the New Band Members Information Night early in Term 1. Mark has become highly sought after as a motivational guest conductor, especially with youth Our Directors and community groups. Guest seasons include Sydney Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, Ku-ring-gai Mr Mark Brown BMus(hons) Philharmonic, Sutherland Shire Symphony, Lane Cove Youth Orchestra, Mosman Symphony, Verbruggen Mark was appointed the MSC Program Director in Orchestra, State Education Department Music 2007. He conducts the concert stream ensembles, Camps and many school groups. He is currently the and has leadership responsibility for the cohesion Musical Director of the Lane Cove Youth Orchestra across all musical streams.

Since arriving at MSC, Mark has introduced a variety of multi-stream innovations (eg. orchestral bands, combined all bands, choir/concert combinations), as well as performances at premier venues (eg. St Patrick’s chapel, Manly).

Mark is a double graduate of the NSW State Conservatorium of Music, having gained both a Bachelor of Music (Honours) in Trombone Performance (1996) and a Certificate of Piano Tuning and Technology (1982). He studied trombone with Arthur Hubbard and Ron Prussing as well as conducting with Henryk Pisarek.

His professional trombone credits include Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra, English National Ballet, Sydney Philharmonia, Sydney Seasons of Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Beauty and the Beast, Miss Mr Craig Driscoll BMus ADJazzS Saigon, Crazy for You, My Fair Lady, The Merry Craig is the director for the MSC Stage Stream, and Widow, The Mikado, Michael Crawford Australian has been with the MSC program since 2000. Tour, N.S.W. Police Band, Tommy Tycho, Ed Wilson

Big Band, three international contracts with P. & O. Craig has been a professional musician for the past Cruises, club gigs backing variety artists and rock 19 years and graduated from the Sydney bands. Conservatorium of Music with a Diploma in Jazz

Studies and a Bachelor of Music. He also studied in In 1994 Mark was awarded the Bellhouse Memorial New York with various performers including George Conducting Scholarship and in 1995 was selected for Coleman from Miles Davis's band of the 50's. the Ku-ring-gai Philharmonic Orchestra Conductor in

Training program under Maestro Henryk Pisarek. Craig plays saxophones, clarinets and flutes During this time he was also assistant conductor to professionally. He has toured Europe, America, Steve Williams with the Conservatorium Wind South America, Asia and Australia with the Orchestra. He later travelled to the Czech Republic Australian Wind Orchestra, the Brass Machine Big and attended the Symphonic Workshops Band, Miss Saigon, Oliver and Chicago companies and International School for Conducting studying under the Belvoir St Theatre. He has also performed in Maestros Kirk Trevor, Tsung Ye and Johanes the orchestras for The Phantom of the Opera, Miss Schafli. Saigon, Showboat, Crazy for You, West Side Story,

The Wizard of Oz, Annie, Porgy and Bess, The From 1999-2005 Mark was director of the large Merry Widow, The Sound of Music, Cats, The band program at St. Patrick’s College Sutherland Producers, Titanic and various other productions. where he also taught low brass and trombone. Mark also directed the stage band at Sydney Technical High School from 2000-2005, was Director of Music Craig appeared as a soloist with the Sydney Conservatorium Orchestra and plays as lead Alto in at Sutherland Shire Brass from 2001-2004 and the John Morrison Big Band and regularly in the conductor of both concert bands at Port Hacking Jazz and commercial scene of Sydney. High School from 2003-2005. In 2006 Mark was contracted to the N.S.W. Police Band for twelve months as guest Principal Euphonium and Trombone. Mr Stephen Buchanan BMus in Aboriginal music led to him to adopt Peter As an educator, Stephen has been an instrumental Sculthorpe as a mentor through the early seventies. tutor ever since he left school in 1994, and has taught in many of the City's top schools. He has 'The major influence on my musical thinking is been the director of the String Ensemble at Manly PSYCHE OF PLACE (landscape, space, sun, etc.). High Selective Campus since July 2004 and has There is nothing nationalistic in my music. It is about grown the group in both numbers and standard with awareness of place - where you live and how you fit a real enjoyment for the art of playing a string in. instrument. My current preoccupation could generally be Stephen commenced his musical studies at the age described as URBAN PSYCHOSCAPES more internal of 6 when he started piano tuition. At the age of 14 / psychological states. So far, these pieces involve Stephen began to play the double bass and finding something of the essence of a writer/poet (& completed his tertiary studies as a double bass sampling their voice), which, when integrated with major at the Sydney Conservatorium in 1998, the music adds a theatrical or meta-musical studying under Robert Nairn. As a student Stephen dimension.' was the principal double bassist with both the Sydney Youth Orchestra and the SBS Youth Colin’s early work often includes didgeridoos (Earth Orchestra with which he toured to New Caledonia, Spirit 1982, Fire on the Lake 1989) or concentrates Italy, Malta and Japan. on creating a true Australian sound (Red Earth 1985) culminating in the opera The Sinking of the Rainbow As a professional Stephen has made a name for Warrior (1993/94). More recently, a number of himself both as a double bassist, bass guitarist and different works have emerged in which the focus musical director for various freelance ensembles. gradually shifts towards what the composer calls He was the bassist for Roger Woodward's Spring 'urban psychoscapes'. His literary sources so far Festival for three years and has performed as a have included Jas Duke, Amanda Stewart and W. S. professional freelance artist backing the likes of Burroughs. David Campbell, Marina Prior, Anthony Warlow and Tommy Tycho. Stephen has made many recordings Other composition highlights include: for Radio, Television and CD release and was the label manager for a local record company for 4 o The Sinking of the Rainbow Warrior was years. He is currently the proprietor of his own live performed as part of the Sydney Festival in music booking agency Harbour City Entertainment. 1997 and has since been released on CD (VAST028-2). o The Wild Boys was awarded Best Composition of the Year at the Sounds Mr Colin Bright Australian Awards in 1997 and was selected Colin is the musical director for MSC’s Improvisation as the Australian entry for the 1997 Paris Stream. Rostrum.

o Black Years - Red Years won the NSW Colin Bright has since received Composer award for Best Composition at the 2000 Fellowships, International Fellowships and Sounds Australian awards. commissions from most of Australia's leading ensembles and his music has been performed and o Let the Storm Break Loose was short-listed broadcast in 27 countries around the world. for Best Composition at the 2005 Sounds Australian/APRA awards. He was awarded a 2 year Composer Fellowship from o The Last Whale (for voices, 4 players and the Music Board of the Australia Council, 2003-4. electronics) was awarded Best Composition Recently, he was commissioned by Townsville City by an Australian Composer at the 2008 Council to compose Words On Water to open their Classical Music Awards at the Sydney Opera Writer Festival. He was the Trans-Tasman exchange House. composer for 2007 and worked with the Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra, who commissioned a new work.

Contrary to Australia's other leading composers, Colin Bright is essentially self-taught. His early involvement in socio-political issues and his interest Band Committee 2009

The Band Committee is a sub committee of the Parents and Citizens Association and is responsible for managing the Band Program. It consists of band parents who actively support the musical directors with: o implementing program strategy aligned to the school plan,

o financial management (budgeting, enrolments, accounting)

o communication (eg. Parent band representative, events calendar, school liaison)

o logistics for major events (eg. International tours, St Patrick’s Premier concert),

o social events or fundraising (eg. Dinner Dance, City to Surf, overseas student billeting).

The AGM is held at the end of the year and the 9 or 10 committee meetings throughout the year are usually on a Monday evening. During these meetings, ideas and issues are discussed and voted on. This is the forum for parents who: o like to know what makes the band program tick,

o have an idea or concern to put forward

o wish to know what their children aren’t telling them!

o want to get to know some other parents and staff

o are aligned to the school’s “giving back to the community” ethos.

Parents wishing to lend a hand are invited to attend meetings and/or contact your band representative to offer assistance. There are plenty of smaller tasks that the committee need help with so please volunteer when the opportunity presents itself.

Below is list of contact details for the 2009 Band Committee. Each ensemble has a Parent Representative who supports its director and assists in organising parent support for activities associated with it, such as performance logistics and transportation. Parent representatives will be elected at the start of the year, once auditions and ensemble allocations are complete. A list of these parent reps will be published periodically in Pines, and on the P&C web site.

Position Name email President Barry Hobbs [email protected] Vice President Christina de Podolinsky [email protected] Treasurer Brenton White [email protected] Assistant Treasurer Jill Deere [email protected] Secretary Debbie Hankey [email protected] Assistant Secretary Tony Garman [email protected] Instrument hire Linda Sokolich [email protected] Fundraising John Thornton [email protected] Newsletter Kerrie Wood [email protected] Blazers / t shirts Linda Sokolich [email protected] Website John Warburton [email protected] Calendar Kerrie Wood [email protected] Enrolments Pauline Adams [email protected] Publicity (vacant) Special Events -- -- Dinner Dance John Thornton [email protected] -- Big Band Bash (vacant) -- City To Surf Sally Garman [email protected] Expression of Interest for 2009

Student Details

Name ______School Year 2009______

Date of Birth ______Sex Male ___ Female ___

Instrument(s) Played

1. ______No. of Years ______Grade/Level ______

2. ______No. of Years ______Grade/Level ______

Please indicate your previous musical experience: (bands involved in, eisteddfods completed, etc.)

______

______

______

Instrument Lesson Details Instrument 1 Instrument 2

Name of private tutor: ______

Suburb tutor teaches from: ______

Will you continue weekly lessons with this tutor in 2009? Yes No Yes No I may be interested in joining the Improvisation Workshop Yes No

Parent Contact Details*

Name ______

Address ______

______

Phone(H) ______(M) ______

Parent Email ______Please print clearly

Please publish my name, phone number, suburb and email to be published on the band contact lists. Yes No

This form can be returned: • to the school during Orientation Day, marked " Band Enrolment" • marked " Band Enrolment" and posted to 138 Abbott Road North Curl Curl 2099, • scanned and/or the details emailed to [email protected].

Note Audition Packages will be posted or emailed to above email address. Band-related questions can be emailed to [email protected].