Embedded Files
BAND: General Information
Band EXPECTATIONS
Band EXPECTATIONS
Band Students
Band Students
Students are expected to commit to the Band Program for the duration of the school year.
Students are required to agree to a “code of conduct” as part of their commitment to the Band Program for 2026. This "code of conduct" covers commitment to:
Attendance (rehearsals & performances)
Punctuality
Practising their instrument at home
Undertaking weekly lessons with a private tutor
Taking appropriate care of their instrument
Being respectful, responsible and safe towards their peers and teachers during all Band activities.
Breaching this code may result in students being asked to leave the Band.
Band Parents/Carers
Band Parents/Carers
The band program is part of the co-curricular music program run at OLGC by external contractors with the support of the school Principal and the school office staff.
To make the Band program a real success for our students, we require the assistance of parents in various ways throughout the year, including:
transportation of instruments to and from external events
parent supervision at events outside of school hours
assistance with setting up for workshop days and concerts… etc.
We ask that all parents make a commitment to assist in some way at at least one band event during the year.
If you feel you have special “talents” or other assistance you could “donate” to the Music Ensembles program, please contact the Music Ensembles Administrator.
... and great friends!
Instrument HIRE
Instrument HIRE
OLGC owns several quality instruments which are available for hire for a very reasonable fee. Those with access to their own instruments are exempt from hire fees.
Percussionists will be required to pay an annual “usage” fee to cover the costs of maintaining the percussion instruments at school for their use.
If you choose to hire an instrument, you must complete and sign the hire agreement form when you collect your instrument for the first time.
All hired instruments are covered under the school’s insurance policy whilst stored at school. However, parents must agree to properly care for the instrument and are responsible for any costs incurred resulting from mistreatment. The Band will only accept responsibility for any repairs due to age or prior use.
If you feel an instrument needs repair, please firstly bring it to the attention of the Band Director.
It is then responsibility of the parent to contact the school’s instrument repairer if there is a problem with the instrument and take it for repairs.
We are extremely fortunate to have a local musician, Ben Dickson, looking after our instruments. Ben will advise if the instrument needs a service (in which he will charge the school) or if the damage is due to poor handling of the instrument (e.g. if it has been dropped, exposed to wet or heat, or mistreated in some way), in which case the charge will be your responsibility.
Please see the information on "Instrument REPAIRS" for further details.
Taking Care Of Your Instrument
Taking Care Of Your Instrument
It is very important that you clean and maintain your instrument on a regular basis.
Your tutor will show you how to do this. An instrument cleaning cloth has been provided with your instrument; however, you still need to purchase slide oil or cork grease from a music store (eg Mall Music at Warringah Mall).
WOODWIND instruments (flutes, clarinets and saxophones) must be kept dry inside so that the pads do not get sticky. The outside must be wiped regularly with a clean cloth to stop the instrument getting tarnished. Do not use any polishing agents.
You must supply your own reeds and remember to bring spares to your band practice. New reeds can be purchased from the School office.
BRASS instruments (trombones, trumpets, euphoniums) should be wiped down regularly to keep the instrument shiny. Do not use any polishing agents, just a clean dry cloth. Your tutor will show you how to grease and oil the valves and slides.
Most importantly, you must NEVER:
sit on your instrument case (these are costly to repair)
store your instrument in the classroom (store them in the Music Room instead)
leave your instrument in a hot car or in the sun (this will damage your instrument very quickly)
Instrument REPAIRS
Instrument REPAIRS
All instruments need regular servicing and repairs - and accidents do happen, even when we are trying to take the absolute best care of our instruments.
All hired OLGC instruments are covered under the school’s insurance policy whilst stored at school. You have already agreed to take proper care of your hired instrument. Parents are responsible for any costs incurred resulting from mistreatment. The Band will only accept responsibility for any repairs due to age or prior use. If you feel an instrument needs repair, please bring it to the attention of the Band Director.
If there is a problem with the instrument, it is the responsibility of the PARENT to contact the school’s instrument repairer and deliver it for repairs.
We are very fortunate to have a local musician, Ben Dickson, looking after our instruments. Ben will let you know if the instrument just needs a service - in which he will charge the school. If the instrument has been poorly handled in any way that is deemed more than regular "wear and tear" (eg if it has been dropped, exposed to wet or heat or mistreated), the charge will be your responsibility.
Website: https://www.bendickson.com.au/
Workshop: located at: 1/900 Pittwater Rd, DEE WHY 2099
Ben Dickson (Repair Technician): 0402 730 826
Lemin Luu (Instrument Hire Administrator): 0415 199 085
COMMUNICATIONS
COMMUNICATIONS
PLEASE NOTE:
From 2026, Music Ensemble Program communications will no longer be sent via Compass.
Please ensure that you join the relevant "REMIND" group for your Band - as a "PARENT" -
to ensure you receive all relevant communications about Band matters.
From 2026, Music Ensemble Program communications will no longer be sent via Compass.
Please ensure that you join the relevant "REMIND" group for your Band - as a "PARENT" -
to ensure you receive all relevant communications about Band matters.
Page updated
Report abuse