Band program
All students have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of performance ensembles at Ashfield Boys High School. Music is a valuable part of the curriculum and makes a contribution to a student's development that no other subject can match. Did you know that band students are more likely to be good citizens? Being part of a band helps under-performing students improve as musical training can enhance brain function. Playing music improves concentration, memory, and ability to express feelings and that is why at Ashfield Boys, our bands produce some of the most awarded, academic and civic-minded students in the school.
Music ensembles
Our band rehearsals take place outside of school time, offer a range of repertoire and varied performance opportunities both within the school and in the wider community. These bands teach students collaboration, commitment and offer the experience of working hard to achieve a common goal. Students also experience the joy of performance after hard work and perseverance. They are conducted by professional music teachers and specialist music tutors.
Junior Band
Is our beginner's ensemble which meets before school and introduces students to their chosen instrument and the foundations of ensemble playing. Junior Band members are then integrated into the larger concert band after semester one is completed. This is offered to year 7 students who are keen to learn one of the following instruments:
- Clarinet
- Flute
- Saxophone
- Trombone
- Tuba
- Trumpet
Training Band students meet before school and are enrolled with private instrumental tutors for a 30-minute lesson per week.
Intermediate Band
Is for students who have played an instrument in their at Primary School or for at least two years.
Senior Band
Is our largest ensemble and performs both a popular and symphonic band repertoire. Instruments include flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophones, trumpets, French horns, trombones, tuba, keys, percussion and bass guitar. This is our foundation band and all students are expected to attend an after school rehearsal on Thursday 2:30 – 4pm). All concert band members should have a private instrumental tutor.
Percussion ensemble
This band is a drumming circle and percussion ensemble that allows drummers to experience world music and take up the challenge of contemporary rhythms. Students learn to improvise, compose and perform on range of drums including darabukas, bongos, djembes and cajons.
Band fees
Band fees are payable and invoiced by the school office. The cost of participating in one band is $50 per term. This fee covers the associated costs of running the band including conductor, purchasing music charts, competition fees, etc. Students only pay one fee even if they are invited to play with the stage band.
Private instrumental tuition
The school has private music tutors who offer lessons in woodwind, brass, and percussion. These lessons are carried out on a rotating roster during the day so that each student has one 30 minute lesson per week. Tuition is conducted on a cost-recovery basis.
Instrumental hire
The school has a limited number of instruments for hire and this costs $50 per term. This money is used to service the instruments at the end of each year. Students who hire an instrument are responsible for all repairs and consumables (reeds, slide oil, etc.) and these can be left in the band room during the day of the rehearsal
