Our school is extremely fortunate to have strong and vibrant performing arts opportunities. The band program run through the P&C is an integral facet of the performing arts culture at Pennant Hills Public School.
The band program is open to Years 3 - 6 students with love of music, a desire to develop teamwork, a wish to gain performance skills and a desire to become a leader of the school. The band currently has approximately 70 participants.
Students begin their musical career in our Training Band, work towards moving up to Intermediate Concert Band, followed by Senior Concert Band. Our school is also extremely fortunate to have a Jazz Band; an extension band open to students excelling in their instrument open through audition or invitation only.
Band groups operate as extra-curricular activities outside of school hours. The band program is run by a band committee made up of parent volunteers and supported by the P&C and the school.
The bands are trained and conducted by Ms Rose Foster (Training Band - TB and Intermediate Band - ICB) and Mr Dave Odams (Senior Band - SCB and Jazz Band - JB). They provide encouragement, ensemble education and structure to the weekly rehearsals, enabling members to gain skill with their instrument.
PHPS bands perform at a number of events. This year TB, ICB and SCB will be taking part in the Sydney Eisteddfod. We are still working on Ryde Eisteddfod and ASBOF.
2020 did not allow many performance opportunities.
In 2019 our bands participated in:
· PHPS Music Camp concert - 31 March (all bands)
· PHPS Term 1 Performance Assembly - 3 April (SCB)
· PHPS School Fete - 26 May (all bands)
· PHPS Kindergarten Open Day - 4 June (SCB)
· Wahroonga Band Festival - 16 June (ICB - Encouragement award, SCB - 2nd place)
· Pennant Hills High School Music Night - 19 June (SCB)
· PHPS Term 2 Performance Assembly - 4 July (ICB)
· City of Ryde eisteddfod - 13 August (JB - First Place)
· ASBOF - 18 August (TB - Silver award, ICB- Silver award, SCB- Silver award)
· North Shore Public School Band Festival - 8 September (TB, ICB)
· Music by Moonlight - 15 September (SCB)
· PHPS Term 3 Performance Assembly - 25 September (TB)
· PHPS K-2 Music Demo Assembly - 25 September (selected SCB members)
· Police Band Workshop - 15 October (SCB)
· PHPS Introduction to Music Night - 23 October (SCB)
· PHPS Celebration of Learning - 6 December (SCB, JB)
· PHPS Christmas Carols - 12 December (all bands)
The P&C supported bands contribute to the school’s dynamic performing arts program and complement the weekly school organised music, dance and choir lessons.
A parent-run String Ensemble is also available to all students outside school hours.
The current band convenor is Mr Michael Stalenberg.
Please email phpsband@gmail.com if you would like more information, or visit the band website: http://www.phpspandc.org.au/band/