Baulkham Hills High School

Persevere

Telephone02 9639 8699

Emailbaulkham-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Music Ensemble Program

Music Ensemble Program (MEP)

The BHHS Music Ensemble Program is a collection of our bands, orchestras, and other musical groups. Rehearsing weekly, we have 9 fantastic ensembles with a range of instruments and talented players. Each ensemble feature players of different musical abilities and experience and offers students the opportunity for improvement in individual musicianship and as a member of a musical ensemble. Some of our notable annual performances include our MEP concerts, CAPA showcase, and a variety of different competitions and festivals.

Ensembles

Junior Band

This band caters for students who have not previously played a musical instrument or who wish to try a new instrument. Beginner players will be offered a place in the program by the band director. The instrument offer is based on the needs of the program. In 2024 we will be accepting the following instruments into junior band:  2 percussion, 2 clarinets, 2 trumpets, and unlimited numbers of:

  • Trombone
  • Euphonium
  • Bassoon
  • Tenor Saxophone
  • Baritone Saxophone
  • Bass Clarinet
  • Oboe

There will be a first in, first served policy for instruments with limited numbers. For junior band expression of interest, please use the separate junior band google form.

Symphonic Wind Orchestra (SWO)

SWO comprises of students playing intermediate level concert band repertoire.  Students from SWO are able to progress to higher level bands through an audition process. The expected standard of playing of students in the orchestra is approximately grade 3-5 AMEB.

Symphonic Wind Ensemble (SWE)

SWE is the school’s premier concert band for students in years 7-12 who perform a challenging repertoire. The expected standard of playing of students in the orchestra is approximately grade 5 AMEB.

Senior Wind

Senior Wind is our highest ensemble at BHHS. This ensemble plays exciting and difficult music and is for our most experienced players in the Music Ensemble Program. There is an expectation of commitment from students as they are selected individually for the ensemble. Students are welcome to audition for the conductor.

Orchestra

The Orchestra is the ultimate ensemble in the music ensemble program at BHHS. It caters to students who play an orchestral instrument as well as provides the opportunity for string players to develop their ensemble and performance skills. Students are expected to commit with a high degree of performance standard. The expected standard of playing of students in the orchestra is approximately grade 6 AMEB

String Ensemble

The String Ensemble is an excellent introduction for orchestral playing. It is suitable for students with at least two years experience. Students in the String ensemble perform exciting and challenging repertoire specifically chosen to develop their musical abilities in a fun and rewarding environment.  Students improve their intonation, bowing, tuning and ensemble skills. Members will have the opportunity to join the Orchestra once they have developed sufficient skills and may also continue playing in the Strings Group.

Guitar Ensemble

The Guitar Ensemble is a unique ensemble that caters to dedicated guitarists and bassists of all abilities. Students in this ensemble have opportunities to develop their technique and musicianship by playing repertoire from a wide repertoire of styles, with parts chosen to suit the skills of each student. All students are invited to audition for the conductor.

Choir

The BHHS Choir is an exciting group that allows students to join together and learn fun music that they have opportunities to perform.

If students wish to join the Choir they are asked to contact the Choir organiser instead of filling in the MEP expression of interest form.

 

These are 2023 ensemble which may be subject to changes in the future to adapt to our students and create the best program possible.

 

Rehearsal Schedule

Symphonic Wind Orchestra (SWO) – Monday 7:20-8:30am

Senior Wind – Monday 7:20-8:30am

Guitar Ensemble – Monday lunch time

Symphonic Wind Ensemble – Tuesday 7:20-8:30am

Orchestra – Wednesday 7:20-8:30am

Junior Band – Thursday 7:20-8:30am

String Ensemble – Friday 7:20-8:30am

Choir – Friday lunch time

 

Upcoming events

2023 Multicultural Food Fair - 18th November

2023 Music and Art Showcase – 7th December 6:30pm

2024 Ensemble Auditions – 8th December

Processes

To apply to be a part of Junior Band in 2024 please click here.

To audition for higher ensembles for 2024 please click here

To see our MEP handbook for more information about each ensemble please click here.

For ensemble enrolment please click here. Please keep in mind that select ensembles may require auditions or be invitation only. This form is an expression of interest, and you will be contacted with further information. Enrolment for 2023 has closed and enrolment for 2024 will open in Term 4 2023. Parents of year 6 students that will be attending BHHS in 2024 are welcome to enrol their child in one or more MEP ensembles in Term 4 of 2023. If your child is already a member of the MEP, you do not need to fill in this form unless they wish to join an ensemble they are not already a part of; enrolment rolls over into the new year unless students have communicated otherwise to MEP administration.

To notify us of absence from rehearsals or events please click here. Please keep in mind that there is an expectation of 80% or above attendance to rehearsals and any less without reason may face expulsion from the MEP. This is to ensure that our ensembles can perform to their highest capabilities and secure commitment from participating students.

Please note that these are the expected methods of expressions of interests and notifications of absence. We cannot guarantee that they will be addressed should they be communicated through other channels.

In order to notify us of departure from the MEP, please send an email to bhhsbandcom@gmail.com

Fees

MEP is an extra-curricular program meaning that we require participants to pay annual fees to be able to maintain it. Fees cover administration, workshop costs, wages for conductors and tutors, new music and equipment, venue hiring fees, competition entry fees, and instrument servicing fees. Any other events such as band camps and tours will have additional fees. For the list of fees and a more detailed breakdown, please visit the MEP handbook.

Gallery

Uniform

Students are expected to be in band uniform for all band events and performances (excluding rehearsals) unless told otherwise. Uniform consists of white collared shirts, black pants or skirts with black tights and black leather shoes. This is to be worn with the BHHS band tie which available at the uniform shop for $17 in-person and online.

Contact us

bhhsbandcom@gmail.com or contact BHHS

We will answer your enquiries as soon as we can