Baulkham Hills High School has run a successful band program for many years under the guidance of our Band Parent Group and Music Faculty. The Band and Orchestra consists of 7 bands, described below, who meet weekly for rehearsals. All bands are given performance opportunities and to participate in competitions appropriate to their skill level.
Instruments included are: oboe, flute, clarinet, bass clarinet, alto, tenor and baritone sax, trumpet, trombone, french horn, euphonium, tuba, bassoon and percussion
Violin, viola, cello, double bass
Junior band
Baulkham Hills High is very proud to be able offer a beginner band, as very few high schools can provide this as part of their band programs. This band caters for students who have not previously played a musical instrument, or an instrument that is part of a concert band, or who wish to try a new instrument. No previous musical knowledge is required, offering an opportunity for students who may not have played in a primary school band, but wish to learn large ensemble skills and have performance opportunities.
Junior Band is conducted by Ms Yvonne Brown
Rehearsal is on Thursday morning starting at 7:20 am
Concert Band
The Concert Band comprises of students with a good working knowledge of their instrument and fundamental understanding of music performance. Students from Concert band are able to progress to higher level bands through an audition process.
Concert Band is conducted by Dr Luis Madrid.
Rehearsal is on Wednesday morning starting at 7:20 am.
Senior band
Students progress into the Senior band by audition from the Concert Band. Playing and performance expectations are higher as students will be playing more complicated pieces.
Senior Band is conducted by Ms Yvonne Brown
Rehearsal is on Friday morning starting at 7:20 am.
Symphonic Wind Ensemble
Students who have achieved a higher degree of skill with their instrument are eligible to audition from the Senior Band. Symphonic Wind Ensemble also performs regularly at various school functions including Presentation Evening.
Symphonic Wind Ensemble is conducted by Dr Steve Clark.
Rehearsal is on Monday morning starting at 7:20 am.
Big Band
The Baulkham Hills High School Big Band consists of traditional big band instrumentation including saxophones, trombones, trumpets, piano, bass (electric or acoustic) and drums. The band plays a jazz-based repertoire. This band is designed for students who have a high degree of musical expertise and membership is by invitation or audition. The band has a particular focus on solo performance and improvisation. Performance opportunities may include Jazz at The Pines or Sunday afternoon jazz at a local cafe.
Big Band is conducted by Mr Jack Stoneham.
Rehearsal is on Wednesday morning starting at 7:20 am.
String Ensemble
The String Ensemble is an excellent introduction for string playing and orchestral playing . 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.
String Ensemble is conducted by Mrs Ruth Choong.
Rehearsal is on Monday mornings at 7.20 am.
Orchestra
The Orchestra is the ultimate ensemble in the Band and Orchestra Program. 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.
Non string players must also be a member of either the Concert or Senior Bands.
Orchestra is conducted by Dr Luis Madrid.
Rehearsal is on Tuesday mornings at 7.20 am.
Band Fees
The band program is an extra-curricular activity offered to students of Baulkham Hills High School.
The compulsory annual fee covers the costs of: an administration assistant, band conductors, music scores, entry to competitions or festivals, workshops, band equipment and at times hire of performance venues. Only one fee is charged per year, even if students play in more than one band or ensemble. For band camp or tours there will be additional fees.
Band Fees for 2022 are $300 per student, invoiced in March.
Band Parent Group
This parent group is a vital part of the school band program. We ask parent volunteers to provide support by attending meetings and/or filling various roles within the committee to share the workload and keep costs down. Meetings are held once a term, or as required. Details for each role will be advertised in the school newsletter and by email. There are also other various activities and events parents can assist with.
Band Policy and Membership expectations
All students who join the band should make a commitment to being a part of the band for a minimum of one year. Students are expected to attend rehearsals, workshops, performances, competitions and camps as required, including in-school performances during the school day. Advance notice from the parent or guardian must be given to the conductor if a student is unable to attend band related activities. If a student is absent from rehearsals due to illness, or other unavoidable circumstances, the conductor must be advised by email via the band email address.
Students are expected to be punctual and help with setting up and packing away. It is vital that students co-operate with conductors, fellow band members, tutors and parent helpers.
Students must retain private tutors for music tuition of individual instruments at their own expense. Tuition is not offered at school.
Band Uniform
White, long sleeve collared shirt with black trousers, black shoes.
Girls may wear black skirts, minimum knee length or trousers
The band tie is available to purchase from the front office for $16.
Big Band uniform - black long sleeve collared shirt with black trousers or black skirt
Solid coloured tie of choice ( no designs or patterns)
Band Recognition
Students are awarded with a badge after one, 3 and 5 years service to the band. Band is noted as an extra curricular activity on school reports, subject to meeting minimum attendance requirements.
Band Tours
There are opportunities for students to attend band tours from time to time. In 2017 and 2019 a Concert Band, Big Band and String Ensemble toured Europe in the April school holidays. The third tour to Poland, Czech Republic and Germany planned for 2021 was postponed due to travel restrictions.
Band Instrument Hire
There are a limited number of instruments available to hire, subject to availability. These include oboes, bass clarinets, tenor saxes, french horn, euphoniums, tubas. For all other instruments, families will need to purchase their own or hire externally.
For further information, or to register interest in joining the school band, contact the Band Administrator at bhhsbandcom@gmail.com with
Student name and Year
Instrument played
Number years played
Keep up to date with Band News in the weekly school newsletter
Facebook page “Baulko Band and Orchetsra” https://www.facebook.com/Baulko-Band-and-Orchestra-100848740521209/
Please address all band enquiries to the Band Administrator at bhhsbandcom@gmail.com