MUSIC PROGRAMS
P&C Music Co-ordinator Andrew Woo
P&C Instrument Co-ordinator Brenda To
Music for life
The school and the P&C encourage as many children as possible to get involved in music as part of their overall development. No prior musical experience is required, and aside from the educational benefits, it's great fun! Here are some of the benefits of joining the DEPS music program:
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Learning a new skill – playing a musical instrument
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Learning a new language – musical notation
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Learning to be part of a team – a musical ensemble
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Experience playing in front of a live audience – through various performances
A partnership in music
The school's music program is provided by a third party: Bennelong Music. The P&C Music Co-ordinator and Instrument Co-ordinator provide the link between parents, the school and this external provider, supporting music performances and events, and managing instrument hires.
ENSEMBLES & REHEARSALS
We have two bands and two string ensembles.
Bands
The bands include Keyboards, Clarinets, Flutes, Saxophones, Trumpets, French horns, Trombones, Euphoniums, Baritone horns, Tenor horns, Bass guitar, Percussion and Drums.
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Training Band is for complete beginners in Years 2–6. Rehearsals are on Wednesdays 8:00–9:00 am.
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Senior Band is for more experienced and advanced students who have played their instruments for several years. The students in the Senior Band have their weekly rehearsals on Fridays from 8:00am to 9:00am.
String Ensembles
The string ensembles are for string instruments including Violins, Violas and Cellos.
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Junior String Ensemble is the intermediate string ensemble and is open to all students in Kindergarten to Year 6. Weekly rehearsals for the Junior String Ensemble are on Mondays from 8:00am to 9:00 am.
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Senior String Ensemble is the advanced string ensemble and is open to all students in Year 2 to Year 6 who are at an AMEB Grade 2 level or higher. Weekly rehearsals for the Senior String Ensemble are on Thursdays from 8:00am to 9:00 am.
Admission to the Senior Band, and Senior String Ensembles is by audition or upon demonstrating the required level of skills and competence.
Each ensemble has opportunities to perform at various times throughout the year. These may include:
School events
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School assemblies
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Mid-Year Concert
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End-of-Year Concert
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Presentation Day
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Music workshops
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Mother's Day and Father's Day performances
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Solo Strings Recital
External events
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Ryde Eisteddfod
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Granny Smith Festival
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Ryde East Music Festival
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Festival of Instrumental Music
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Northern Sydney Symphonic Wind Ensemble Spring Music Festival
INSTRUMENT HIRE
The P&C has a range of instruments for hire. Please contact the P&C Instrument Coordinator at music.deps@gmail.com
for all enquiries.
Clarinets
Flutes (straight and curved-head)
Alto saxophones
Trumpets
French horns
Trombones
Euphoniums
Baritone horns
Tenor horns
Violins (1/10, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2 and 3/4 size)
Cellos (1/8, 1/4 and 1/2 size)
Guitars
PRIVATE LESSONS
All students in the music program are required to have private lessons on their chosen instrument. Private lessons are available through our music provider, Bennelong Music. Alternatively, students can make their own arrangements for a music tutor of their choice.
If you need to hire an instrument, please contact the P&C Instrument Co-ordinator at brendat@gmail.com.
PERFORMANCES
Each ensemble has opportunities to perform at various times throughout the year. These may include:
School events
● School assemblies
● Mid-Year Concert
● End-of-Year Concert
● Moonlight Markets
● Remembrance Day
● Presentation Day
● Solo Strings Recital
External events
● West Ryde Easter Parade and Fair
● Ryde Eisteddfod
● Granny Smith Festival
● Ryde East Music Festival
● Festival of Instrumental Music
● Northern Sydney Symphonic Wind Ensemble Spring Music Festival
MUSIC UNIFORMS
Students are required to wear the DEPS music uniform at all performances other than at school assemblies. The uniform comprises:
● Black DEPS music polo shirt
● Black trousers
● Black socks
● Black shoes
● Girls can wear a red ribbon
The music polo shirt can be purchased from the 2nd Hand Uniform Shop for $15 new or $5 second-hand. Please email the shop manager at depscottage@gmail.com to make an appointment.
CONTACT DETAILS
For enrolments, fees, payments and private lessons, please contact Bennelong Music.
T: 1800 788 639
For all instrument enquiries, please contact the P&C Instrument Co-ordinator, Brenda To, at music.deps@gmail.com
For all other enquiries, please contact the P&C Music Co-ordinator, Andrew Woo: