Narara Valley High School provides a range of programs in music to cater for the needs and interests of all students.

A parent body supports the ensemble programme. This includes purchase of music, instruments and a scholarship scheme to encourage new players to targeted instruments. The ensembles cover all types of instrumental music and are structured to cater to meet the differing abilities and experiences of students.

Presently students do technical workshops, a senior ensemble for the more advanced players, concert band, percussion and woodwind ensembles. 2009 has seen the introduction of a Jazz/Big Band for the more advanced players.

The band and ensemble groups have appeared at Youth In Performing Arts, Showcase, Starstruck, Edogawa Sister City Evenings, Anzac Day Ceremony, Gosford Show, Kids Day Out and Yamaha Band Festival, travelled to Japan and New Zealand to name a few and are in constant demand all over the Central Coast. The Concert Band also competed in the National Band Championships in Brisbane in 2009 and Sydney in 2009 as well as the Central Coast Eisteddfod.

Students in the band program are also offered discounted private lessons through School and Community Music who run a music school after hours at Narara Valley High School for the general community.

CONCERT BAND

This is the most senior band in the school with students ranging from years 9 to 12 with some talented year 7’s and 8’s. This band requires a high level of competency as they will be playing challenging music in order to prepare for major competitions such as Yamaha Band Festival, McDonalds Performing Arts Challenge, State and National Band Championships.

Thursday Ensemble

This ensemble is to encourage new players while mixing with more experienced players to nurture future players for the senior band ensembles. It offers the opportunity to play in a band, provide peer leadership to newer players and move on to the more senior bands.

JAZZ/BIG BAND

Members of this Band are drawn from the existing band programme. It is for the more advanced players. Membership is only available for students in year 8 upwards.

Technical and theory tutorials

There are various technical tutorials for instrumentalists that work their way through technical workbooks thus improving their skills. All students participate in these workshops. There is a half hour theory lesson per fortnight very different from the normal theory lesson.

Woodwind/Brass/Percussion Ensemble

Every student is offered a place in a small ensemble which offers students the experience of playing in a small ensemble.

Percussion Ensembles

The Percussionists

This group is limited to four of the most skilled students. These students cover all types of percussion from Body percussion to instrumental percussion. Entry is by invitation only.

The Girls Percussion Group

This group is made up of girl’s percussionists. Some students who play other instruments elect to do this as a second instrument. A lot of fun learning all forms of percussion.

The Junior Percussion Group

This group is to be formed in term 3 2009 and is open to students in years 6, 7 or 8.


Trombone and Tuba Scholarship

There is a trombone and tuba scholarship. Preference will be given to students presently playing in their primary school bands however, other students are encouraged to apply.

Band Costs and requirements

The costs of running the band are many and consist of School and Community Music Fees, musical director’s fees, Band Association fees and sheet music to state just a few. We also aim to have end of year awards and presentations. Fundraising occurs to help reduce these costs
The Band requires the following commitment from members and their families in order to have a smooth running band:-

• Fees paid promptly.

• A commitment to attend band for a 12 month period and attend band performances.

• We fund raise throughout the year to provide instruments and music for the students. This does not involve a great deal of time and reduces band costs for all students.

You will be required, in addition to the above fees, to provide a black rehearsal music stand. A standard uniform also exists. Shirts for girls and boys are $45.00 and students need to provide black shoes. Boys need to purchase a white tie (approx. $15.00).

Band lessons are run before and after school depending on instrument chosen and ensembles played in. Private lessons are also available as an option at an additional cost after school. Students can also learn a second instrument at a very much reduced cost.

If you do not have an instrument and wish to purchase or hire one we can assist you, please refer to the Instrument selection page for further details