We have created some videos to demonstrate and “meet the instruments” and to help students identify the instrument that your child would like to play in the school band. The instruments that you can enrol for in the school band are listed below. We encourage students and their families to read about each instrument and watch the videos before choosing which instrument they’d like to play.
Students in Year 2 will also attend a Band Demonstration Day during school time in Term 4 where they will get to hear the band performing and students will demonstrate each of the instruments.
Click on an instrument to watch the Demonstration Video:
One of the smallest and lightest instruments. Learning the correct mouth shape is challenging, so progress is slower initially. This can be disheartening for some students if they compare their progress to other students in the Band or are looking for instant results. Patience and good breath work are essential.
A smaller instrument that is broken down into smaller pieces to fit into a small case. Well suited to students with smaller hands, though correct assembly can be challenging and frustrating initially! Clarinet can be a great starting point for those interested in Alto Sax but not quite tall enough yet.
A larger instrument and case, generally better suited to taller students, and those with larger hand and longer fingers so that you can comfortably hold the instrument and reach the keys. A neck strap is available to help children manage the weight of the instrument whilst playing.
Smaller instrument and case, with no assembly required, well suited to children with good hand-eye coordination. Usually a lead instrument playing a higher melody. Families should be aware that Trumpets are loud and it is not recommended to use a mute to muffle the sounds when first learning to play.
A larger, slightly heavier instrument, well suited to students who have longer arms and are a bit taller. A great choice for students who like to stand out, as the lower brass parts of the music are clearly heard.
Another slightly larger instrument, better suited to taller students. Perfect for students who are looking for a more unique instrument, and to stand out in the Band performance.
To enrol for Keyboard in the school band program, you must have already been having private piano lessons for a minimum of 1 year.
Keyboards are not available to hire from the school, so you must have access to your own instrument at home for practice. Key Music Australia does not provide keyboard or piano tuition. You will need to find your own tutor for lessons outside of school.
The role of the keyboard player in the Band is about keeping the Band in time and learning to support all of the other melodies, it is a big responsibility and a very important role, but it doesn’t suit everyone. Keyboard players in the school band will be required to play Bass Clef notes with their left hand. Experienced piano players may find this less musically challenging than what they may be used to, but playing with other students in a band is great new skill for piano players to learn. Please discuss this with your child and ensure they understand this before selecting the keyboard.
Generally only 1 keyboard player per band is accepted. Where there is more than 1 keyboard player, the keyboard players will take turns on other instruments such as glockenspiel or xylophone.
As there are a very limited number of places are available for Keyboard in the band, please ensure you select a 2nd option as your child may not be allocated to keyboard.
Students allocated to percussion/drums in the band will not always be playing on the drum kit or drums. They will participate in band rehearsals rotating around a variety of different percussion instruments (including the drums and drum kit). Please discuss this with your child before enrolling. Generally only 2-3 drums/ percussion players per band are accepted.
During performances, students will be allocated the percussion instrument that best suits their skills and confidence levels. It is not possible for every percussion student to play the drum kit at every performance.
The role of the drum / percussion players in the Band is about keeping the Band in time. It requires a student who is very focused, and who has natural rhythm.
We would recommend the following exercise for any student interested in selecting Percussion/Drums in the band:
- Click on the links below to open the metronome. Students should clap along in time for a minimum of 90 secs, they should then close their eyes and continue clapping in time for another 30 secs. If they can maintain the beat, without losing focus, for the 2 min total on both the fast and slow links below, this shows a potential good suitability towards drums / percussion.
- 120 BPM Metronome: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7absfMBJatM
- 60 BPM Metronome: https: //www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsJEMH_emBM
Students interested in Percussion/Drums must be prepared to purchase a drum kit in the future (or already have access to one). Preference will be given to families who have access to a drum kit at home.
As there are a very limited number of places available for Percussion/Drums in the band, please ensure you select a 2nd option as your child may not be allocated to percussion/drums.
Other Instruments
Key Music Australia does not offer music lessons in other instruments, and school’s do not have other instruments available to hire for Training Band students.
If your child has their own instrument, has sourced external lessons, and wishes to play that instrument in the band, please email us so that we can confirm if it is possible to include them in the Band.
The NSW Police Band has also created some videos demonstrating the band instruments as well as a short video of the band playing all together:
https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/about_us/police_band/meet_the_band
Click HERE to return to the ENROL Page to fill in an Enrolment Form