Band

Our Band Program

Manly Vale Public School has a vibrant and inclusive band program for students in Years 3–6. With Junior, Intermediate and Senior Bands, students can develop their musical skills and progress through the program, with new members welcome to join at any time during these years.

Our bands are led by our talented conductors, Ben Dickson for the Intermediate and Senior Bands and Surrey Hodges for the Junior Band. Our band program is supported by a dedicated parent committee, with leadership from the school and our Band Liaison Teachers: Sarah Birrell for the Intermediate and Senior Bands, and Alisha Tamone for the Junior Band.

Playing in a band gives students the opportunity to experience the joy of music while developing confidence, teamwork, creativity and lasting friendships.

Benefits of playing an instrument

Research shows that learning to play a musical instrument can benefit students in many areas of their development. It can strengthen concentration, memory, coordination and creative thinking, while also helping children build confidence, persistence and self-discipline. Playing as part of a band supports teamwork, communication and a strong sense of belonging as students learn to listen carefully, cooperate with others and work towards a shared goal. Most importantly, it gives children the opportunity to experience the joy of making music while developing skills and friendships that can last a lifetime.

Click on the image below to watch a short video on How playing an instrument benefits your brain.

Band program information

Join our awesome band program

New to the band program?

During Terms 3 and 4, the Band Committee invites students who are interested in joining our Band Program to come along and learn more. The process begins with a Parent Information Session in the school hall, where families can enjoy a performance by our current Junior Band and watch demonstrations of the different instruments available. It’s a wonderful opportunity for students to discover which instrument may be right for them, while parents can learn more about the program and ask any questions they may have.

Following the information session, students who are keen to join the Band Program can register their interest and nominate three preferred instruments. They will then attend an Instrument Suitability Assessment during school hours with our experienced conductors. During this assessment, the conductors consider a range of factors (including the student’s physical build, mouth and teeth formation, hand size, reach and suitability for producing sound) to determine the instrument on which they are most likely to feel comfortable and succeed.

While a child may have their heart set on a particular instrument, it may not always be the best physical or musical fit for them. This careful assessment process can make a significant difference to a student’s enjoyment, confidence and likelihood of remaining involved in the Band Program over time. While we always do our best to consider each student’s preferences, we encourage families to “hold their preferences lightly” and remain open to an instrument allocation they may not have initially considered.

Once all assessments are complete, families will be notified of the instrument recommended for their child. Wherever possible, we aim to allocate students one of their preferred instruments; however, we must also ensure that each band has a balanced combination of instruments. A successful band needs a variety of woodwind, brass and percussion players, so final allocations consider both each student’s individual suitability and the needs of the band as a whole.

Quick Overall Steps for Joining the Junior Band

1. Attend the Parent Information Session and explore the instruments available.
2. Register your child’s interest and nominate three instrument preferences.
3. Complete an Instrument Suitability Assessment with our conductors.
4. Receive your child’s instrument allocation based on suitability, preferences and the balance of the band.
5. Begin lessons and join the Junior Band!

For further information, please read our Band Information booklet

Our MVPS School Band Committee Members

President - Beth Fitzgerald
Secretary - Terri Eaves
Treasurer - Lauren Kelly

Band Program Director - Ben Dickson

Senior Band Conductor - Ben Dickson
Senior Band Liaison (Teacher) - Sarah Birrell
Senior Band Parent Liaison - Emma Joseph

Intermediate Band Conductor - Ben Dickson
Intermediate Band Liaison (Teacher) - Sarah Birrell
Intermediate Band Liaison - Kaisa Nieminen

Junior Band Conductor - Surrey Hodges
Junior Band Liaison (Teacher) - Alisha Tamone
Junior Band Liaison - Garret Smith

Instrument Custodian - Erin Phillips
Band Camp Coordinator - Kaisa Nieminen
Music Librarian - Annette Madden-Booth

All parents are welcome to attend band meetings so please come along to the staffroom on meeting dates.

Ben Dickson - Band Director and conductor of Senior and Intermediate Bands

Surrey Hodges - Conductor of Junior Band