NEW for 2006 - Beginner Band

Group work - NOT to be confused with group lessons which are a complete disaster -  really enables students to apply their knowledge and get the joy of playing with others - it really is a blast - and the students grow hugely during the process.

In Beginner Band, we leverage off the skills the students have learnt in their private lessons and apply them in the band context. This band context consolidates their existing skills but more importantly, develops new ones. Playing with others – being in time with others, ensuring you can hear yourself and others – are all skills that need to be developed. Through this, students hone their skills faster and to a much higher skill level, than purely having private lessons.

We believe our band is a unique offering. Band action is of course available for students at many high schools. However, it is very rare for high school music teachers to be experienced performers.

It is rarer still for a teacher to play in band with students regularly. We will be creating (as opposed to copying) the work which our students experience.

And it is SO much FUN! We wish we’d had this opportunity when we were kids LOL!

THE PRACTICAL STUFF:
PRE-REQUISITE SKILLS
Pianists

Pianists in this group will need to be able to play some basic chords in their root positions.  We will set the pianists up for what they need in their private music lessons.

Limit = two pianists

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Guitarists

Guitarists in this group need to be able to play basic chords.  They do NOT need to be playing bar chords.  We will teach the guitarists the chords they need in their private lessons.

Limit = five guitarists

 

Drummer

We would love a drummer involved although we do not teach drums.  If you have a youngster who is a keen drummer please contact us to discuss.

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Singers
Singers need to contact Jonathan so that we can check your vocal range.  However, as we'll need to play in keys that work for pianists and guitarists early in their journey, it is unlikely that we'll be able to play in a key appropriate for a young singer.  As a result it will be more likely that Jonny or Emma will sing for the group.

 

NB.  Pease note that Band members need to be having private music lessons with either Jonathan or Emma on their instrument of choice.

If you are unsure which group your youngster would best fit in, please just give us a call to discuss.

Places in the band are limited. In both instances – pianists will be limited to just two. Guitarists numbers are limited to five. Singers to be discussed.

 

There will be a minimum number of students required for this group to go ahead and maximum number we can take.

 

Students must join for the entire year.  Of course, we are not going to force someone to do the full year.  But the intent – a bit like orchestra or ballet - is that students will sign up for the year.  It will be invoiced on a per term basis, but the intent is for everyone to commit to the whole year. This is because we will be working on some really challenging stuff which, in many cases, will require more than more than one term to perfect. So, it will be very hard for the group if someone drops out during the course of the year. Drop-outs may mean that a song we have been working on may no longer be possible or. In the worst case, it may mean that that group becomes unviable. Please also note that at this stage it will not be possible for students to join during the year.

The key of a song, and the tempo of a song are very important for singers…the younger and less experienced the singer is, the more important these things are for the singer. As a result, you actually need a more advanced singer who can fit in with musicians’ needs.
 

DETAILS
There will typically be 7 sessions (or more sessions) per term.  The sessions will be both fun and focused.

ATTENDANCE
Someone signing up for a band should be looking to do will do the full year. This will provide continuity, and a foundation of repertoire and skill.

Band members will need to be aware that they will need to prioritise band rehearsals, sound checks and performances over all other activities. In the lead up to a performance, the final rehearsals and any sound checks – and of course the performance itself - are compulsory for all band members.

WHEN
TBC*
*Please register and we'll sort out a time that works for all members.

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WHERE
Bands currently rehearse at our home. There may come a point where we need to hire a venue.
9 Rymore Terrace, Fernisde.  This is just off Oxford Road, between Boundary Road and Hayfield Tce. 

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NB.  Rymore Tce is a new, private, deadend road.  Unfortunately, as it is new, Google Maps is a bit confused about where exactly it is!  So, rather than relying on Google Maps, Rymore Tce is off Oxford Rangiora Road between Boundary Road and Hayfield Tce.

WHAT TO BRING
All students will need to bring a folder with their music, a pencil, an eraser. All students except pianists will need to bring their instruments, and anything else they need for their instrument and a music stand.

MARKETING
In the course of the services we provide, there will be times when we photograph, video, and record students or groups. These images/recordings/videos may then be published on our website or social media pages. If you do not wish for you or your student to be included in these images/recordings/videos, please let us know as part of each registration.

COST
The fees will be $190.00 (including GST) per term each student. The fee is payable before the start of each term – just like football and dancing fees.

The spaces for the Bands are limited. Payment secures your spot.  Please see Our Terms for further details.

Payment details:
Thinking Music Please Ltd
Bank account: 12-3616-0051598-00
Please include the following references on the transaction:
- Student Name
- Beginner Band
- Term for which payment is being made

NB. This is a separate bank account number from our private music lesson account. Please
use this account number for group activities such as Band and Glee.