Here are a few of our Frequently Asked Questions. Of course, if you can’t find the answer here you can email or call us.
Do I have to sign a contract to be part of your program?
We do not hold you to a year-long contract, however, we do expect that children (& parents) commit to 12 months of learning.
What year can my child join the Band?
We take children from Year 3 & above.
Do I need an instrument for my child?
YES! (except for drummers). We don’t provide or sell instruments. Some schools do have instruments available for hire & you will receive information specific to your school via email.
Please don’t buy an instrument until we have confirmed your place in the band!
Why do I need to put down 3 choices of instrument?
To create a great sounding band, we need to have a balanced mix of instruments. To achieve this, we may have to assign 2nd or 3rd choices so that we don’t have too many of the one instrument.
Can I use my Creative Kids Voucher?
Yes! Please send the details of the Voucher including your child’s name & DOB as it appears on the voucher to accounts@schoolbands.com.au. You need to send this information before paying your term bill for it to be applied to that term.
How long should by child practice? (or most likely, “my child doesn’t practice!”)
The hardest part of practice is starting! In the beginning, 5 to 10 minutes every day is enough for a training band member. Group learning allows children to benchmark their performance directly with their peers. In turn, they become motivated to excel and start to practice!
I don’t know anything about music. How can I help my child?
You don’t have to understand music to help your child. Just being with them to support, observe and assist is enough to make the difference.
The greatest thing you can do is encourage your child to listen to music. Explore different genres & players to open their minds to the sound of their instrument.
How long are the lessons?
Each week we spend 90 minutes with your child. This is made up of a 1-hour rehearsal & 30 minute small group tutorial.
How will I find out about performances or events?
Email. We pride ourselves on providing clear & detailed information to parents. Of course, for this to work, we do ask parents to read our emails. Many children miss out on special events because parents are not reading the information.
How will I know if my child is progressing?
The best measure of progress is performance! As we move through the year, students will work on performance pieces designed to delight audiences at school fetes & open days. Of course, our main performance focus is on December when the band will take the stage to perform at the school’s end of year concert.
You will also receive a report Certificate in Term 4.
How do I pay my Term Fees?
Payments are made via our secure portal. Log in by using your registered Family Name & email address.
What is covered in my Term Fees?
The fee is based on an average of 9 to 11 tutorials per term. It includes all printed music costs (except for the Training Band tutor book), admin fees as well as band festival and school concert/performance support. If a student receives less than 9 tutorials due to school activities, public holidays or pupil free days, additional make up lessons/workshops will be scheduled.
When are my Term Fees due for payment?
Your account is available to be paid from the first day of each term. Invoices notices are sent the first week of each term & payment is due within 14 days.
Non-payment of fees will result in exclusion from any band activities.
Can my child change their instrument half way through the year?
From the first lesson our students are learning specific skills related to their instrument. Starting another instrument would put the student back to the beginning & slow the progress of others in the group.
Most children think changing to another instrument (mainly drums!) will be easier than the one they are playing. It’s just not true! Each instrument has it’s challenges… all of which are able to be conquered by a bit more effort.
What happens if my child misses a lesson?
It is the student’s responsibility to attend lessons at their allocated time. To achieve the maximum result, it is vital that all lessons are attended. The School, Teachers and our staff members will look for a student absent from tutorial, but we cannot search for multiple children in multiple classes at the same time. Missing even 5 minutes of a lesson in a week can make a difference in a full Term! Please remind your child to be punctual & to check the printed timetable located in the rehearsal room.
My child is sick (or injured). What do I do?
Two weeks notice must be given for extended absences (mid-term holidays) otherwise the whole term fees will apply. Extended absences (two or more weeks) due to illness/broken limbs will be charged pro-rata based on the length of the absence.
Notice must be given at the time of the illness/accident to laura@schoolbands.com.au.
Can I cancel my lessons?
If you wish to cancel your child’s music classes, please ensure that written cancellation advice is sent to laura@schoolbands.com.au two weeks prior to the next term to avoid incurring the next terms fees. There are no refunds for change of mind or change of circumstances (e.g. clash with another activity) once the term has started.
Do I have to re-enrol each Term or Year?
No. Our enrolments roll over automatically. You do need to contact us if you wish to withdraw. Year 6 students automatically ‘graduate’ & exit the program.
Will you be videoing/photographing my child?
Most likely, yes. Nearly every school is now streaming events over a variety of platforms. We ourselves, love to showcase the efforts of students & this might occur over Facebook & our website. Our terms & conditions are that by signing up, you have no objection to filming or photographing your child(ren). If you do not consent, please email us with your child’s name & school.
If consent is not given, your child can of course perform with the band, however we do ask that your child is aware of this decision & they make efforts not to be filmed of photographed.
Naturally, we cannot control other parents filming &/or posting one of your school’s performances.
