The Band Program comprises of four bands open to students in Years 3 to 6. It is an extra-curricular activity which is a sub-committee of the P&C and is managed by a paid Band/Strings Program Manager.
Band
The school's band program comprises of four bands open to students in Years 3 to 6:
- Junior Band
- Senior Band
- Concert Band
- Stage Band (by invitation)
Each of the bands has a Band Conductor, a paid professional who oversees the musical development of the band team.
Students can join the band from Year 3. New students to playing an instrument undergo an instrument tryout to determine the instrument/s for which they are most suited. Instrument tryouts are usually held in Term 4.
Students who wish to participate in band must be prepared to devote out of class time to tutorial lessons for their instrument as well as band rehearsals. The bands rehearse twice a week, either before or after school or during lunchtime.
The bands perform at school events, during assemblies, Education Week, Band Performance Evening along with a number of community based concerts.
More information about the band is available on the Balgowlah Heights Band website: https://www.bhpsband.com.
For further information about the school's band program contact the Band Program Manager at bhpsconcertband@optusnet.com.au
Strings Program
The Strings Program comprises of four bands open to students in Years 3 to 6. It is an extra-curricular activity and is part of the Band sub-committee of the P&C and is managed by a paid Band/Strings Program Manager.
The Beginner Strings comprises of beginner students from Years 1 and 2 and the String Ensemble comprises more experienced players dependent upon ability. Both ensembles rehearse weekly.
If you would like more information on joining the string program please send an e-mail to Band/Strings Program Manager on bhpsstrings@gmail.com.
Chess
Chess club is open to all students in Years 3 to 6. Tuition is provided by Sydney Academy of Chess and there is a fee to cover the cost of coaching. For more information see:
For all enquiries, please contact Sydney Academy of Chess on (02) 9745 1170 or visit their website: https://sydneyacademyofchess.com.au
Choir
The school has three stage-based choirs:
- Stage 1 Choir (Years 1 and 2 students)
- Stage 2 Choir (Years 3 and 4 students)
- Stage 3 Choir (Years 5 and 6 students)
The choirs are not audition based and students who enjoy the experience of choral singing are encouraged to join.
Students who are a member of a choir are required to attend weekly rehearsals and perform throughout the year at a number of school functions including assemblies, Education Week performances and the school's ensemble evening. Students who are members of the Stage 2 and 3 choirs may also be given the opportunity to participate in choral festivals.
Dance ensembles
The school has two dance ensembles:
- Junior Dance Ensemble for students in Years 3 and 4
- Senior Dance Ensemble for students in Years 5 and 6
Annual auditions are conducted for places in both ensemble programs. Throughout the year the ensembles perform at school programs, community events and audition for the Sydney North Dance Festival.
Debating
Students in Years 5 to 6 are able to participate in the school's debating program. Students who demonstrate an aptitude and express an interest in debating may also be selected for interschool competitions such as the NSW Premier's Debating Challenge Competition.
For more information see:
https://www.artsunit.nsw.edu.au/speaking-competitions/debating
Drama
The school provides opportunities for interested students to laugh, create, improvise and perform. Performance opportunities vary each year and students are required to audition for parts. Some groups may audition for the Arts Alive Drama festival.
Public speaking
Students in Years 3 to 6 are given the opportunity to participate in school and interschool public speaking programs and represent the school annually in the Bear Pit Speaking Competition and the regional Multicultural Public Speaking Competition.
Recorder ensemble
The school has a recorder ensemble comprising of students from Years 3 to 6. The recorder ensemble rehearses weekly.
String ensemble
The school has two string ensembles. The Beginner Strings comprises of students from Year 1 and the Junior Strings comprises of students from Years 2 to 6. Both ensembles rehearse weekly.
If you would like more information on joining the string program please send an e-mail to bhpsstrings@gmail.com.
Tech club
Students in Year 2 are provided the opportunity to become technology mentors by participating in a lunchtime Tech club. Students learn how to navigate iPad/computer applications and learn simple coding using Bee-bot robots. Students apply the skills learnt in Tech club to support the use of technology in the classroom.
Coding club
Students in Year 4 are provided the opportunity to join a Coding club. Coding club operates during lunch time on a designated day.
Robotics club
Students in Years 5 and 6 are provided the opportunity to participate in a robotics club. Robotics club operates during lunch time on a designated day.