More than 200 students participate in the Burwood Ensemble Program (BEP). It is a prominent and popular co-curricular activity available at Burwood Girls High School.
The BEP enables students to:
- Learn musical instruments from top professional musicians
- Learn ensemble musicianship
- Participate in a vast array of small and large ensembles
- Perform at school, departmental and local community events. The Senior Band and Concert Band tour regional NSW each year on overnight excursions, performing for regional primary schools and aged care homes.
Ensembles
- Three Concert Bands - from beginner to advanced
- Marching Band (all members of Senior Concert Band)
- Three String Orchestras - from junior to advanced
- Musettes - an acapella choir singing contemporary to classical
- Stage Band
- Brass Ensemble
- Cello Ensemble
- Woodwind Ensemble
- Flute Choir - the Fluteloops
- Percussion Ensemble / Drum Line
- Small groups when required
Rehearsals
Core ensembles have regular weekly rehearsals. Rehearsal days and times vary each year but are generally held before school, at lunchtime or after school. Smaller groups rehearse when needed. Being part of the program means being responsible and attending all rehearsals.
Click above to view our current list of tutors and conductors.
Community involvement
The BEP is motivated by the school motto “Not for ourselves alone”. The community band and lesson program for primary students allows us to share our facilities and expertise for those in our local area.
Every year we host the Inner West Ensembles Festival, which brings together primary and secondary ensembles of all kinds from our surrounding area to play for each other and to be advised by an expert adjudicator.
Our concert bands and chamber ensembles play for local RSL clubs, including Anzac Day and memorial services, marching in the Sydney City, Ashfield and Burwood Anzac marches. The students also play for Department of Education events, Burwood Council citizenship ceremonies, memorials and festivals, and local events such as Seniors Week and charity fundraisers.
Joining the BEP
The program is open to all students in Years 7-12. There is a yearly membership fee. Other costs may include: instrument hire, band uniform and individual performance costs, for example bus hire for external venues.
Refer to our BEP Handbook 2023 for further information including how to join, fees and tutors.
BEP Calendar 2023
Activities get underway from Week 2 of Term 1, early enrolment is highly desirable.
Music Camp will be held in Week 5 or Term 1, Sunday 19-Tuesday 21 February 2023.
Forms
BEP office hours
Admin Assistant: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Director: everyday but uncontactable when on class.
Office hours are generally 9:00am to 3:00pm, subject to change.
Contacts
Andrew Del Riccio is the Director of the Ensemble Program.
Mary Bonaddio is the Administrative Assistant.
Email: burwoodg-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au
Phone: 02 9747 3355 and ask for the Band Program
Facebook: BGHS Ensemble Program
Sponsors
Thank you to our sponsors: Ashfield RSL Club, Ashfield RSL Sub Branch, Burwood GHS, Burwood RSL Sub Branch, BGHS P&C, Burwood Rotary, Club Burwood RSL, Croydon Park RSL Sub Branch, Wests Ashfield.
