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
- Junior Concert Band
- Concert Band
- Senior Concert Band
- Marching Band
- Junior and Senior String Ensembles
- Stage Band
- the Musettes - our contemporary acapella choir (originally formed by Patricia Amphlett)
- Brass Ensemble
- Fluteloops flute choir
- Woodwind Ensemble
- Percussion/Drum Line Ensemble
- smaller groups as 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.
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 2021 (PDF 530KB) for further information including how to join, fees and tutors.
BEP Calendar 2020 as at 17 Dec 2019 (PDF 500KB)
Forms
Enrolment form for new BEP members:
https://tinyurl.com/BEP-enrolment-2021
Re-enrolment form for existing BEP members:
https://tinyurl.com/BEP-Re-enrolment-2021
Instrument hire
https://forms.gle/2cGT6urVEcVTpLye7
BEP office hours
Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 9:00 am to 2:45 pm. Note hours are 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.
