Burwood Ensemble Program - BEP

Junior (Training) Band

Junior Concert Band (JCB) Tuesdays 3:00-4:00pm

A band for players starting a wind, brass or percussion instrument or taking on a second one. It is an accelerated program that sees all the members graduate to the Concert Band by the end of Term 3.

Concert Band*

Concert Band (CB) Wednesday 3:30-5:00pm

For more established wind, brass or percussion players and performs popular as well as symphonic wind ensemble repertoire. The focus is to develop the skills and concepts necessary for mature ensemble playing, marching and enjoying making music. During Term 1 the band will do some marching practice with the Senior Concert Band on Thursdays after school. This very important skill is compulsory for CB members and has enormous benefits for musical development. Marching is fun and when taking part in ANZAC events a very rewarding and moving experience.

Senior Concert Band

Senior Concert Band (SCB) Thursdays 3.30 – 5:00 pm

A flagship ensemble whose members are some of the most senior students and experienced musicians in the school. Students join through audition or invitation. The SCB focuses on the classic symphonic wind ensemble repertoire as well as entertainment and ceremonial music. It marches for the Sydney ANZAC Day parade each year.

Big Band***

Big Band (BB) Tuesday Study period & recess

A jazz ensemble in the form of a traditional big band. It provides an excellent forum for advanced players to develop jazz style playing: both written and improvised. Membership of this flagship ensemble is conditional in playing in a Core Concert Band and is open to senior ensemble players or by invitation.

* Initial placement for Year 7 students

** Additional ensembles can be created based on interest

*** To join these ensembles, students must be in a band or strings large ensemble

Binyang (Training) Strings

Binyang Strings (BS) Thursday Lunchtime

is a beginner’s ensemble for students starting a string instrument. It is an accelerated program which sees all members graduate to Vivaldi Strings towards the end of term 3. Binyang was chosen by the players in 2021 and is the indigenous name for one of our locally celebrated birds: the Australian White Ibis.

Vivaldi Strings*

Vivaldi Strings (VS) Wednesday 7:40-8:40am

Created in 2020, Vivaldi Strings is a dynamic, intermediate ensemble for advancing players. It performs both popular and traditional repertoire.

Margaret Sutherland Chamber Orchestra

Margaret Sutherland Chamber Orchestra (MSCO) Thursday 7:40-8:40am

For advanced performers, exploring challenging repertoire and technique. This ensemble will also expand to become a chamber orchestra with the addition of senior wind players.

* Initial placement for Year 7 students

** Additional ensembles can be created based on interest

*** To join these ensembles, students must be in a band or strings large ensemble

Small Ensembles

Woodwind Ensemble, Brass Ensemble***, Percussion Ensemble/Drum Line***, Cello Choir***, Rock Band and Fluteloops***

In addition to our core ensembles, small groups are formed to play at school functions, assemblies, local council and community functions and ceremonies and Education Department events. To be a member of a small ensemble, students MUST play in a core ensemble, with the exception of piano and guitar players. Bass guitar players must join one of the core concert bands. These groups rehearse regularly and form a critical part of advancing musicians’ development. Invitations to join the Small Ensembles will be announced early in Term 1, so keep an eye out for roll-call notices, in Sentral and Google Classroom. 

Additional chamber groups may be formed on an “as needed” basis and students are encouraged to form their own small groups for performance opportunities at school. Please see the BEP director if you have an idea for any small group and you will get the support to make it happen!

* Initial placement for Year 7 students

** Additional ensembles can be created based on interest

*** To join these ensembles, students must be in a band or strings large ensemble