LEPS Parents' & Citizens'

LEPS SE

The LEPS String Ensemble (LEPSSE) was formed in 2008 by LEPS Parent and professional musician Alexandra d'Elia. All LEPS Primary students who play violin, viola, double bass and cello are invited to join.

The 2010 ensemble consists of ten violinists is conducted by Gina Henery.  Gina Henery gained her Bachelor of Music Degree at Sydney Conservatorium before further study in London. Her professional career has seen her as a regular performer with many orchestras including The Royal Philharmonic, Bournemouth Symphony and Philharmonia in the UK. Since returning to Australia in 1998, she has worked with the Australian Opera and Sydney Symphony Orchestras. Gina is actively involved with teaching both privately and at St Andrews Cathedral School. She has also been a tutor at the Riverina summer school for strings for many years.

The LEPSSE is a sub-committee of the P&C and is run by parent volunteers. It offers students from Years 3 to 6 the opportunity to experience playing in a group and performing in public. Rehearsing once a week during lunch times, the Ensemble performs twice per term at a variety of events including school assemblies; The McDonald’s Eisteddfod; Festival On The Green and the local Community Preschool.

Students must have a minimum 12 months experience before joining the ensemble and so children from the Infants school are encouraged to start tuition before moving into Primary. A list of teachers in the local area is available here (to be added)

Performance at Festival on the Green

LEPS SE performed at the Festival on the Green on May 2nd 2010. You can see their performance here  (to be added)

String Ensemble Information Details including Code of Conduct and List of Local Violin Teachers

Welcome to the Lindfield East Public School Ensemble. 

We trust that you will find this a rewarding experience.  Being part of a team, and working together whilst acquiring mastery of an instrument is very worthwhile and fulfilling for your child.

The members of the String Ensemble have the opportunity to represent the School in the wider community, performing in competitions and community events.  All of which are great experiences.

When and Where are Rehearsals?

We currently rehearse on a Monday lunchtime at the Before and After School Care Centre at the School.  Children are supervised whilst they eat their lunch the room is prepared for their rehearsal and their instruments tuned.  The rehearsal finishes in time for the children to return to class.  

There is a rota of parents to help setting up the room which involves collecting music stands from the Hall and moving chairs into a semi-circle and then returning the music stands and moving the chairs back after the rehearsal.

Is My Child Experienced Enough to Play?

Children are expected to have weekly lessons on their chosen instrument.  A list of local violin teachers is listed below for your convenience.

Cello

Kirsty Vickers     0421 745642

Andrew Wilson  0413 081151

Natalie Minasian 0415 089602

Violin

Tom Dundas        0439 402889

Roger Solomons   0414 754898

Alex D’Ella             0425 358005

Gina Henery          0438 160298

Lyn Byen                0433 010665

Children are expected to have their own instruments, as we are currently not a large enough Ensemble to supply instruments for rental and to have a least one year’s playing experience.  If the Conductor believes that a child does not have enough experience to join the Ensemble they will be asked to leave but can return when they have slightly more experience at a later date which will be agreed upon between the Conductor and the child’s parent/carer.

What Else Is There Apart From Rehearsals and Performances

We have found that Workshops enable the Ensemble members to spend a concentrated period of time playing and enables them to bond as a group.  We intend to have several Workshops per year which take place at School, usually on a Friday.  The children will share an afternoon tea and then have a mixture of small group and full Ensemble rehearsals given by the Conductor and hired-in tutors.  This followed by a pizza supper followed by either a full performance at another venue or a performance for parents/carers.

Does the Ensemble Have a Uniform?

We do not currently have a uniform but hope to purchase one during this year.

What Sort of Behaviour Does the Committee Expect from the Ensemble Members?

Parents and children are required to complete the Code of Conduct attached and bring it to our first rehearsal.

How Much Does the Ensemble Cost and What Do the Fees Cover?

The Annual Ensemble fee is directly related to the number of children in the Ensemble.

The fee covers remuneration for the Conductor’s time for tutoring at rehearsals and at performances,  costs for the Workshops including tutors for the Ensemble workshops, food, sheet music and folder.

These fees are payable per semester, the first part at the beginning of term one and the second  at the start of term three.

Who is on the Ensemble Committee?

The current members of the Ensemble are:

Tania Burgess – Convenor and Parent Coordinator

Judi Wild-Howe – Secretary

Katie Wong – Treasurer

How do I Find Out What is Happening?

Please read the Lyrebird each week for updated information about meetings, performances, notable achievements etc .

Information about Ensemble events are usually distributed to Ensemble members by email.  From time to time information may be sent by note or phone.  Remind your child to check their school bag and folder for these.  Please inform the Ensemble Committee if your contact details change during the year.

The Ensemble box is situated in the School reception area, should you wish to direct any correspondence to members of the Ensemble Committee.  This can also be used for the children to return any notes such as workshop permission notes etc if they have not been able to do so at the Monday rehearsal.

If you know in advance that your child will be unable to attend an Ensemble rehearsal please phone one of the Committee before the Monday rehearsal.

If you have any comments or questions, the committee members are there to help you.  Please refer to the key contacts.   

How Does My Child Get Sheet Music?

Throughout the year Ensemble members are issued with sheet music, which is to be kept in the Ensemble folder provided.  Both music and folders remain the property of Lindfield East Public School Ensemble and must be returned by the student and accounted for on the nominated collection day at the end of every year.  This sounds quite series but it is because the School is legally bound by an AMCOS licensing agreement which stipulates the number of copies of each piece of music that may be issued.  All Ensemble music issued is carefully checked, individually numbered and stamped in the prescribed manner by Ensemble parent volunteers to ensure that the terms of the agreement are not breached. Please do not remove music or swap parts between folders, write on the music in ink, or illegally photocopy any pages.  Take care of your Ensemble music folder and always carry it in your Ensemble music bag and always bring it to rehearsals!

Code of Conduct for Lindfield East Public School’s String Ensemble

 Parents and children are required to complete the Code of Conduct and return it to their first rehearsal

As a member of  Lindfield East Public School’s String Ensemble I accept my responsibility to:

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.               Attend all weekly rehearsals and any others that may be required before a special performance

.               Be punctual to all rehearsals and performances

.               Have my instrument and music folder at rehearsals

.               Practice my instrument and Ensemble music independently at home.  I understand I should do        at least 20 minutes practice 3 times per week.

.               Attend all Ensemble Workshops and performances.

.               Wear correct school or Ensemble Uniform as required.

.               Assist where necessary with the setting up and putting away of equipjment.

.               Remain in the Ensemble until at least the end of the year and understand that the fees per semester are non-refundable.

‘               Return my Ensemble music and music at the end of the year.

.               Display excellent behaviour at all times.

I understand that I am a member of a special team of people and that my behaviour and performance

affects the total performance of the Lindfield  East Public School String Ensemble.

I must treat all people (conductor, tutors, parents, teachers and my peers) with respect and courtesy.  I

must ensure that my behaviour at all times is sensible and responsible and a credit not only to the

Ensemble but to the whole school community.

I understand that if I repeatedly breach the code I will be referred to the school executive and my behaviour will be treated in accordance with the Lindfield East Public School Behaviour Code

Name:

Class:

Student’s Signature

Date

Parent’s Signature

Date