LEPS Parents' & Citizens'

String Ensemble Information Details

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 Wednesday morning in Mr Ellis' classroom at the School at 8-9am. There is a rota of parents to help the conductor each week. Setting up the room  with music stands and chairs and then returning the music stands and moving the chairs back after the rehearsal will be carried out by the children.

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

Angela Cassar      0417 481607

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 and at least one year's playing experience. If you are not sure about your child's readiness for String ensemble, the Conductor can spend some time assessing your child's playing ability and recommend the most appropriate action.

After School Workshops

Each Semester, workshops are held on one Friday after school. These workshops prove very helpful in raising the students ability to perform as a group and they provide a wonderful opportunity for the ensemble kids to bond.

Dates will be advised as soon as performance dates become available, as the workshops are usually scheduled to precede a public performance.

The children will share an afternoon snack (BYO) and then have a combination of small group rehearsals given by the Conductor and additional tutor(s). The children perform a rehearsal performance for parents/carers and have dinner afterwards.

Does the Ensemble Have a Uniform?

The LEPS String Ensemble uniform consists of a white polo shirt with school logo and a long school pants (Grey for boys and Navy for girls) and black school shoes. Uniforms are available to purchase from the school uniform shop. For casual events, such as Welcome Back Night and Festival on the Green, the students can wear denim jeans or skirts with their polo shirts.

Code  of Behaviour

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 String Ensemble fees are charged in each Term.

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 etc.

Direct Banking Transfer facilities are in place for your convenience to pay the fees promptly.

Who is on the Ensemble Committee?

The current members of the Ensemble committee are:

Tracy Mighell     – Convenor and Parent Coordinator
Angela Cassar    – Conductor
Christine Irving  – Secretary
Katie Wang        – 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. Please inform the Ensemble Committee if your contact details change during the year.

From time to time information may be sent by note or phone. Remind your child to check their school bag and folder for these. The String Ensemble pigeon hole 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 Wednesday rehearsal.

If you know in advance that your child will be unable to attend an Ensemble rehearsal please phone or email/text Secretary or Conductor before the Wednesday rehearsal.

If you have any comments or questions, the committee members are here 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!