Banditas
MISSION STATEMENT
The Banditas is a non-auditioned concert band for instrumentalists from year 7-8 at QMC. It is part of our extension programme (GATE) for our gifted and talented students. If offers superb opportunities for girls to learn and play together in a fun and stimulating environment. Students learn a wide range of songs from the rock/pop and folk traditions. Players also develop performance and presentation skills that build self-confidence. Students need to have previous playing experience (6 months to a year) and have good music reading skills.
THE DIRECTOR
Mrs Susie Hardie has been a specialist music teacher for over 24 years and has conducted wind bands in Canada and New Zealand. Susie has lived in 9 different countries and enjoys sharing her experience of music with young people.
2024 PERFORMANCES
Band Camp:
Assembly performance term 2 – date tbc
Arts Extravaganza: term 3 – date tbc
MEFA (Musicworks Band and Orchestra Festival) September (tbc)
Prize Giving, Middle school
ATTENDANCE
Rehearsals take place every Thursday during school time. This will be rotating timetable and the timetable will be emailed to parents and students.
All band members are required to attend every rehearsal and performance, with the exception of illness or absence from school. The commitment to the band for the year, not term by term, and once the girls make the decision to join, their attendance is expected for the entire school year.
If students are away from school or unable to attend a rehearsal, please email Susie Hardie or text 027-654-1512 to explain the absence. For students who miss a band rehearsal and are present at school, and no contact has been made with the director, parents will be sent an email regarding the absence.
PUNCTUALITY
Punctuality is expected every week. Arriving late can be very disruptive for the rehearsal, and takes away from the precious minutes of time we have to practise. Parents will be contacted if lateness becomes an issue.
WHAT TO BRING
Girls need to bring their instrument and a pencil, as well as the following book:
Essential Elements method book.
The school will purchase this book and charge your school account. The books are approximately $25 each. We suggest that students put these in a soft case or cloth bag which they keep with their instruments.
PRIVATE MUSIC LESSONS
All Banditas members are expected to have private or paired lessons on their instruments. This can take place through the itinerant programme at QMC or from a private tutor you have organised. Please contact Tim Jenkin, HOD music, if you have any queries with regards to itinerant music teachers. His email is [email protected].
CONTACT
Regular information with regards to upcoming events will be provided via email and letters. The events will also be posted on the school’s performing arts page on the QMC app. Any queries or questions can be emailed to Susie Hardie.
UNIFORM
Formal school uniform is required for all public performances. Girls should look their best with polished shoes and neatly presented uniform.
INSTRUMENT HIRE
Students need to provide their own instruments (apart from percussion players). Instruments can be hired on a monthly/yearly basis from several shops in Wellington. Tutors are always willing to give advice on purchases.
FEES
The cost of joining the band is $40 per year plus camp/MEFA costs
The Banditas is a non-auditioned concert band for instrumentalists from year 7-8 at QMC. It is part of our extension programme (GATE) for our gifted and talented students. If offers superb opportunities for girls to learn and play together in a fun and stimulating environment. Students learn a wide range of songs from the rock/pop and folk traditions. Players also develop performance and presentation skills that build self-confidence. Students need to have previous playing experience (6 months to a year) and have good music reading skills.
THE DIRECTOR
Mrs Susie Hardie has been a specialist music teacher for over 24 years and has conducted wind bands in Canada and New Zealand. Susie has lived in 9 different countries and enjoys sharing her experience of music with young people.
2024 PERFORMANCES
Band Camp:
Assembly performance term 2 – date tbc
Arts Extravaganza: term 3 – date tbc
MEFA (Musicworks Band and Orchestra Festival) September (tbc)
Prize Giving, Middle school
ATTENDANCE
Rehearsals take place every Thursday during school time. This will be rotating timetable and the timetable will be emailed to parents and students.
All band members are required to attend every rehearsal and performance, with the exception of illness or absence from school. The commitment to the band for the year, not term by term, and once the girls make the decision to join, their attendance is expected for the entire school year.
If students are away from school or unable to attend a rehearsal, please email Susie Hardie or text 027-654-1512 to explain the absence. For students who miss a band rehearsal and are present at school, and no contact has been made with the director, parents will be sent an email regarding the absence.
PUNCTUALITY
Punctuality is expected every week. Arriving late can be very disruptive for the rehearsal, and takes away from the precious minutes of time we have to practise. Parents will be contacted if lateness becomes an issue.
WHAT TO BRING
Girls need to bring their instrument and a pencil, as well as the following book:
Essential Elements method book.
The school will purchase this book and charge your school account. The books are approximately $25 each. We suggest that students put these in a soft case or cloth bag which they keep with their instruments.
PRIVATE MUSIC LESSONS
All Banditas members are expected to have private or paired lessons on their instruments. This can take place through the itinerant programme at QMC or from a private tutor you have organised. Please contact Tim Jenkin, HOD music, if you have any queries with regards to itinerant music teachers. His email is [email protected].
CONTACT
Regular information with regards to upcoming events will be provided via email and letters. The events will also be posted on the school’s performing arts page on the QMC app. Any queries or questions can be emailed to Susie Hardie.
UNIFORM
Formal school uniform is required for all public performances. Girls should look their best with polished shoes and neatly presented uniform.
INSTRUMENT HIRE
Students need to provide their own instruments (apart from percussion players). Instruments can be hired on a monthly/yearly basis from several shops in Wellington. Tutors are always willing to give advice on purchases.
FEES
The cost of joining the band is $40 per year plus camp/MEFA costs