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Guitar Group
Formed in 2020 and eligible for Year 3-6 students. Students who have been learning guitar for atleast a term and understand the fundamentals can apply. They are also eligible if they are a competent Ukulele player and approved by Mrs Matheison .
2024 Recruitment
If your child is interested in joining Guitar Group in 2024, now is the time to start private guitar lessons.
You can also register your interest at the following link, so you can be kept up to date with registration later in the year.
For any questions, please contact fps.strings@gmail.com
CONDUCTOR
Our Guitar Group Conductor is Greg Arnold.
Greg has many years experience teaching guitar and was educated at the Conservatorium of Music. He conducts and tutors guitar at multiple local schools including Stella Maris College, Queenwood, Shore School, Monte Sant Angelo Mercy College North Sydney and OLGC.
REHEARSALS
Guitar Group rehearsals take place in the School hall on:
Thursday afternoons 3:15pm – 4:15pm
Students are expected to arrive on time so they can set up the room ready for rehearsal. Every rehearsal requires a parent/ carer volunteer to supervise. Their role is to assist in the running of the rehearsal under the direction of the conductor.
It is requested that notice be given for any missed rehearsals. A musical ensemble is like any other team – it needs all its members in order to function successfully. Children joining the program are asked to commit for the full year, and to attend all rehearsals and performances.
EXPERIENCE
Guitar, base or ukulele experience is required, generally 1 term of private lessons is sufficient or a recommendation from Mrs Mathieson if you have been doing well at school ukulele lessons.
TUTORS
Students are required to have a weekly guitar tutor session. A tutor will teach the student how to play their instrument whilst the guitar group rehearsal is where they learn to play as a group. For assistance in finding a tutor, please contact fps.strings@gmail.com
INSTRUMENT
Type
Classical (Nylon String) or Bass Guitar
Classical guitars are a little smaller in body size than acoustic guitars. They are strung with nylon strings which are great for beginners as they are thicker and easier on your fingertips. They’re also comparatively inexpensive and easy to play.
A beginner guitar pack about $120 available at a music store is fine to start learning:
https://www.monavalemusic.com/guitars/classical-guitars-nylon-string/
https://www.bigmusicshop.com.au/acoustic-guitars/classical-guitars.html
https://www.turramusic.com.au/guitars/acoustic/classical-nylon-string/
Generally, our beginners have started on an inexpensive ¾ size guitar and move up to a better-quality full-size guitar when they’re ready to progress. The music shop staff will assist in working out what size guitar you need.
FEES 2024
Invoices for Guitar Group are sent out at the beginning of the year via email. The cost is:
2024 Guitar Group Fee - $460 (annual) (non-refundable)
Sibling Discount - $20/student (only on full program fee)
We accept the NSW Creative Kids Voucher.
WHAT TO BRING TO REHEARSAL
Guitar and accessories (Each student must bring their own instrument.)
Music Folder
Sharp pencil and eraser
GUITAR GROUP CO-ORDINATOR
We need one parent to volunteer as the Guitar Group Parent Co-ordinator. This parent will:
Liaise with the conductor, committee and teachers.
Communicate with parents about upcoming events and general information as well as organise a roster for parent/carer helpers during rehearsals.
This is not an intensive role and the amount of work is mainly focussed around setting up a roster at the beginning of each term.
COMMUNICATION
TeamApp is our main form of contact and is downloadable via app on your phone. All essential and timely information will be sent through here.
Email - In addition to TeamApp you may receive emails from your parent coordinator. Please ensure your email address is always up to date.
Newsletter - We also have a section in the school newsletter.
Please feel free to contact fps.strings@gmail.com should you have any other questions.