Bilgola Plateau Public School Band Program.
The Bilgola Plateau Public School Band Program provides students with a rewarding opportunity to develop their musical skills, build confidence and experience the joy of performing as part of an ensemble. Under the direction of our conductor, Warwick Dyson, our program caters for students of all experience levels, from complete beginners through to advanced musicians.
Our band program encourages teamwork, commitment and a lifelong appreciation of music through weekly rehearsals, performances, workshops and exciting opportunities throughout the year.
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Training Band
The Training Band is the perfect starting point for students who are new to the wonderful world of music. Students develop the fundamental skills of playing an instrument, reading music and performing as part of a group in a fun, supportive and encouraging environment. This band provides the foundation for progression through our band program.
2
Concert Band
The Concert Band is designed for students who have established their basic musical skills and are ready to take on more challenging repertoire. Students continue to develop their musicianship, ensemble skills and performance confidence while working together as a cohesive band.
3
Stage Band
The Stage Band is our premier ensemble for experienced musicians. Open to Year 5 and 6 students, with strong Year 4 students by invitation, Stage Band provides additional musical extension through more challenging repertoire and performance opportunities. Students in Stage Band are also expected to participate in Concert Band.
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Performance Opportunities
Students have the opportunity to perform throughout the year at school events, community performances and special workshops. We also host Band Jam workshops and regularly invite professional musicians to work with our students, providing inspiring and memorable musical experiences.
Meet our Band Director
Warrick Dyson
Warwick is an Accredited member of the Music Teachers’ Association of New South Wales. He is qualified to teach clarinet, saxophone and flute as well as taking the role of Band Director. Warwick also has a Diploma in Outdoor Recreation having previously gained the Award of Queen Scout following his interest in outdoor activities.
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He commenced playing woodwind instruments at the early age of 7, participating in marching, concert and stage bands while at school. Warwick also played professionally in the Moscow Circus and various other Sydney bands. He has been an instrumental tutor and a band director at Sydney Grammar and a woodwind instrument tutor at MLC Burwood and in the primary and secondary schools at Barker. Warwick directed the Bilgola Primary school Bands for 10 years from 1990, where he was joined by his two sons.
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He commenced directing the Pittwater House Concert Bands in 1993 and had a full-time position tutoring on woodwind instruments, managing the Instrumental Program and directing 5 bands until 2006. Warwick was also a Captain in the Cadet Unit, where he directed the Marching Band. This band performed at many high-profile occasions such as the Sydney ANZAC March, many gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards Ceremonies at Government House and for the School Prize Giving in the Sydney Town Hall each year. During this time, he directed Concert and Stage Bands which gained places in the Warringah Eisteddfod and completed up to 30 public performances a year.
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In 1998 Warwick conducted the Concert Band of 40 members in two senior schools in China and in the Beijing Education Centre, where they met with Education and Civic Dignitaries and were featured on National TV. He was also the conductor of the massed bands of 200 musicians at Knox Grammar for their Centenary of Cadets. During his 14 years at Pittwater House, Warwick played clarinet, bass clarinet, alto and tenor saxophone, as well as flute and piccolo in the school’s bi-annual stage productions. He had the pleasure of having his sons play in the Concert, Stage and Marching bands at both Bilgola and Pittwater House from Years 3 to 12. He tutored his elder son on clarinet to successfully complete Extension Music, and perform his works on stage during the China tour.