Bands for PAN

Obviously not thought through .

I think we’re forgetting this is a school. Not a business. Let the kids play!

There are many pros of leaving band on stage than not. Rethink your decision and put the children in the forefront of decision making..

Very sad for the kids that have worked so hard

As a feeder school for Kirrawee High which is renowned for its music program, how can GBPS not put every effort they possibly can into to starting kids on a musical journey? The dance component at PAN last year was totally OTT and it is so obvious that it is outsourced and reserved for elite dance members. Bring it back to the grass roots mantra of being ‘an opportunity to learn to perform in front of people’ and be a real reflection of a primary school’s teacher and student input. I totally loved the year six drum performance and the Jai Ho dance last year, both of which pushed my son out of his comfort zone as a non performer type. All organised by the teachers, they organised their own make-do outfits, and it was a true reflection of student creativity and practice! I have a younger son who is a drummer and have chosen not to allow him be a part of the band as it is no longer run by teachers and I decided that $165 per term to be a ‘percussionist’ for maybe one number at the end of the year was not worth the investment. Going to private lessons in the hope he can make it into a band when he gets to Kirrawee High! Stop trying to be elitest GBPS and give everyone a go!

I am a music educator and do not understand the school’s decision. I hope they change their mind. Music is always the face of a good school.

As a Music teacher myself I highly support this and hope more people even if they are not teachers or tutors, just those who love music should help support this wonderful opportunity for the students!!

It’s disgraceful not allowing the band to perform on stage at the PAN night. This school places far too much emphasis on dance and not enough on other arts such as music and drama. The decision to not allow the band to perform on stage needs to be reversed.

This is beyond disappointing. These concerts are a moment in time, to celebrate all the practice, rehearsals and time spent. This shouldn't even need a petition, please, let common sense prevail.

A fair go for all the children and all talent levels

You have got to be kidding me. I have no words. Why even bother with PAN then. I have been nothing but disappointed with GBPS since Dr Turner left. (Thankfully we still have amazing classroom teachers). The schools reputation has sadly declined in the community over the past few years and no wonder, decisions being made keep getting more and more ridiculous. I am no longer proud to answer when people ask where my children attend school. PAN has already been taken over by dance, more and more each year and last year with the lack of other performances, parents and guests were already commenting their was not enough drama, music, etc that entails "performing arts". The audience knows the steps to every dance routine we see year after year. Turns out I have alot of words....I have never known a school to be so obsessed with dance. Once you leave GBEDPS, yes, Gymea Bay Ettingshaussens dance school, dance is of little or no significance. No band, no PAN. I am disgusted. Poor kids.

PAN concert is a wonderful opportunity for all the arts groups including the bands, to demonstrate all their hard work throughout the year. It is absolutely ridiculous that band has been downgraded to play in the foyer. All band members deserve their moment on stage to shine, just like all the other dance groups. The band performances have always been the highlight of the concert!! And not to mention that the Year 5’s are not performing, something which has been a tradition for many years. This is an incredible shame, as my daughter is in year 5 and won’t be able to participate with her peers. What is happening to the wonderful culture of arts at Gymea Bay public school?! So disappointing...

Without band, many kids who have traveled through GBPS would have been marginalised. It gave them confidence when academia, sport and dance were not their skill. Further, this is an important stepping stone to the Regional Band and the music programs of the high schools ... shame!!

Hi Kate, you make some good arguments. My thoughts are that the band should be performed on stage to showcase to the ‘whole’ audience who will be seated and present to witness as will the case be for the dance, string choir and everything else programmed. Unfortunately I feel that if the band performs prior to the actual show, only a proportion of the audience will be able to hear let alone see the students demonstrate what they have practiced so hard for. It’s always a rush to get to Sutherland entertainment centre to drop kids, and find your seat before the actual show begins (organised chaos), especially for first time parents to the school. Doesn’t seem balanced to me.

One of the highlights of any parent is to hear their child in the school training band knowing only a mother could love it

This is shameful! I feel very upset for those poor kids who practice their little hearts out all year with their instruments. What sort of message is this giving them. This school has always had too much focus on dancing and wakakirri !!

Let them perform. Where do our next generation of musicians come from

Shame on you gbps - ridiculous way to treat children

Everyone needs to be able to participate that’s what a school community should be promoting.

Fully support the petition