10th september 2005

Dear Parents/Carers and members
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome all new members into BSTWO
and to welcome back some of last year’s members.
Please find enclosed with this introductory letter a rehearsal schedule for the
forthcoming academic year and an acceptance of conditions sheet that should
be returned as soon as possible. Please make a note of the dates on the
schedule, especially the concert dates and rehearsal times on these days.
Further details can be found on the BSTWO website:
Information regarding other Music Services
activities is available at
ATTENDANCE – please read carefully
Members are expected to attend ALL rehearsals and concerts, although
exceptions may be made at the discretion of the conductor should a member
need to be excused due to extenuating circumstances. All correspondence
with reference to being excused must be in writing from a parent or carer, with
as much notice as possible. The reason written and early notice is required is
to assist me in my planning of sectional rehearsals: if players miss this
specialized training, they may well fall behind in their playing, which has
consequences for the ensemble. If I know that a large number of players in
one section are to be away on a certain Saturday, I can reorganize the tutors
for another day. My main aim is always to help the players achieve the best
sound that they can as a band, and absences make this difficult to
accomplish; attendance will be monitored closely throughout the year.
Absence requests may be handed to me in rehearsals, or emailed to

S4E Limited is a company limited by guarantee registered in England & Wales No. 07739831

Please do not ask to be excused from rehearsals in the fortnight before
a concert, as you may not be permitted to play in that concert.
In the event of sudden illness on a Friday evening or Saturday morning,
please call me on 07986 330102
PUNCTUALITY
Rehearsals are held from 9.30am to 12.00pm at Selly Park Technology
College, with a mid morning break around 10.40am. The Friends of the
Birmingham Schools’ Orchestras provide refreshments, so members will need
to bring some money with them. Please ensure that members arrive by
9.15am each week to assist in the setting up of music stands etc.
Please also ensure that you also come equipped with a pencil.
PROGRESS
Membership in the BSTWO is conditional upon satisfactory progress, which
includes attending regular instrumental lessons and regular private practice.
It is important that members take their music to their instrumental teacher
from time to time.
If at any time throughout the year you wish to discuss any matters with me
concerning this, please do not hesitate to contact me.
CONCERT WEAR
It is essential that BSTWO adhere to the following concert wear.
Boys: Black trousers, black shoes (no boots), black socks, black long-sleeved
shirt (tucked in). Boys will be supplied with a BSTWO tie.
Girls: Black trousers or long skirt, black socks or tights, black shoes (no
boots), black long-sleeved shirt (tucked in). Girls will be supplied with a
BSTWO tie.
If your child suffers from a medical condition, which you feel I should be aware
of, please let me know. This will of course be treated in the strictest
confidence.
Yours sincerely,
Helen Smith
Conductor of BSTWO
Schedule 2013/2014 - Birmingham Schools’ Training Wind Orchestra
Autumn Term
September 7
September 14
September 21
September 28
October 5
Half Term - No rehearsals October 26 and November 2 December 14
Mince Pie Morning - informal concert during morning
rehearsal at the normal venue
Spring Term
January 11
January 18
January 25
January 26 (Sun)
CONCERT – rehearsal 10:00 – 11:30 am at Adrian Boult
Hall. Return by 6:30 pm for concert at 7:00 pm.
Open rehearsal for potential new members February 8
Sectional Workshops with informal concert during
morning rehearsal
Half Term – No rehearsals February 15 and 22 March 8
March 15
March 22
March 29
April 4 (Fri)
CONCERT – Rehearsal 5:45 at Ladywood ARC. Concert
7:30 – 8:45 pm
April 5
Summer Term
No rehearsal on May 3 due to Bank Holiday Half Term – No rehearsal May 25th and June 1st June 7
June 14
June 21
June 28
July 5
July 12
July 15 (Tues)
CONCERT - rehearsal 12:30- 1:30 at Adrian Boult Hall.
Return by 6.30 pm for Gala Concert at 7.00 pm
Acceptance of Conditions of Membership
Birmingham Schools’ Training Wind Orchestra 2013/2014

Dear Parents and members,
Please sign and return in acknowledgement of having received and
understood the attached letter and to confirm your acceptance of its contents.
Please pay particular attention to the information regarding attendance
and absences.
Yours sincerely,
Helen Smith (Conductor)
Member’s name (please print) …………………………………
Signed (Parent/Guardian) …………………………….
Signed (Member) ………………………………….

Source: http://servicesforeducation.co.uk/files/music_service/docs/ensembles/central-ensembles/wind-orchestras/BSTWO%20Intro%20Letter%20&%20Schedule%202013-14.pdf