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BANDY®
Welcome to Bandy
Bandy is a primary school rock and pop band programme that gives children the opportunity to learn real instruments, play together as a group, and experience the excitement of live performance within their school community.
By the end of each term, each school’s own Bandy group - and often more than one band - performs for their school community at a special Bandy Gig in School. These events give children a chance to share their progress and experience the buzz of performing live in a supportive environment.
Beyond school, Bandy bands are often invited to perform at events such as summer fetes, village festivals, birthdays, and community celebrations, helping children take their music into the wider world.
Highlights, updates, and performance videos can be found on our X (formerly Twitter) page - BANDY on X
How Bandy Works
Where it starts
Joining Bandy is designed for complete beginners, so no prior experience is needed - just enthusiasm. Children learn real instruments in a fun, supportive environment, often starting from as early as Key Stage 1 (ages 5–7).
Working alongside schools
With experience across many primary schools, Mr Crilley adapts Bandy to fit each school’s ethos and community. Clear communication with staff ensures the programme supports wider school aims and works smoothly alongside the school day.
All within school time
Bandy rehearsals take place during lunchtime or after school, supported by an additional instrumental lesson to help children prepare confidently for band sessions.
Developing key life skills
Bandy builds confidence, teamwork, friendships, and musicianship, helping children develop skills that extend well beyond music and performance.
Gigs, gigs, gigs!
Each term ends with a Bandy Gig in School, where pupils perform for their classmates and teachers. These performances build stage confidence, celebrate progress, and create memorable experiences that inspire children to keep growing.
Bandy Benefits at a Glance
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Builds confidence through performance
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Encourages teamwork and shared responsibility
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Promotes positive behaviour and commitment
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Supports wellbeing and emotional resilience
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Improves focus, memory, and concentration
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Develops coordination and physical skills
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Strengthens school and community connections
How Bandy Supports Children
Confidence
Performing in front of others helps children develop self-belief and pride in their achievements.
Teamwork
Every band member has an important role to play, encouraging cooperation, listening, and mutual support.
Positive Discipline
Bandy follows a clear A, B, C approach - Attendance, Behaviour, Commitment - supporting learning in a structured and positive way.
Wellbeing
Music-making can help reduce stress and support emotional wellbeing. Bandy encourages children to feel engaged, motivated, and connected at school.
Focus, Memory, and Learning
Playing in a band develops concentration, memory, and problem-solving skills that support learning across the wider curriculum.
Health and Coordination
Making music involves both physical and mental engagement, helping children develop coordination, motor skills, and healthy energy release.
Community Spirit
School performances, fetes, and festivals bring pupils, staff, and families together, strengthening connections across the school community.
