Goulburn Regional Conservatorium is making overtures for its Hume Youth Orchestra, a first for young orchestral musicians in the region.
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It’s a regional ensemble for young musicians looking to gain experience in group performances. Auditions begin this afternoon, February 6, 3.45-5.15pm.
Students nearing Grade Three or above are invited to audition for the ensemble, conducted by Geoff Stewart-Richardson.
The Conservatorium’s chief executive and artistic director, Paul Scott-Williams, said he hoped there would be “a really strong turnout from students wanting to be in it that maybe haven’t reached out so far”.
Students will rehearse every fortnight. It’s open to musical talent right across the surrounding region, with students travelling from as far afield as Mittagong and Yass to have lessons. “There’s quite a broad base of students having lessons with us who haven’t had this kind of opportunity before,” Mr Scott-Williams said.
The Youth Orchestra aims to provide young musicians with the chance to improve and even open doors to perform in other orchestras. “We’re hoping that it’ll provide the opportunity for higher level players in that orchestra to feed through into the Regional Youth Orchestra in NSW, a fantastic orchestra for youth aged 12 to 25,” Mr Scott-Williams said.
“It’s not the kind of thing that’s normally easy to get experience with, so we’re excited to offer that opportunity here, and provide that connectivity to greater kinds of orchestral experiences.”
The musicians will perform at the Conservatorium’s ensemble concerts and any other events that are appropriate for the orchestral style.
“I’m hoping to increase the amount of performance opportunities and activities for the orchestra and get them out into the region playing great music,” Mr Scott-Williams said.
Conservatorium students are welcomed directly into the orchestra; and other students are invited to join, no matter their founding musical style. “It’s not a scary thing,” Mr Scott-Williams said. “It’s really fun!”
From contemporary to classical, the orchestra will cover a range of different musical styles. “The experience of playing with an orchestra is really valuable.” Mr Scott-Williams said.
“There’s a lot that they can learn about playing different kinds and styles of music. Playing with large groups of people is always really fun and it’s quite a dynamic experience.”
