Ensemble playing is the team sport of music. Making music together with friends is the best way to help students stay motivated, progress quickly, and get the most out of their individual lessons.
There are also a range of developmental benefits of playing in an instrumental ensemble, from listening and communicating, to teamwork and social skills.
We offer a range of ensembles catering to each student’s stage of learning. Please contact our office on 6788 2135 to help select the best ensemble.
BEGINNER MUSIC ENSEMBLES
Beginner Music Ensembles support the development of fundamental ensemble and instrumental techniques, learn how to follow a conductor, and explore new music together in a fun environment.
PUDDLEDOCK STRINGS
- For beginner string players in years K – 3, with a minimum of one term of instrumental lessons.
- Rehearsals take place at the Armidale Teachers’ College each Tuesday of the school term, from 4:00pm – 4:45pm.
BOOROLONG STRINGS
- For string players in years 3 – 6, or equivalent to Preliminary / Grade 1 AMEB standard.
- Rehearsals take place at the Armidale Teachers’ College each Tuesday of the school term, from 4:00pm – 4:45pm.
TILBUSTER WINDS
- For wind and brass players in years 3+, or equivalent to AMEB Grade 1 standard.
- Rehearsals take place at the Armidale Teachers’ College each Wednesday of the school term, from 5:00pm – 5:45pm.
THUNDERBOLT PERCUSSION
- For piano and percussion players in years K – 4, or equivalent to Preliminary / Grade 1 AMEB standard.
- Rehearsals take place at the Armidale Teachers’ College each Thursday of the school term, from 4:00pm – 4:45pm.
INTERMEDIATE ENSEMBLES
Intermediate ensembles provide a stepping stone to more advanced levels of ensemble playing. They develop essential performance skills including sight-reading, tone production and intonation. They also help to build confidence and social skills in a fun and supportive environment.
ARMIDALE YOUTH STRINGS (AYS)
- A 40-member string ensemble, for players of approximately AMEB Grade 2 – 4 standard.
- Entry by audition.
- Rehearsals take place at the Armidale Teachers’ College each Tuesday of the school term, from 4:00pm – 5:15pm.
ARMIDALE YOUTH WINDS (AYW)
- A 30-member wind, brass and percussion ensemble, for players of approximately AMEB Grade 2 -3 standard.
- Entry by audition.
- Rehearsals take place at the Armidale Teachers’ College each Tuesday during school term 4:00pm – 5:15pm.
Visit the Armidale Youth Orchestras website for more information or contact our office on 6788 2135 to help select the best ensemble.
NEW ENGLAND WIND ENSEMBLE (NEWE)
- NEWE provides an opportunity for wind, brass and percussion players to perform repertoire specifically written for symphonic wind ensemble
- This ensemble provides for emerging wind, brass and percussion players to bridge the gap in technical standard between AYWE and AYO.
- Rehearsals are led by Paul Marshall, NECOM Head of Woodwind, and take place at the Armidale Teachers’ College each Tuesday from 5:30pm-6:30pm.
- There are also concert performance opportunities annually.
ADVANCED ENSEMBLES
ARMIDALE YOUTH ORCHESTRA
- A 50-member symphony orchestra for players aged 12 to 20 years.
- Entry is by audition (Winds AMEB Grade 3 / 4+ and Strings AMEB 5+)
- Rehearsals take place at the Armidale Teachers’ College each Tuesday during school term at
4:00pm – 5:15pm immediately followed by;
5:15pm – 6:00pm AYO Strings Sinfonia or 5:30pm – 6:30pm New England Wind Ensemble (NEWE).
Visit the Armidale Youth Orchestras website for more information or contact our office on 6788 2135 to help select the best ensemble.
CON BRIO
- NECOM’S adult string ensemble provides an invaluable opportunity to adult musicians who want to renew their playing skills in a supportive and non-competitive environment with other like-minded people who just love playing music.
- Rehearsals are led by Joanna Fairs-Wu, NECOM Head of Strings, and take place at the Armidale Teachers’ College each Tuesday from 7:00pm-8:00pm.
- There are also concert performance opportunities annually.
MEMBERSHIP FEES
Ensemble program members join for a whole year of activity, including weekly rehearsals during school terms, receive support of specialist tutors, learn new music and present concerts throughout the year.
Beginner Music Ensembles – Free for students enrolled in our Beginner Music Program
- Puddledock Strings
- Boorolong Strings
- Tilbuster Winds
- Thunderbolt Percussion
Beginner Music Ensembles – options for students not enrolled in the Beginner Music Program at NECOM.
Please contact our office on 6788 2135 to enquire about early-bird discounts, scholarships and bursaries.
Payment plan options are available.
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