Instrumental Ensembles
NECOM Music Ensembles
NECOM music ensembles nurture growth, meeting each learner at their current level and helping them develop skills as they make music with others.
Beginner Music Ensembles
Beginner Music Ensembles support the development of fundamental ensemble and instrumental techniques. Students learn how to follow a conductor, and explore new music together in a fun environment.
Students enrolled in individual lessons at the Conservatorium are usually eligible to join an ensemble at no additional cost.
Participation in our ensembles is open to all students, whether they learn with a NECOM teacher or an external tutor.
Boorolong Strings
Conductor: Sue Langbein
For children K–6
Boorolong Strings is suited to string players at beginner to Grade 1 AMEB standard who have completed at least six months of instrumental lessons.
Instruments include violin, viola, cello, and double bass.
Tuesday 4pm - 4.45pm
Tilbuster Winds
Conductor: Louisa Sindel-Marshall & Paul Marshall
For wind and brass players in years 3+, or playing at equivalent to AMEB Grade 1 standard.
Wednesday 5pm - 5.45pm
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)
Conductor: Joanna Fairs-Wu
Intermediate string ensemble, for players of approximately AMEB Grade 2-4 standard.
Auditions are held each November for the following year.
Tuesday 4pm - 5.15pm
Armidale Youth Wind Ensemble (AYWE)
Conductor: Louisa Sindel-Marshall & Paul Marshall
A wind, brass and percussion ensemble, for players of approximately AMEB Grade 2-3 standard.
Auditions are held each November for the following year.
Tuesday 4pm - 5.15pm.
JazzLab
Conductor: Paul Marshall
JazzLab is a stage band for adventurous students, looking to explore jazz and contemporary music.
This ensemble is open to secondary students who are at least AMEB Grade 3 level.
Places are limited to ensure a balanced band and successful performance!
Tuesday 5.30pm - 6.30pm
Advanced Ensembles
NECOM Advanced Music Ensembles provide experienced musicians with the opportunity to refine their ensemble and instrumental skills, deepen their ability to respond to conductor direction, and explore sophisticated repertoire.
Students collaborate in a dynamic and challenging musical environment that fosters artistic growth and ensemble excellence.
Armidale Youth Orchestra (AYO)
Conductor: Robert van Gend
A symphony orchestra for players aged 12 to 20 years.
Auditions are held each November for the following year. Winds AMEB Grade 3 / 4+ and Strings AMEB 5+
Tuesday 4pm - 6pm
New England Wind Ensemble
Conductor: Paul Marshall
NEWE provides an opportunity for wind, brass and percussion players to perform repertoire specifically written for symphonic wind ensemble.
This community ensemble provides for emerging wind, brass and percussion players aimed specifically at secondary students and adults.
There are annual concert performance opportunities & no audition is required for NEWE.
Thursday 6pm - 7pm
Con Brio
Conductor: Wendy Griffiths
NECOM's adult string ensemble provides an invaluable opportunity for 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.
This ensemble offers annual concert performance opportunities.
Tuesday 6pm - 7pm.