Parents should complete this form to apply for their child to participate in the 2026 Festival of Instrumental Music combined string ensemble as an individual string player. For teachers applying for a school group to participate, please use the combined string ensemble application form.

Individual string player applications

In 2026 students may enrol in the Festival of Instrumental Music combined string ensemble as an individual string player. Students enrolled as individual string players will be supervised by an Arts Unit staff member at both the Sydney preliminary rehearsal (if applicable) and the concert. This initiative is designed to make the program more accessible to students who do not have a string program at their school, particularly students living in Regional NSW. A school may have up to 3 students enrolled as ‘individual’ string players – schools with 4 or more students participating must enrol as a school group.

Eligibility

In order to be eligible to enrol as an individual string player, a student must:

• be enrolled at a NSW public school for 2026 and have endorsement from the school principal to participate
• be having regular instrumental lessons on the violin, viola, cello or double bass
• be at a minimum standard of AMEB Grade 2 (or equivalent).

Performance dates

Participating students will perform in 1 of 4 concerts:

• Acacia Concert: Tuesday 22 September 2026
• Banksia Concert: Wednesday 23 September 2026
• Jacaranda Concert: Thursday 24 September 2026
• Mimosa Concert: Friday 25 September 2026

Performance venue

• Sydney Opera House Concert Hall

Preliminary Rehearsals

Students attend a preliminary rehearsal to prepare students for the concerts.

Sydney preliminary rehearsals will be held at Meadowbank Public School, 6 Rhodes Street, Meadowbank.

• Acacia rehearsal: Tuesday 25 August 2026, 10 am to 1:30 pm 
• Banksia rehearsal: Wednesday 26 August 2026, 10 am to 1:30 pm 
• Jacaranda rehearsal: Thursday 27 August 2026, 10 am to 1:30 pm 
• Mimosa rehearsal: Friday 28 August 2026, 10 am to 1:30 pm

Non-metropolitan students may attend a local 'cluster' rehearsal in Term 2 or 3. Venues and dates of cluster rehearsals will be confirmed in March 2026.

Cost

• Participation fee of $42 per student will be payable upon acceptance into the program. 
• A rural and remote subsidy of 25% will be offered to all students attending from rural and remote schools as identified by the department.

The Arts Unit is seeking a motivated and experienced teacher to take on the role of Dance Coordinating Teacher for the following ensembles:

• Western NSW Senior Contemporary Dance Ensemble 
• Western NSW Senior Musical Theatre Dance Ensemble 
• Western NSW Junior Contemporary Dance Ensemble 

This position plays a vital role in supporting (HPGE) students from across the region and ensuring the smooth running of key dance activities and events throughout the year.

The Arts Unit is seeking motivated and experienced teachers to join the Western NSW Dance Festival committee in Bathurst. This team will play a vital role in shaping the artistic direction, planning, and delivery of the 2026 WNSW Dance Festival – Bathurst  showcase. Committee members will collaborate to develop high quality performance opportunities for students, support choreographers and participating schools, and contribute to the coordination of key festival events.

This position plays a vital role in supporting (HPGE) students from across the region and ensuring the smooth running of key dance activities and events throughout the year.

If you are passionate about dance education and committed to enhancing opportunities for students across Western NSW (Bathurst), we encourage you to express your interest in joining the committee.

The Arts Unit is seeking motivated and experienced teachers to join the Western NSW Dance Festival committee in Dubbo. This team will play a vital role in shaping the artistic direction, planning, and delivery of the 2026 WNSW Dance Festival – Dubbo showcase. Committee members will collaborate to develop high quality performance opportunities for students, support choreographers and participating schools, and contribute to the coordination of key festival events.

This position plays a vital role in supporting (HPGE) students from across the region and ensuring the smooth running of key dance activities and events throughout the year.

If you are passionate about dance education and committed to enhancing opportunities for students across Western NSW (Dubbo), we encourage you to express your interest in joining the committee.