Greater Western Sydney Public Schools Instrumental Music Program

Greater Western Sydney Public Schools String Ensemble

Region: Metro Metro South and West Metropolitan North | Penrith
Years 4 to 12
Local arts program Music
Tags: Instrumental ensemble, Strings

The Greater Western Sydney Public Schools Strings participate in a series of full-day workshops culminating in a performance at the Arts NorthWest Music Festival.

The ensemble is open to interested musicians in Years 4 to 12 from NSW public schools.

The program will take the form of 7 full-day workshops leading to a performance at The Concourse Chatswood of the Arts NorthWest Music Festival.

Enquiries

Richard Sandham
Ensemble Director and Conductor
Lily Ferres
Arts Coordination Officer
Phone
0460 924 458
Penrith Selective High School

158-240 High St
Penrith NSW 2750
Australia

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2025 workshops

All workshops are from 8:30 am to 2:45 pm at Penrith High School.

  • Wednesday 11 June (Term 2 Week 7)
  • Sunday 15 June (Term 2 Week 7)
  • Wednesday 6 August (Term 3 Week 3)
  • Wednesday 13 August (Term 3 Week 4)
  • Sunday 17 August (Term 3 Week 4)
  • Sunday 16 November (Term 4 Week 5)
  • Wednesday 19 November (Term 4 Week 6)

2025 performances

  • Term 2 TBC – Greater Western Sydney Music Festival
  • Term 3, Week 5, Wednesday 20 August – Sydney NorthWest Music Festival (Penrith) Cawndilla concert
  • Term 4, Week 6, Sunday 23 November – End of year concert, Penrith

Eligibility

The program is open to any students currently enrolled in Years 4 to 12 at a NSW Public School who play one or more of the following instruments:

  • violin
  • viola
  • cello
  • double bass.

The ensemble will be open to students with a wide range of abilities. The tutorial program and music selected will ensure that students of all abilities are appropriately challenged within the ensemble situation.

Please note, this program is open to public school students from anywhere in NSW, not just in the Metropolitan North, South and West areas.

Nomination process

Students must complete the Greater Western Sydney Public Schools String Ensemble application form to participate in this program. As part of this form students will be required to submit a video audition.

 

Audition requirements

Students should film themselves performing:

  • One piece of music that they feel shows their current ability on their instrument to the highest standard
  • Two scales of their choice – one major and one harmonic minor

At the start of the video, the student should introduce themselves and should announce the name and composer of the piece they are playing. Additionally, students should state what scale they are playing before they play it.

All requirements should be in one single video (not separate links for each component). However, if students wish to be considered on more than one instrument, a separate video should be submitted for each instrument which includes all of the components above.

Videos should be uploaded to the internet (preferably as an unlisted YouTube link) and the link copied and pasted into the online nomination form. Please ensure that you include the password if you choose to password protect your video (not reccomended).

Cost

There is a participation fee of $155.00 (GST inclusive) to participate in the 2024 Greater Western Sydney Strings Ensemble. This fee includes provision of all music and equipment, access to expert tutorial staff and an ensemble performance shirt to be worn at the performance.

This fee will be payable via The Arts Unit's student payment portal on acceptance into the ensemble. 

Students are encouraged to approach their school for financial assistance if required.

Extension opportunity

Some students may be selected from this program to form part of the Greater Western Sydney Public Schools Symphony Orchestra.

Further information will be provided directly to those students selected for these ensembles. 

Please note, selection for this extension opportunity is entirely at the discretion of the ensemble director and the Arts Coordination Officer

All Arts Unit programs are inclusive. If support is required to participate in the Greater Western Sydney Public Schools String Ensemble, please email richard.sandham@det.nsw.edu.au so that we can assist.