Greater Western Sydney Public Schools String Ensemble

2024

In 2024, the program will take the form of 6 full-day workshops leading to a performance at the The Concourse Chatswood of the Arts North West Choral Festival.

Workshop dates

The workshop dates for the program are:

• Sunday 2 June (Term 2 Week 5) from 9:15 am – 2:45 pm at Penrith High School
• Wednesday 18 June (Term 2 Week 8) from 9:15 am – 2:45 pm at Penrith High School
• Wednesday 31 July (Term 3 Week 2) from 9:15 am – 2:45 pm at Penrith High School
• Wednesday 7 August (Term 3 Week 3) from 9:15 am – 2:45 pm at Penrith High School
• Wednesday 14 August (Term Week 4) from 9:15 am – 2:45 pm at Penrith High School
• Sunday 18 August (Term 3 Week 4) from 9:15 am – 2:45 pm at Penrith High School

Students will need to commit to all six workshops and the performance date to participate in this program. Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the ensemble director for students who have examinations which fall on the day of a workshop.

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 an online nomination form to participate in this program. As part of this form students will be required to submit a video audition.

Nominations close Friday 24th May 2024 (Term 2 Week 4).

As part of the nomination process, students must submit a parent permission form and publicity form. Please note, these forms are in addition to the online nomination form.

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 program. 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

Contact

For more information, please contact Richard Sandham, Ensemble Director or Peter Hayward, Arts Coordination Officer.