Sydney NorthWest Vocal Ensemble

The Sydney NorthWest Vocal Ensemble is a program open to interested vocalists in Years 7 to 12 who are currently enrolled at a NSW public school.

Applications

Applications to participate in Season 2 (Sydney NorthWest Music Festival) of the the 2024 Sydney NorthWest Vocal Ensemble are now open. Applications for Season 2 close Thursday 8 August 2024.

Applications to participate in Season 3 (Schools Spectacular) of the the 2024 Sydney NorthWest Vocal Ensemble are now open. Applications for Season 3 close Tuesday 3 September 2024.

2024 dates and participation fees

There will be three 'seasons' of the Sydney NorthWest Vocal Ensemble in 2024. Students may elect to participate in all three seasons, a combination of two seasons or one season only. Each season has its own rehearsal requirements and a separate participation fee to cover the costs of that particular set of workshops and performances.

Season 1 – In Concert

Unfortunately, the first season of the 2024 ensemble was unable to proceed due to unforseen logistical challenges. 

Season 2 – Sydney NorthWest Music Festival

The second season of the 2024 Sydney NorthWest Vocal Ensemble will involve the ensemble participating as an item in a performance of the 2024 Sydney NorthWest Music Festival at The Concourse.

Students will need to attend one weekend ensemble workshop, and one rehearsal and performance day at The Concourse.

• Ensemble workshop (The Arts Unit): Saturday 17 August 2024, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
• Sydney NorthWest Music Festival rehearsal and performance day (The Concourse): Wednesday 21 August 2024, 2:45 pm – 9:30 pm (performance at 7:00 pm)

For season 2, the ensemble will be conducted by Peter Hayward.

Season 2 participation fee: $110 per student (including the cost of a performance shirt). Any travel or accommodation costs are the responsibility of the participating student and their family.

Nominations for Season 2 are now open and close on Thursday 8 August 2024 (Term 3 Week 3)

Season 3 – Schools Spectacular

The third season of the 2024 Sydney NorthWest Vocal Ensemble will involve the ensemble participating as part of the combined secondary choir for the 2024 Schools Spectacular at Qudos Bank Arena.

Students will need to attend one ensemble workshop, two combined choir preliminary rehearsals and four full days of performance week at Qudos Bank Arena.

Students who live more than two hours away from Sydney may be able to attend at one or more of the rehearsals virtually. This will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis.

• Ensemble workshop (The Concourse, Chatswood) Saturday 19 October 2024, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
• Schools Spectacular preliminary rehearsal #1 (Salvation Army Hall, Sydney) Tuesday 22 October 2024, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
• Schools Spectacular preliminary rehearsal #2 (Salvation Army Hall, Sydney) Monday 18 November 2024, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
• Schools Spectacular full choir rehearsal (venue TBC) Wednesday 27 November 2024, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
• Schools Spectacular full dress rehearsal (Qudos Bank Arena) Thursday 28 November 2024, 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
• Schools Spectacular performances #1 and #2 (Qudos Bank Arena) Friday 29 November 2024, 11:00 am and 7:00 pm
• Schools Spectacular performances #3 and #4 (Qudos Bank Arena) Saturday 30 November 2024, 1:00 pm and 7:00 pm

Season 3 participation fee: $220 per student (this includes all costume and prop costs to participate in the event). Any travel or accommodation costs are the responsibility of the participating student and their family.

Nominations for Season 3 are now open and will close on Tuesday 3 September 2024 (Term 3 Week 7).

Please note, to be eligible to participate in Season 3, students must be attending a school that is not already participating as part of the combined secondary choir for the 2024 Schools Spectacular. Exceptions to this policy may be negotiated on a case-by-case basis, but all nominations must be endorsed by a school principal.