Attention: NSW Caretaker Period has commenced

The caretaker period for the NSW Election commenced on 3 March 2023.

Accordingly, no ministerial press releases or related information issued by the Government from this date will be available on this website. For copies of recently issued ministerial press releases or information on the election policies of any political party as they relate to this department/agency or its portfolio area, please go directly to the website of the relevant political party.

Instrumental Ensembles

Years 5 to 12

Weekly music ensembles develop high-level music skills, while seasonal state ensembles meet for intensives before festival performances. Expert tutors for all ensembles, enhance the musical experience for the students.

Instrumental ensembles are open to NSW public school students in Years 5 to 12. Membership is by audition. All students must re audition every year to become a member of an instrumental ensemble.

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cellos performing on stage

Instrumental Music Ensembles

Applications are now closed for the 2023 Instrumental Music Ensembles. For late applications, please email Jacqueline Shaw.

Applications now open

Millennium Marching Band 

For further information and to apply for the NSW Public Schools Millennium Marching Band complete the following online application form.

Ensemble standards

  • Approximate standard for our intermediate ensembles (State Wind Orchestra, Stage Band and String Sinfonia) is AMEB grade 4+.
  • Approximate standard for our advanced ensembles (State Wind Ensemble, Jazz Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra) is AMEB grade 6+.

Enquiries

Adele Kozak
Music Support Officer
The Arts Unit
Email
music.artsunit@det.nsw.edu.au
Phone
02 8512 1188
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Programs

Wind Ensembles

Music
Years 5 to 12
The New South Wales Public School Symphonic Wind Ensemble (SWE) and Symphonic Wind Orchestra (SWO) perform at notable Sydney venues and tour regional New South Wales. Membership is by audition and open to NSW public school students. Ensembles rehearse weekly at The Arts Unit, Lewisham.

Orchestras

Music
Years 5 to 12
Students have the rare opportunity to play orchestral repertoire to the highest standard. Performing regularly in a range of high profile concerts, multiple performance opportunities at Sydney venues are offered throughout the year as well as tours.

Jazz Ensembles

Music
Years 5 to 12
Jazz ensembles explore skills, knowledge, and understanding of music's jazz style. They have many exciting performance opportunities appearing in Sydney's festivals and concerts, and touring.

Millennium Marching Band

Music
Years 7 to 12
The Millennium Marching Band is a dynamic group with a focus on fun and entertainment. Opportunities exist within the Band for instrumentalists, dancers and rhythmic gymnasts.
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Related digital resources

Trumpet

Art Bites Music
With
Craig Mitten
Secondary advanced music

Getting the best from practice exercises, studies and performance pieces.

Practical teaching resources for your signing choir

Creative Teachers Music
With
Rhonda Hughes
Teachers

Password required

Drawn from The Arts Unit 2022 choral series, these videos will support you in teaching your signing choir. There are three videos for each song: a lesson, a performance and a spoken version.

Drumming

Art Bites Music
With
Dave Lockeridge
Music – primary, beginner, intermediate and advanced

Strategies to prepare and practise playing the drums.

Teaching music in your primary classroom

Creative Resource Music
With
Richard Gill

Employing the unique experience and teaching expertise of Richard Gill, this interactive course provides a specific framework for teachers working with music in classrooms. Encompassing a range of media and interactive elements, including video, interactive information and progressive questioning to clarify pedagogy.
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Related local arts programs

Newcastle / Lake Macquarie

Bandfest Newcastle

Local arts program Public schools Music
Kindergarten to Year 12
An opportunity for school bands to display their progress over the year, observe other bands and receive constructive feedback from recognised musical experts.
Newcastle/Lake Macquarie/Maitland

Primary Wind Ensemble

Local arts program Public schools Music
Years 3 to 6

The Primary School Wind Ensemble is for NSW public school primary aged students that currently do not have access, or have limited access (perhaps a very small or developing ensemble), to a band at their own schools.
Orange/Dubbo

Bandlink Western NSW

Local arts program Public schools Music
Years 5 to 12
A series of 2 day workshops for students who play a woodwind, brass or percussion instrument to work with professional instrumentalists to further develop their skills.
Lennox Head

North Coast Music Camp

Local arts program Public schools Music
Years 7 to 12

The North Coast Music Camp is an opportunity for music students from public schools across the North Coast to gather for a 4 day intensive music camp.
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