State Wind Bands
The State Wind Bands provides an opportunity for high potential and gifted music students in NSW public schools to perform in a state ensemble under the direction of professional conductors. The bands perform repertoire chosen to challenge and extend students' musical skills.
- Senior Wind Band for students in Years 9 to Year 12
- Junior Wind Band for students in Years 5 to Year 8
About the program
Students will experience an intensive rehearsal schedule, working with professional conductors and tutors in both large ensemble and small sectional sessions, to prepare for the performances. Music will be sent to students to prepare prior to the rehearsals. Music will be chosen to challenge the student’s technique and musicality. Approximately 65 students from across New South Wales will be selected for each ensemble.
Students who play piccolo, flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, french horn, trumpet, trombone, euphonium, tuba, double bass, electric bass and percussion are eligible to apply.
Applications for the 2026 State Wind Bands have now closed.
Enquiries
Performance opportunities
The State Wind Bands participate in The Arts Unit's Festival of Instrumental Music.
- For Senior State Wind Band, a minimum of Grade 5 or equivalent is required.
They participate in workshops at The Arts Unit Lewisham on Saturday 19 to Monday 21 September, and perform at The Sydney Opera House on Tuesday 22 and Wednesday 23 September 2026.
- For Junior State Wind Band, a minimum of Grade 3 or equivalent is required.
They participate in workshops at The Arts Unit Lewisham, Tuesday 22 and Wednesday 23 September and perform at The Sydney Opera House Thursday 24 and Friday 25 September 2026.
Cost
- Sydney metropolitan student participation fee is $110 (including GST)
- Students from rural and remote schools is $85.50 (including GST)
Travel and accommodation
Students are expected to organise their own accommodation, as well as travel to and from all rehearsals and performances.
Student supervision
Students will be supervised by Department of Education (DoE) teachers during rehearsals and performances.
Teacher professional learning opportunity
Applications for the teacher PL for conducting are now open and will close Friday 2 April 2026. Please complete the teacher PL application form to apply.
The State Wind Bands Teacher PL conducting workshop provides the opportunity for teachers to join a professional learning program held in conjunction with the student ensemble.
There are 3 key outcomes that will be covered through the workshops.
- Improve proficiency in planning and conducting successful rehearsals and increase knowledge to lead ensembles to a higher standard.
- Enhance knowledge of higher-level conducting techniques as appropriate to performance through an understanding of technique and style.
- Develop conducting skills through practical experience, observation and discussions.
The 2-day workshop will include observations of the Senior State Wind Band rehearsals led by Steve Williams, as well as some breakout conducting sessions with highly accomplished conductor Brad Lucas.
This professional learning is aimed at all levels of conducting skill and experience and will take place on Sunday 20 and Monday 21 September 2026 at The Arts Unit (Lewisham) from 10 am to 4 pm. This professional learning is free of charge and lunch will be provided. Teachers from rural and remote areas will have their accommodation and travel expenses subsidised.
Please note that no funds are available for relief on Monday 21 September and this will need to be covered by your school.
Conducting opportunity
Expressions of interest to conduct the 2026 State Wind Bands are now open and will close Friday 10 April 2026. To apply, please complete the conducting opportunity application form.
Seeking experienced conductors interested in being a part of the conducting team for the State Wind Bands Senior and Junior ensembles.
You will be required to select and prepare repertoire appropriate for the ensemble, conduct and run instrumental sections at a 2 day rehearsal with the ensemble as well as conduct the technical rehearsal and performance at the Festival of Choral Music at The Sydney Opera House. This is a paid opportunity.
All Arts Unit programs are inclusive. If support is required to participate in the State Wind Bands, please email sarah.k.armour@det.nsw.edu.au so that we can assist.
