State Wind Bands

Years 5 to 12 music students

Applications for the 2024 State Wind Bands are now open and will close Friday 10 May 2024.

The State Wind Band 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 band will 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
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State Wind Band students in their various school uniforms playing on The Opera House Stage.

About the program

Students who play piccolo, flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, french horn, trumpet, trombone, euphonium, tuba, double bass and percussion are eligible to apply.

Students will experience an intensive rehearsal schedule working with professional conductors and tutors in 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.

The State Wind Bands participate in The Arts Unit's Festival of Choral Music as performance opportunities.

  • For Senior State Wind Band, a minimum of Grade 5 or equivalent is required.
    They participate in workshops at The Arts Unit Lewisham, Saturday 10 – Sunday 11 August and perform at The Sydney Opera House Monday 12 – Tuesday 13 August 2024.
     
  • For Junior State Wind Band, a minimum of Grade 3 or equivalent is required.

    They participate in workshops at The Arts Unit Lewisham, Monday 12 – Tuesday 13 August and perform at The Sydney Opera House Wednesday 14 – Thursday 15 August 2024.

Cost

  • Sydney metropolitan student participation fee – $110 (incl GST)
  • Students from rural & remote schools– $85.50 (incl 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 DoE teachers during rehearsals and performances.

How to apply

Please complete the online State Wind Band Student application before Friday 10 May 2024.

Teacher professional learning opportunity

The State Wind Bands provide the opportunity for teachers to join a professional learning program run in conjunction with the student ensemble.

There are 3 key outcomes that will be covered through the teaching mentor program. 

  1. improve proficiency in planning and conducting successful rehearsals and increase knowledge to lead ensembles to a higher standard
  2. enhance knowledge of higher level conducting techniques as appropriate to performance through an understanding of technique and style 
  3. develop conducting skills through practical experience, observation and discussions

The 2 day weekend workshop will include observations of the Senior Wind Band rehearsals as well as some breakout conducting sessions with highly accomplished conductors Steve Williams and Brad Lucas.

This professional learning is aimed at all levels of conducting skill and experience and will take place Saturday and Sunday at The Arts Unit (Lewisham) from 8:30 am – 3:00 pm and is free of charge. Lunch will be provided, and rural and remote teachers will have their accommodation and travel expenses covered.

Please complete the online SWB Teacher PL ApplicationClosing Date Friday 12 April (Term 1 Week 11).

 

Conducting opportunity

Seeking experienced conductors interested in being a part of the conducting team for the State Wind Band 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.

Dates:

  • 12 and 13 August 2024: Senior State Wind Band (Years 9 - 12)
  • 14 and 15 August 2024: Junior State Wind Band (Years 5 – 8)

Please complete the online application to conductClosing Date Friday 12 April (Term 1 Week 11)

Enquiries

Luke Wallace
Arts Coordination Officer
Phone
0448 262 659
Cheryl Walker
Arts Coordination Officer
Wagga Wagga
Phone
0428 550 202