Ensembles
Ensembles: concert band, big band, brass, wind, strings
Participants in ensembles learn new skills and experience the fun of making music with others of similar ability.
Ensemble playing expands and enriches your musical repertoire to include music in many styles. Ensembles perform at Conservatorium concerts, in eisteddfods, at community events, and also take part in other special projects and workshops.
Each ensemble has its own level of experience and ability, so if you would like to join an ensemble please read the info below about each ensemble, or talk to your Conservatorium teacher if you are a Conservatorium student, or contact Macquarie Conservatorium if you have any queries.
These ensembles are open to everyone in the community: you do not need to be enrolled in instrumental or other tuition as a Conservatorium student to join one of our ensembles.
You do need to meet the skill requirements as outlined below in the description for each ensemble, and commit to attending the regular weekly sessions.
Please note: for all ensembles, the fee is a fixed amount per term for membership of the ensemble, that does not vary according to number of sessions given in the term.
MACQUARIE INTERMEDIATE BAND
This band is a partnership venture between Macquarie Conservatorium and Dubbo District Band Inc, providing opportunities for wind, brass and percussion players to expand their ensemble skills and learn new repertoire.
This band is open to players of wind, brass and percussion instruments, youth aged from 10 years and adults, who have been playing for 2 years or more, at approximate AMEB Grade 2 level and higher; also ideal for “lapsed” adult players who wish to get playing again!
New members are very welcome: if you are interested in joining this ensemble please contact us.
Rehearsals: Wednesdays 6.00-7.00pm
Rehearsal Venue: Dubbo Band Hall, Boundary Rd South Dubbo
Conductor: Zac Goninan & Paul Young
Cost: participants must be financial members of both Macquarie Conservatorium and Dubbo District Band Inc – no additional ensemble fee
BIG BAND
Macquarie Conservatorium’s Big Band for students of all ages, youth and adult, at approximate skill level AMEB Grade 4 and above. This band plays a range of jazz and pop music arranged for the standard big band format.
Instruments in the Big Band are saxophone, trumpet and trombone, plus rhythm section of guitar, bass, keyboard, drums. Places are limited for each instrument, with single players only in the rhythm section.
New members are very welcome: if you are interested in joining this ensemble please contact us
Rehearsals: Thursdays 7.00-8.00pm
Conductor: Zac Goninan & Paul Young
Cost: $80 per term plus annual membership fee
BRASS ENSEMBLE
Macquarie Conservatorium’s brass ensemble for students of all ages, youth and adult, who play brass instruments and are at approximate skill level AMEB Grade 3 and above.
New members are very welcome: if you are interested in joining this ensemble please contact us.
Rehearsals: Thursdays 5.00pm-6.00pm
Conductor: Zac Goninan
Cost: $80 per term plus annual membership fee
WIND ENSEMBLE
Macquarie Conservatorium’s wind ensemble for youth students aged 15 years and younger who play flute, clarinet, oboe, saxophone or bassoon, and are at approximate skill level AMEB Preliminary/Grade 1 and above.
New members are very welcome: if you are interested in joining this ensemble please contact us.
Rehearsals: Thursdays 4.00pm-5.00pm
Conductor: Bella Fox
Cost: $80 per term plus annual membership fee
ADULT STRING ENSEMBLE
Macquarie Conservatorium’s string ensemble for adults, who play violin, viola, cello, and are at approximate skill level AMEB Grade 1 and above.
New members are very welcome: if you are interested in joining this ensemble please contact us.
Rehearsals: Tuesdays 5.30pm-6.30pm
Conductor: Sue Hovenden
Cost: $80 per term plus annual membership fee