2015 Education Program

2015 E DUCATION PROG R AM

Richard Tognetti

I believe that music education should be a basic right for every child. The evidence to support the benefits to a child’s learning is overwhelming.

At the ACO, our aim is to transform the lives of young Australians through music: from the earliest days of musical discovery in primary school, to reaching the highest level of performance achieved by our Emerging Artists.

Over the last ten years our ever-evolving Education Program has become one of the jewels in the ACO’s crown. Our Emerging Artists’ Program has supported some of the most outstanding young string players who have gone on to play with us and other national and international orchestras.

Our ACO Academy goes from strength to strength as we continue to identify the most talented secondary school string students, supporting them and offering ourselves as mentors at this critical stage of their development. We’re creating touch points between curriculum areas as school students across Australia create their own compositions and artworks in our Music & Art Program.

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Through our partnership with the Australian Children’s Music Foundation, we support music education in disadvantaged primary schools in New South Wales & Victoria.

Add to this our string workshops, a new community string program in Penrith, open rehearsals, $20 student tickets, schools performances and resources such as the ground breaking ACO VIRTUAL and our online lessons and it’s clear that the ACO’s Education Program has come a long way since its inception in 2005.

As always, we are passionate about bringing music into the lives of young people all over Australia.

Richard Tognetti AO Artistic Director and Violin

AUSTR ALIAN CHAM B ER ORCH ESTR A

AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER ORCHESTRA CE LE B R ATI NG 40 YE ARS

Founded in 1975, the Australian Chamber Orchestra is recognised as one of the finest chamber orchestras in the world. It is renowned for the integrity and excellence of its programming, and the loyalty and enthusiasm of its audiences.

A dedicated troupe of diverse musicians, the ACO performs all over the world, from red-dust regional centres of Australia to New York night clubs, from Australian capital cities to the world’s most prestigious concert halls, including Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw, London’s Southbank Centre and Vienna’s Musikverein.

The ACO’s dedication and musicianship has created warm relationships with such celebrated soloists as Emmanuel Pahud, Steven Isserlis, Dawn Upshaw, Imogen Cooper, Christian Lindberg, Joseph Tawadros, Melvyn Tan and Pieter Wispelwey. The ACO is renowned for collaborating with artists from diverse genres, including Jonny Greenwood, Tim Freedman, Neil Finn, Katie Noonan, Paul Capsis, Danny Spooner and Barry Humphries, and visual artists Michael Leunig, Bill Henson, Shaun Tan and Jon Frank.

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In 2005 the ACO inaugurated a National Education Program including a mentoring program for Australia’s best young string players and education workshops for audiences throughout Australia.

The ACO has recorded for the world’s top labels. Recent recordings have won three consecutive ARIA Awards and documentaries featuring the ACO have been shown on television worldwide and won awards at film festivals on four continents.

As Australia’s only national orchestra, the ACO presents outstanding performances to over 10,000 subscribers across Australia each year. Internationally, critics recognise the ACO’s quality and the unique Australian style it reveals on the world stage.

“One of the most precise, cuttingedge, virtuoso string ensembles to be found anywhere in the world.”

CHICAGO TRIBUNE

For more information visit aco.com.au

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CONTE NTS

PRIMARY SCHOOL PROGRAMS Concerts & String Ensemble for Primary Students

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Music & Art Program

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Online Lessons

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SECONDARY SCHOOL PROGRAMS ACO Academy

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Victorian State Schools Spectacular Mentoring Program

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ACO MOVE

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$20 Schools Tickets

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Open Rehearsals

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Open Rehearsal for Students with Disability

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Penrith Youth Orchestra

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Regional Concerts for Secondary Students

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String Workshops

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Pre-Concert Talks

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DIGITAL INNOVATION ACO VIRTUAL

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Online Lessons

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EVENTS IN YOUR STATE Australian Capital Territory

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New South Wales

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Queensland

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South Australia

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Victoria

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Western Australia

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“It is rare to have a national orchestra of such talent and ability visiting this region” DEBORAH HUGHES-OWEN, ARTS NARROGIN, WA

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PRI MARY SCHOOL PROG R AMS

CONCERTS & STRING ENSEMBLE FOR PRIMARY STUDENTS Presented in association with the Australian Children’s Music Foundation (ACMF), we perform interactive concerts and participate in music workshops with primary school students at Soldiers’ Settlement Public School in Matraville (NSW), Our Lady of Mount Carmel School in Waterloo (NSW) and the Sunshine Harvester School (VIC).

The ACMF runs weekly music programs in schools where previously there was no music program. Each week, their talented music teachers inspire thousands of children across Australia. Soldiers’ Settlement Public School alone now boasts an elective year 3–6 choir of 55 children and a compulsory year K-2 choir of 90 children.

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Soldiers’ Settlement Public School String Ensemble With the support of the ACO, a group of 16 students is learning the violin and cello, forming a small string ensemble. They receive instrumental lessons, tickets to ACO concerts, access to ACO and AcO2 rehearsals and sessions with ACO musicians throughout the year.

Sunshine Group of Schools We are excited to expand our partnership with ACMF into Victorian schools in 2015, where our musicians will work regularly with local ACMF teacher-artists, to bring classical music into a variety of primary school classrooms in the Sunshine area. Students will be invigorated and inspired by visits from our talented musicians, forming long-lasting relationships and learning about life as a professional musician.

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MUSIC & ART PROGRAM

ONLINE LESSONS

We are thrilled to introduce our innovative Music & Art program to schools across Australia in 2015.

ACMF Education Coordinator Rachel Scott and ACO musicians present fun and engaging lessons for primary school classes covering musical form, thematic structure and rhythmic games with percussion instruments. Classroom teachers with no previous experience teaching music can work through the interactive lessons in class, helping students to develop teamwork and problem-solving skills.

American Teacher, Artist and Violinist Sharon Roffman offers fun and engaging classes in partnership with teachers. Students experience her busy international performing life through video chats with musicians and glimpses of back stage preparations before concerts in European and American venues.

Running over two school terms, with programs for either grades 3/4 or 5/6, units of work culminate in the creation of new visual art and musical works by students. Children learn about parallels between the historical periods that typify styles in the two artforms. Children also gain collaborative skills through group projects using web-based applications.

For more information and to gain access to lessons, email education@aco.com.au

ONLINE LESSONS PARTNER

Extensive program resources are provided, including lesson plans and professional development support for teachers to accompany lessons.

If you would like to register your class for this program, contact education@aco.com.au

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SECON DARY SCHOOL PROG R AMS

ACO ACADEMY In 2015, the ACO Academy takes place in Sydney. It’s an essential program for any talented young musician who wants to be challenged and inspired in a professional learning environment.

Top-level secondary students, who play the violin, viola, cello or double bass, are invited to spend an inspiring week rehearsing and performing with us, culminating in a public performance at the City Recital Hall, Angel Place.

We’ll teach them how to perform with our trademark style and precision, taking them behind-the-scenes and offering career advice.

The week includes: — Chamber orchestra rehearsals focusing on ensemble playing, technical accuracy, interpretation and style — Chamber music rehearsals with ACO musicians and ACO Emerging Artists — Presentations by ACO musicians and staff on careers and pathways in music.

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Information for applicants Cost is $200, payable by successful applicants.

Participants who live outside Sydney will need to be based in Sydney with a parent/guardian for the week. Interstate applicants must cover their own travel and accommodation expenses. Rehearsals will be held at the ACO’s Circular Quay Studio, or nearby. Participants are responsible for transport to and from the rehearsals and performance venues.

A small number of scholarships are available to cover the fee and/or travel and accommodation costs. Email education@aco.com.au to request further information and an application form.

The ACO recommends that applicants have completed: — Violin 8th grade AMEB / Suzuki Book 7 or equivalent — Viola 6th grade AMEB / Suzuki Book 5 or equivalent — Cello 6th grade AMEB / Suzuki Book 5 or equivalent — Double Bass 5th grade AMEB / Suzuki Book 4 or equivalent

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Audition Information Audition is via YouTube only. Applicants must upload a video onto YouTube and complete the application form at aco.com.au/education.

A separate application must be submitted for each student. For detailed instructions on how to submit your YouTube audition, please visit the ACO website. Audition videos must include: — Up to 15 minutes of the student’s playing — Two contrasting works or movements, at least one of which should be with piano accompaniment (recordings with orchestral accompaniment are acceptable).

NB: The audition video must be no older than one year. Applications close Fri 27 March.

VICTORIAN STATE SCHOOLS SPECTACULAR MENTORING PROGRAM With the generous support of the Besen Family, we provide workshops and mentoring opportunities for students of the Victorian State Schools Spectacular Orchestra. The best musicians from state schools across Victoria audition each year to play in the Schools Spectacular, which features almost 3,000 students performing to an audience of 12,000.

It provides students with a unique opportunity to work with internationally renowned industry 2015 EDUCATION PROG R AM

professionals such as the ACO, as well as the amazing experience of performing live in front of thousands of people.

The ACO is a partner of the Victorian State Schools’ Spectacular.

ACO MOVE Movement and Music Classes for Young People with Disability ACO MOVE is a series of classes integrating movement and live music. Participants work with movement facilitator Dean Watson together with ACO musicians and a percussionist through a series of task-related exercises designed to develop physical movement responses to live music.

Classes are held in the ACO Studio at Circular Quay and are free of charge. Participants with experience in movement and music are encouraged to apply.

For further information and to apply, email education@aco.com.au 09

$20 SCHOOLS TICKETS

OPEN REHEARSALS

Discounted tickets to ACO concerts are available for school groups. The 2015 Concert Season includes Reflections on Gallipoli, in honour of the 100th anniversary of the ANZAC landings at Gallipoli and featuring a new Australian work by Carl Vine; the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto played by American virtuoso Stefan Jackiw; a complete Baroque program directed by Richard Egarr; Brahms’ Third Symphony; and much, much more.

Sydney School groups attend a rehearsal in our Sydney studio to experience how the ACO prepares for its touring seasons. Come behind the scenes, hear the orchestra go through their paces and meet the musicians afterwards.

The Schools’ Ticketing Program includes: — $20 concert tickets (discount of up to 80%) — Free state curriculum-based resources including lesson content, worksheets, sections of musical scores and audio samples — Free 45 minute pre-concert talks in all venues — Free concert programs — Free ACO CD for each student — Regular email updates including information about upcoming concerts and special events

Wednesday 11 March, 12pm – 1pm ACO Studio, Circular Quay Reflections on Gallipoli Applications close 6 March Tuesday 12 May, 12pm – 1pm ACO Studio, Circular Quay Mostly Mendelssohn Applications close 8 May Visit aco.com.au/education for program details, booking forms and to download resources to prepare your class.

Resources and booking forms are available for download from aco.com.au/education

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OPEN REHEARSAL FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITY Each year we run this special event in conjunction with the International Day of People with Disability, as we prepare for our annual Vasse Felix Festival. Students are invited to meet the players and learn about the music and instruments.

Register your students at aco.com.au/education

PENRITH YOUTH ORCHESTRA In 2015, we begin an exciting new partnership with the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, the Penrith Conservatorium of Music and the Penrith Symphony Orchestra.

We are creating and supporting a string ensemble, building a string program in the region and inspiring the next generation of music lovers.

Check our website for ACO Ensemble and AcO2 concerts at ‘The Joan’, as well as combined concerts with students and the Penrith Symphony Orchestra.

For more information, please contact education@aco.com.au

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REGIONAL CONCERTS FOR SECONDARY STUDENTS Queensland — Cleveland, Mt Isa Victoria — Woodend While on tour, our regional touring orchestra, AcO2, presents 60-minute concerts for secondary students. These interactive performances introduce students to the richness of the string orchestra and take them on a journey through the music. Students are inspired and entertained while learning about traditional and contemporary repertoire.

Free resources to accompany these concerts are available from aco.com.au and will be sent to teachers on booking. These include analyses of the works performed and state curriculum-based in-class exercises for students to work through.

Cleveland concert — call Redland Performing Arts Centre on 07 3829 8131 to request a booking form.

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STRING WORKSHOPS Metro Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney.

Regional NSW: Armidale, Bellingen; QLD: Gladstone, Gold Coast, Noosa; VIC: Bendigo, Healesville, Montrose, Woodend.

Students join the ACO for a day, observing our rehearsal and performance techniques.

Thematically structured rehearsals are based around concepts such as listening, leading, breathing, blending and performance style.

Students from different schools combine to form a conductor-less chamber orchestra with ACO players leading each of the sections. The workshop culminates in an informal performance for family and friends. Our String Workshops are free of charge and run for three hours.

Apply at aco.com.au/education

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Information for applicants String workshops are extension activities for secondary and advanced primary aged students.

Music will be available to teachers approximately one month prior and students must ‘know the notes’ before the workshop. Places are allocated to form a balanced ensemble consisting of students representing different schools.

Preference is given to older students over younger students of an equal standard.

Metro Workshops The ACO recommends that participants have completed: — Violin 6th grade AMEB / Suzuki Book 5 or equivalent — Viola 4th grade AMEB / Suzuki Book 3 or equivalent — Cello 5th grade AMEB / Suzuki Book 4 or equivalent — Double Bass 4th grade AMEB / Suzuki Book 3 or equivalent

FREE PRE-CONCERT TALKS As part of our commitment to ongoing education beyond school years, ACO offers free pre-concert talks 45 minutes prior to each of our subscription series concerts, throughout Australia. Pre-concert talks are a wonderful opportunity to introduce secondary students to important biographical and historical information which informs many of the compositions we perform, and are a worthwhile addition to the concert experience.

We strongly encourage teachers, students and parents to come along to these talks and learn more about the music we’re so passionate about.

Regional Workshops There is no recommended standard for regional string workshops. We work with local string teachers and ensemble leaders to devise a tailored program for each area.

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DIG ITAL I N NOVATION

ACO VIRTUAL

ONLINE LESSONS

ACO VIRTUAL allows music lovers of all ages to step onto a virtual stage with ACO musicians.

A 30-minute concert of music by Grieg, Bach, Smalley and Piazzolla has been recorded with high quality surround sound. A touch-screen music stand allows you to turn musicians on and off at will, and watch the sheet music scroll underneath each musician in real time.

ACO musicians are adding to their ever-growing collection of online lessons, freely available on our YouTube channel. youtube.com/user/AustralianCO

Bring an instrument and play along with the ACO! Download the free ACO VIRTUAL smartphone app for background on the music, composers, performers and instruments. The experience is fascinating and engaging for students of all ages – not to mention teachers!

Teachers can also download free curriculumlinked learning resources for primary and secondary students to explore with classes both before and after their ACO VIRTUAL visit aco.com.au/acovirtual

These free lessons by some of our country’s finest musicians inspire students of all ages to continue with string study and aim for the stars — rich with ideas on string technique, style and musical expression. They also assist multi-instrumental teachers by offering tips about posture, technique and interpretation.

To download lessons for your instrument, go to aco.com.au/video-lessons

ONLINE LESSONS PARTNER

ACO VIRTUAL was produced by the Australian Chamber Orchestra and Mod Productions and supported by the partners acknowledged on page 19.

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E VE NTS I N YOU R STATE

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY Canberra String Workshop Thu 4 Jun 1pm – 4pm Ainslie Arts Centre Applications close Wed 1 Apr NEW SOUTH WALES Armidale String Workshop* Thu 14 May 1pm – 4pm New England Conservatorium of Music Applications close Wed 1 Apr Bellingen String Workshop* Sat 16 May 1pm – 4pm Bellingen Memorial Hall Applications close Wed 1 Apr Penrith Penrith Youth Orchestra Throughout 2015 Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre and selected schools in Penrith Region Sydney ACO Academy Mon 6 – Fri 10 Jul ACO Studio, Circular Quay Applications close Fri 27 Mar Concerts for Primary Students Soldiers’ Settlement Public School, Matraville Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, Waterloo Throughout 2015

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MOVE Workshops for Young People with Disability Throughout 2015 ACO Studio, Circular Quay Open Rehearsal for School Students Wed 11 Mar 12pm – 1pm ACO Studio, Circular Quay Applications close Fri 6 Mar Tue 12 May 12pm – 1pm ACO Studio, Circular Quay Applications close Fri 8 May Open Rehearsal for Students with Disability Thu 3 Dec 10.30am – 11.30am ACO Studio, Circular Quay String Workshop Wed 20 May 1pm – 4pm ACO Studio, Circular Quay Applications close Wed 1 Apr QUEENSLAND Brisbane String Workshop Mon 9 Mar 1pm – 4pm Brisbane Boys College, Toowong Applications close Fri 6 Feb Cleveland Concert for Secondary Students* Wed 27 May 11am – 12pm Redland Performing Arts Centre Gladstone String Workshop* Mon 25 May 10am – 1pm Gladstone Entertainment Centre Applications close Wed 1 Apr

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Gold Coast String Workshop* Tue 19 May 10am – 1pm Gold Coast Performing Arts Centre Noosa String Workshop* Fri 22 May 10am – 1pm Good Shepherd Lutheran College Applications close Wed 1 Apr Mt Isa Schools’ Concert* Fri 29 May 3pm – 4pm Mt Isa Central State School SOUTH AUSTRALIA Adelaide String Workshop Wed 3 Jun 1pm – 4pm Marryatville High School Applications close Wed 1 Apr VICTORIA Bendigo String Workshop** Wed 26 Aug 10am – 1pm The Capital Applications close Fri 19 Jun Healesville String Workshop** Fri 21 Aug 10am – 1pm The Memo Applications close Fri 19 Jun

Melbourne String Workshop Mon 25 May 10am – 1pm Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School Applications close Wed 1 Apr Victorian State Schools Spectacular Orchestra Mentoring Program Throughout 2015 Montrose String Workshop** Sat 22 Aug 10am – 1pm Montrose Town Centre Applications close Fri 19 Jun Sunshine Concerts for Primary School Students Throughout 2015 Woodend String Workshop with Resonance String Orchestra** Mon 24 Aug 9.45am – 11.30am Woodend Primary School Concert for Primary Students** Mon 24 Aug 12.00pm Woodend Primary School WESTERN AUSTRALIA Perth String Workshop Thu 18 Jun 10am – 1pm Perth Modern School Applications close Fri 1 May * These events are presented in association with the AcO2 NSW/QLD Regional tour, presented by Virgin Australia. ** These events are presented in association with the AcO2 NT/VIC/SA Tour

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ACO PARTN E RS

PATRONS: NATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAM

Marc Besen AO & Eva Besen AO Janet Holmes à Court AC

TRUSTS AND FOUNDATIONS

Holmes à Court Family Foundation

The Neilson Foundation

The Robert Saltzer Foundation

ACO VIRTUAL: FOUNDING PARTNER

ACO VIRTUAL: ASSOCIATE PARTNER

GOVERNMENT PARTNERS

PROGRAM DELIVERY PARTNERS

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The Ross Trust

The Rowley Foundation

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PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS

Front cover: Picton Strings © Laura Moore Page 02: Richard Tognetti © Gary Heery Page 04: Students at the ACMF workshop © Fiora Sacco Page 06: (left & right) Students at the ACMF workshop © Fiora Sacco Page 07: Students at the ACMF workshop © Lee Ti Hira Page 08: (left) ACO Academy © Emily Jacket, (right) Picton Strings © Laura Moore Page 09: ACO Academy © Emily Jackett Page 10: ACO © Gary Heery Page 11: Students at the ACMF workshop © Lee Ti Hira Page 12: ACO Academy © Emily Jackett Page 13: Students at the ACMF workshop © Fiora Sacco Page 14: (left) ACO Virtual © Jill Colvin, (right) ACO Virtual © Jack Saltmiras Page 15: Students at the ACMF workshop © Fiora Sacco Page 18: Students at the ACMF workshop © Fiora Sacco Back cover: Picton Strings © Laura Moore.

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ACO.COM . AU

Australian Chamber Orchestra Pty Ltd A not for profit company registered in NSW ABN 45 001 335 182 AO

Post PO Box R21 Royal Exchange NSW 1225, Australia Phone 1800 444 444 (Mon–Fri 9am–5pm) Fax (02) 8274 3801 Email aco@aco.com.au