SYDNEY YOUTH ORCHESTRAS
AUDITIONS SYO 2016 AUDITIONS
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“
SYO is a fantastic opportunity to work with determined young aspiring musicians, performing in Sydney’s leading concert halls, playing amazing repertoire and collaborating with renowned conductors. Darcy Dauth Concertmaster 2015 The Sydney Youth Orchestra
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SYO 2016 AUDITIONS
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Sydney Youth Orchestras nurtures and inspires young musicians to achieve artistic excellence and provides the best possible orchestral training program, leading to the highest standards of performance. Sydney Youth Orchestras is the premier
SYO musicians participate in weekly rehearsals
orchestral training organisation in New South
and attend regular tutorials with leading
Wales, forging dynamic relationships between
musicians from Sydney’s professional orchestras,
young musicians and Australia’s leading music
guiding them on their development of ensemble
educators. SYO provides the opportunity to
skills and stylistic playing. SYO alumni are
extend as a member of an ensemble guided by a
members of professional orchestras and key
top-level teaching conductor.
chamber ensembles in Australia and overseas.
Sydney Youth Orchestras comprises 13
APPLICATIONS CLOSE MONDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2015 APPLY ONLINE TODAY AT SYO.COM.AU
different orchestras and ensembles, providing a weekly orchestral training program for over 450 students aged from 6 to 25.
SENIOR ORCHESTRAL PROGRAM •
Sydney Youth Orchestra AMEB Grade 8 minimum
•
SYO Philharmonic AMEB Grade 6 minimum
•
Peter Seymour Orchestra AMEB Grade 6 minimum
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Symphonic Wind Orchestra AMEB Grade 5-AMusA
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TangoOz AMEB Grade 8 or equivalent on relevant instrument
•
Brophy Percussion Ensemble AMEB Grade 8 and above
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Percy Grainger Percussion Ensemble AMEB Grade 5 and above
STRING ORCHESTRAL PROGRAM •
Sinfonietta First to fifth position in major and minor keys of 4 flats to 5 sharps
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Chamber Strings First to third position in major and minor keys of 3 flats to 4 sharps
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Camerata Vibrata First position playing in keys of up to 3 sharps and 2 flats
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Cameratissimo First position playing in keys of up to 3 sharps and 2 flats
•
John Hopkins First position playing in keys of up to 2 sharps and 1 flat
•
Speer Orchestra First position playing in keys of up to 2 sharps and 1 flat
SYO 2016 AUDITIONS
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A Comprehensive Training System
WHY SYO
With thirteen orchestras and ensembles, each musician will be matched to the appropriate group for their level of skill, experience and age. Connecting all ensembles is the Orchestral Training Framework, a comprehensive system ensuring that students progress through the orchestras, developing individual and ensemble skills under the careful guidance of SYO’s artistic staff.
Outstanding Artistic Staff SYO conductors are experienced educators, inspiring their musicians in weekly rehearsals. They are drawn from the leading orchestral education programs across the sector, and foster strong connections with their orchestra members. Furthermore, a team of SYO tutors, drawn from professional ensembles such as the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Australian Chamber Orchestra and Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra, work with each orchestra several times each term, providing small group mentoring and specialist instrumental guidance.
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SYO 2016 AUDITIONS
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From the amazing opportunities and high level of overall talent, to the extreme passion and commitment from all the members, I have extended my musical, orchestral and instrumental knowledge further than ever imagined through SYO. Sergio Insuasti Principal Viola Sydney Youth Orchestra Special Events
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OUR EVENTS
SYO orchestras are frequently invited to
Sydney Youth Orchestra
Touring
Showcasing the energy and enthusiasm
SYO Senior Orchestras tour regional NSW
of our most senior orchestra, these high-
annually. This is a wonderful opportunity
profile concerts are held in Sydney’s premier
to build performance skills in the intensive
performance venues.
touring environment and share music with new
participate in a range of special events including Carols in the Domain, Sydney International
Brass Festival, Australia Day concerts, and the Sydney Festival.
audiences.
Family Concerts These concerts provide performance
Camps
opportunities for all orchestras at a range of
The SYO Philharmonic, Peter Seymour
venues throughout Sydney, demonstrating each
Orchestra, and Symphonic Wind Orchestra will
orchestra’s achievements at the end of the term.
attend a residential music camp from 19-21 February 2016.
Toddlers’ Proms Toddlers’ Proms introduce audiences to
TangoOz and the String Orchestral Program’s
the instruments, sounds and sections of an
orchestras will undertake a non-residential
orchestra, and provide the SYO Philharmonic,
weekend camp mid March.
Symphonic Wind Orchestra and Peter Seymour Orchestra with performance experience in front
Attendance at the SYO music camps is
of an enthusiastic and responsive audience.
compulsory for all members.
SYO 2016 AUDITIONS
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“
I recall with fond and intense memories my time at the SYO. The SYO Chamber Orchestra gave me a deep and life-long love for performing in a chamber orchestra. The teachers and conductors I had at SYO all played significant roles in my life as a musician. Richard Tognetti Artistic Director Australian Chamber Orchestra & SYO alumnus
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SYO 2016 AUDITIONS
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ALEXANDER BRIGER Chief Conductor & Artistic Director
Sydney Youth Orchestras is the premier youth
We encourage every young musician in Sydney
orchestral training organisation in New South
to audition for our exciting and incomparable
Wales and indeed the Senior Orchestras are
orchestras and ensembles and enjoy reaping
the leading ensembles of their kind in Australia.
the rewards which come from making incredible
Not only do we tackle some of the greatest
music together on a weekly basis and in
orchestral masterpieces ever written but young
performance.
musicians form friendships for life. The 2016 season promises to be one of the most exciting
We look forward to you participating in what is
yet and includes huge orchestral works that live
sure to be a wonderful season of music making
with you forever but will be of huge benefit to all
at its highest level.
young musicians for their future careers.
2016 Season Repertoire BRAHMS Piano Concert No. 1
BRAHMS Symphony No. 4
RIMSKY-KORSAKOV Scheherazade
SIBELIUS Symphony No. 5
TCHAIKOVSKY Symphony No. 5
VAUGHAN WILLIAMS A Sea Symphony
SYO 2016 AUDITIONS
SHOSTAKOVICH Symphony No. 5
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SENIOR ORCHESTRAL PROGRAM Sydney Youth Orchestra
Symphonic Wind Orchestra
As the leading ensemble of SYO, Sydney Youth
Covering a diverse range of repertoire from
Orchestra is where the state’s most talented
popular 20th Century film scores, jazz classics
young musicans are to be found. Led by
through to core orchestral repertoire, the SWO
acclaimed conductor and SYO Artistic Director
gives players an invaluable opportunity to
Alexander Briger, the SYO program provides
experience the excitement of playing in a large
training and performance activities that lead to
ensemble under the leadership of SYO alumni
the continued development of each musician’s
and respected music educator, James Pensini.
technical and artistic excellence.
TangoOz SYO Philharmonic
Led by tango specialist Maggie Ferguson
The SYO Philharmonic is a full symphony
TangoOz is Australia’s first true tango orchestra
orchestra led by acclaimed Australian conductor,
to give young musicians the unique opportunity
composer and educator, Brian Buggy OAM. You
to learn and play authentic Argentine tango
will learn orchestral technique and ensemble
music. This promises to be an exciting year for
skills with great works of the 19th and 20th
TangoOz, as they will be touring to Buenos Aires
centuries.
and Montevideo in July 2016! Será grandioso!
Peter Seymour Orchestra
Percussion Ensembles
Under the leadership of the inspiring John
This exciting initiative is in collaboration
Ockwell, you will have the opportunity to
with Synergy Percussion, Sydney’s leading
learn the foundations of orchestral playing
percussion ensemble. SYO percussionists
– instrumental technique, ensemble skills,
receive specialist training with Synergy and are
understanding of style and symphonic form,
then placed in the orchestra that needs them for
sight reading, listening and communication
the relevant concerts or rehearsals.
skills.
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SYO 2016 AUDITIONS
“
For me, being part of SYO (or any ensemble at this level) is about being surrounded by extremely passionate and talented people, which has always been truly inspiring for me. I love feeling the energy across the ensemble and feeding off it. Stuart Rynn Co-Principal Percussion Sydney Youth Orchestra SYO 2016 AUDITIONS
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STRING ORCHESTRAL PROGRAM With a structured program and great music,
Camerata Vibrata and Cameratissimo
the String Orchestral Program offers a place
The Camerata ensembles build on the
to develop ensemble skills, sight reading, aural
foundation of ensemble playing developed in the
awareness as well as general string technique, all
Speer and John Hopkins Orchestras with more
presented in a fun environment. Young musicians
focus on developing the skills required to sight
from Year 2 to Year 10 are welcome in the String
read and play repertoire with more complex
Orchestral Program – you will be placed in the
rhythms and keys alongside awareness of style
ensemble to which you are most suited.
and expression.
Sinfonietta
John Hopkins
The Sinfonietta is the advanced string ensemble
The John Hopkins Orchestra builds on the
in the String Orchestral Program and is the
concepts introduced in the Speer Orchestra
springboard to the Peter Seymour Orchestra.
and consolidates ensemble skills. It focuses
Sinfonietta players receive invaluable
on refining the orchestral sound and invites
opportunities to explore challenging string
the players to begin thinking more musically,
orchestral repertoire and to refine their
with the introduction of some more complex
ensemble skills.
rhythmic and tonal ideas.
Chamber Strings
Speer Orchestra
The Chamber Strings offers intermediate
The Speer Orchestra is a very special group
players the chance to further develop their
where many young players gain their first
ensemble playing while extending their technical
ensemble experience. This ensemble offers an
and aural skills. Young musicians will discover an
invaluable opportunity to play with other like-
exciting and engaging range of more challenging
minded children and form friendships.
repertoire.
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SYO 2016 AUDITIONS
Rehearsal Schedule Rehearsals for all groups, except the Sydney Youth Orchestra, occur weekly during school term. Tutorials are generally held within regular rehearsal times for each ensemble. Times and venues may be subject to change.
Saturday
Sunday
St Mary’s Cathedral College:
Sydney Youth Orchestra rehearses weekly, at
SYO Philharmonic
1.15pm - 4.00pm
International Grammar School in Ultimo, or St Mary’s Chapter Hall. Full details of the rehearsal
Peter Seymour Orchestra Symphonic Wind Orchestra
1.30pm - 4.00pm 10.00am - 1.00pm
Sinfonietta
1.30pm - 4.00pm
Chamber Strings
1.30pm - 4.00pm
Camerata Vibrata
10.00am - 1.00pm
Cameratissimo
10.00am - 1.00pm
John Hopkins Orchestra
10.00am - 1.00pm
Speer Orchestra
10.00am - 1.00pm
schedule can be found on the SYO website and will be confirmed in the New Year.
Monday Sydney Conservatorium of Music High School: TangoOz
5.30pm - 7.30pm
Synergy rehearsal studio 67 -77 Epsom Road, Rosebery: Percy Grainger Percussion
5.30pm - 7.00pm
Ensemble Brophy Percussion Ensemble
SYO 2016 AUDITIONS
7.00pm - 8.30pm
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AUDITIONS Which orchestra is right for me?
Applicants
With 13 orchestras and ensembles in the SYO
Applicants must be amateur players and be
family, it is necessary to audition, so that you
aged 24 years or younger on 31 December
are placed in the right orchestra. For existing
2015 regularly studying with a professional
SYO members, talk with your conductor if you
instrumental teacher.
are unsure which group you should apply for.
Audition Requirements For new applicants, refer to the orchestra
Every new applicant and existing SYO member
descriptions on the SYO website, and feel free to
must audition.
ring us on 02 9251 2422 to discuss. You are required to perform a prepared piece,
Commitment
orchestral excerpts, and sight read. Full details
With over 600 people auditioning for limited
will be sent to you upon application. Auditions
and highly sought-after places each year, it is a
will be 5-7 minutes in length.
significant achievement to be offered a position in an SYO orchestra. Successful auditionees
A non-refundable audition fee is payable with
must commit to their orchestra for the whole
your application. For new members the fee is
year. Members are occasionally required to
$60 and for existing SYO members the fee
participate in extra rehearsals or workshops
is $50. If you wish to audition on multiple
outside scheduled rehearsal times.
instruments, separate applications and audition fees will apply for each audition.
Auditions Seminar Day On 29 August 12-1pm at St Mary’s Cathedral
Most SYO orchestras have an expectation of
College, Chapter Hall, current and prospective
a minimum of two years membership before
members are invited to attend a seminar for the
progressing to a more senior orchestra.
orchestra they intend to audition.
Late Auditions
This is a great opportunity to hear what the
Late auditions are scheduled for students
audition panels are looking for, and to learn how
unable to attend the October/early November
to prepare for the audition. Full details about
sessions due to HSC or other compulsory
the Auditions Seminar Day will be sent with your
commitments. Late auditions will be held 15,
application confirmation.
21 and 22 November. Please indicate on your application if you wish to request a late audition, and provide a brief explanation.
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SYO 2016 AUDITIONS
FEES & KEY DATES Membership & Camp Fees
Scholarships
The SYO fee structure is very competitive with
SYO is committed to ensuring our talented
an average cost of approximately $9.00/hour
young musicians have every opportunity to
per rehearsal. Payment of membership fees and
participate. The SYO has a financial assistance
applicable camp fees is required upon accepting
program which offers scholarships to help
a place in Sydney Youth Orchestras, and must be
participants offset membership and camp fees.
confirmed before rehearsals commence. Payment
These scholarships are provided through the
plans may be easily arranged upon request.
generous support of our donors.
Standard Membership: $1095
All applications for financial assistance are
Tertiary Discount: $200
means-tested. Full details of how to apply
2nd Family Member(s) Discount: $100
for financial assistance will be sent out upon
Early Bird Discount: (if full payment is received
request at the time of your audition application.
by Thursday, 17 December 2015) $50 These fees incorporate a compulsory annual Association fee of $20. Senior Music Camp (SWO, PSO & SYOP): $265 TangoOz & String Orchestral Program Music Camp (TangoOz, Speer, John Hopkins, Camerata Vibrata, Cameratissimo, Chamber Strings, Sinfonietta): $195
Key Dates Applications Open
July 20
Applications Close
September 14
Auditions Seminar
August 29
Audition Period
October 9 - November 22
Results Released
11 December
Final Date for
15 January 2016
Accepting Offers Regional Touring
Rehearsals
(SYOP, PSO & SWO): $460
Commence
Tour fees will be invoiced separately and are
2016 Term Dates
payable 6 weeks prior to the tour date. It is
Term 1
30 January - 02 April
expected that all players accepted into SYOP,
Term 2
30 April - 25 June
Term 3
23 July - 17 September
Term 4
15 October - 10 December
PSO & SWO will attend the tour. All fees are non-refundable.
SYO 2016 AUDITIONS
30 January 2016
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THANK YOU
Sydney Youth Orchestras gratefully acknowledges our generous supporters, and applauds their commitment to youth and the cultural vibrancy of our community.
MAJOR SPONSORS
GOVERNMENT PARTNERS
SUPPORTING PARTNERS
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SYO 2016 AUDITIONS
SYO Board
SYO Management
Jan Bowen
Chair
Yarmila Alfonzetti
Chief Executive Officer
Anthony Bell
Deputy Chair
Susan Hart
Business Manager
Tim Samway
Treasurer
Helen Cho
Events Operations Manager
Casey Green
Operations Manager
Gretchen Habermann
Marketing & Administration Coordinator
Mia Patoulios
Development & Special Projects Manager
SYO Foundation Life Patrons
Nick Munro
Operations Assistant
Steve Bell
Philip Levy
HR Advisor
Gail Pryor
Archivist
Geraldine Doogue AM Malcolm Long Jon North Pieter Oomens
Jan Bowen Peter Davidson Martin Dickson AM and Susie Dickson Timothy Samway Mike Thompson
Photography David Molloy Carol Gibbons Ben Symons SYO 2016 AUDITIONS
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S Y 2016
Sydney Youth Orchestras 182 Cumberland Street The Rocks NSW 2000 Phone: +61 2 9251 2422 Fax: +61 2 9251 2744 Email: admin@syo.com.au
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SYO 2016 AUDITIONS