S Y O
2 0 1 8 A U D I T I O N S
REGISTER FOR SYO AT SYO.COM.AU | APPLICATIONS CLOSE FRIDAY 22 SEPTEMBER 2017
A N
F I N D M E O R C H E S T R A
I am between the ages of 6 and 16 and I play the violin, viola, cello or double bass Orchestral Fundamentals Program; Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3
I am in high school or university and I play the violin, viola, cello or double bass Stage 4, SYO Sinfonia | Western Sydney Youth Orchestra Peter Seymour Orchestra | SYO Philharmonic | The Sydney Youth Orchestra
I am between the ages of 12 and 18 and I play a woodwind, brass or percussion instrument Stage 4, SYO Sinfonia | Western Sydney Youth Orchestra Peter Seymour Orchestra | Symphonic Wind Orchestra
I am in university and I play a woodwind, brass or percussion instrument Western Sydney Youth Orchestra | Peter Seymour Orchestra Symphonic Wind Orchestra | SYO Philharmonic | The Sydney Youth Orchestra
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“Sydney Youth Orchestras is an inspiring and challenging environment for every young musicians, and a place where conductors and music professionals like myself come to work with the best young talent in Sydney. Not only do we tackle the great orchestral masterpieces, but we form a community of friends who are all passionate about the future of classical music. The 2018 season promises to be big and exciting, and includes the study and performance of orchestral works that I cannot wait to hear brought to life by the orchestras in the SYO family. Young musicians from all over New South Wales are encouraged to audition for our orchestras and ensembles in order to reap the rewards from making incredible music together on a weekly basis. We look forward to you participating in what is sure to be a wonderful season of music making at its highest level.”
ALEXANDER BRIGER AO
CHIEF CONDUCTOR & ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
2018 REPERTOIRE FOR THE SYDNEY YOUTH ORCHESTRA WILL INCLUDE: JANÁČEK Taras Bulba | STRAVINSKY Firebird Suite MAHLER Symphony No. 3 | BERNSTEIN Candide STRAUSS Don Juan | STRAUSS Four Last Songs STRAUSS Excerpts from Rosenkavalier
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Sydney Youth Orchestras is the leading orchestral training organisation in NSW, forging dynamic relationships between young musicians and Australia’s best music educators, conductors and performers. For 44 years SYO has been the engine room of excellence and produced some of Australia’s finest musicians. In 2018 SYO will provide weekly orchestral training for musicians aged 6 – 25 years across 12 ensembles, including the new SYO Sinfonia, a full junior symphony orchestra within the Orchestral Fundamentals Program. SYO’s Orchestral Training Framework ensures that musicians progress through the orchestras, developing individual and ensemble skills under the careful guidance of artistic staff. Beyond equipping our emerging artists for careers as professional musicians, our program teaches teamwork, discipline, dedication, leadership, and a commitment to excellence. Whatever career path these talented young people follow, they are likely to become leaders in, and contributors to, their community.
REGISTRATIONS ARE NOW OPEN TO AUDITION FOR THE 2018 PROGRAM
“It is a gathering of like-minded people, coming together to make something special.” CIAN MALIKIDES SYO PHILHARMONIC, 2014
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W H Y A T O
S Y O ?
PAT H W AY E X C E L L E N C E
Our rigorous training pathway begins at early stage music learning and culminates at a pre-professional level. Student progression is based on technical ability, musical aptitude and maturity for ensemble playing. This provides both SYO and students with a clear set of musical goals and an objective set of assessment standards. This combination of a process-based practice in a structured learning environment, as well as formal performance opportunities, makes SYO a unique training program. Our program is highly-respected and includes the modules, projects and activities which are vital to producing artistic vibrancy.
“Not only has SYO provided the opportunity for myself to learn orchestral skills, it has also provided numerous friends. Friends I will most certainly have for life.� TIMOTHY EASTERBROOK SYO STRINGS PROGRAM 2007-2009 SYO PHILHARMONIC 2011-2016
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O R C H E S T R A L
T R A I N I N G
P R O G R A M
Professional CONCERT PERFORMANCES in Sydney’s foremost venues OPEN PROGRAMS Summer School and school holiday learning programs
Intensive overnight & daytime MUSIC CAMPS for all members
WEEKLY ORCHESTRAL TRAINING by highly skilled music educators and experienced conductors
SECTIONALS & TUTORIALS with members of the SSO, AOBO, ACO for all members
TOURING Regional NSW, interstate and international MASTERCLASSES with visiting guest musicians from interstate and abroad
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A N O R C H E S T R A F O R E V E R Y O N E
SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRAL PROGRAM
THE SYDNEY YOUTH ORCHESTRA
SYO PHILHARMONIC
SYMPHONIC WIND ORCHESTRA
PETER SEYMOUR ORCHESTRA
WESTERN SYDNEY YOUTH ORCHESTRA
O R C H E S T R A L F U N D A M E N TA L S P R O G R A M
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S TA G E 1
S TA G E 2
S TA G E 3
S YO Strings
SYO String s
SYO St r i n g s
S TA G E 4 NEW IN 2018 S YO S i nf o n i a
THE SYDNEY YOUTH ORCHESTRA The Sydney Youth Orchestra is where Sydney’s most talented young musicians - those who aspire to the highest level of orchestral performance and a future as an orchestral musician - are to be found. Strings, Woodwind, Brass & Percussion: musicians aged up to 25 years. Approximate minimum standard AMEB AMus or equivalent. SYO PHILHARMONIC Conducted by celebrated Australian musician, composer and educator Brian Buggy OAM, SYOP welcomes a full symphony orchestra to tackle sweeping orchestral works. Strings, Woodwind, Brass & Percussion, aged 12+. Approximate minimum standard AMEB Grade 8 or equivalent SYMPHONIC WIND ORCHESTRA This large ensemble is conducted by esteemed music educator James Pensini and performs all over Sydney at special events. Woodwind, Brass & Percussion, aged 12+. Approximate minimum standard AMEB Grade 6 or equivalent. PETER SEYMOUR ORCHESTRA Under the leadership of John Ockwell, musicians in PSO will have the opportunity to learn the foundations of orchestral training and the canon of Classical period repertoire. Strings, Woodwind, French Horn & Timpani, aged 12+. Approximate minimum standard AMEB Grade 7 or equivalent. WESTERN SYDNEY YOUTH ORCHESTRA Led by esteemed music educator James Pensini, musicians in WSYO will focus on orchestral training essentials with a focus on dynamic and varied repertoire.
“SYO provides the perfect environment for musicians to learn and play challenging music to the highest possible standard with other like-minded young musicians who love performing as much as I do.” NICHOLAS DE BRES SYMPHONIC WIND ORCHESTRA 2014 SYO PHILHARMONIC 2015-2016
Strings, Woodwinds, Brass & Percussion, aged 12+. Approximate minimum standard AMEB Grade 5 or equivalent.
SYO musicians have exceptional opportunities throughout the year for bespoke master classes with international musicians. 8
ORCHESTRAL F U N D A M E N TA L S PROGRAM
Delivered in an engaging environment, this structured education program provides students with an opportunity to hone their orchestral understanding, sight reading proficiency, aural awareness and general string technique. It is expected that a student will spend two years developing in a Stage before progressing in the program.
SYO THEORY PROGRAM
In 2018 SYO will offer music theory classes for students in the Orchestral Fundamentals Program, Peter Seymour Orchestra and Symphonic Wind Orchestra immediately prior to the Saturday morning and afternoon rehearsal sessions. Students will be educated in the principles of musicianship as it relates to the instrumental ensemble work they are undertaking in rehearsals. Some of the concepts that will be addressed include key signatures, scales, cadences, harmony, chord progressions, and aural practice. The final content will be matched to the participants current level of knowledge and their music needs. Participants will be required to bring manuscript and a pencil each week. COST
$350 i ncluding booking fee for full year enrollment,
to be paid in advance of 2018 commencement.
CLASS TIMES 9AM-9.50AM – STAGES 1, 2 AND 4 12.30PM-1.20PM – STAGE 3, PSO AND SWO * Minimum enrolments are required for the classes to be confirmed. 9
S TA G E 1
Stage One is where many young players gain their first ensemble experience. In this Stage, young musicians are introduced to playing in an instrumental section, and learn vital ensemble skills. Through exposure to music with a range of technical requirements, players in Stage One will develop rhythmic and tonal skills, and learn to interpret basic dynamic and style markings. Expected base-level knowledge: first position playing in keys of up to 2 sharps and 1 flat. Approximate minimum standard AMEB Grade 1 or equivalent. S TA G E 2
Students in Stage Two are introduced to increasingly complex orchestral concepts and refine the skills required to effectively and confidently sight read, progressively master challenging rhythms, and interpret musical markings with deeper stylistic understanding. Expected base-level knowledge: first to third position playing in keys of up to 3 sharps and 2 flats. Approximate minimum standard AMEB Grade 3 or equivalent. S TA G E 3
Stage Three offers intermediate players the chance to further develop their ensemble playing while extending their technical and aural skills. These musicians will discover a range of increasingly challenging and engaging repertoire, demanding technical proficiency, superior ensemble skills and a sophisticated knowledge of style. Expected base-level knowledge: first to fifth position in major and minor keys of 3 flats to 4 sharps. Approximate minimum standard AMEB Grade 4 or equivalent. S TA G E 4
Stage Four is the springboard to the Symphonic Orchestral Program. Players in Stage Four explore core repertoire from the baroque to late romantic periods, requiring a mature understanding of orchestral playing and strong technical skills. Strings: Expected base-level knowledge: a very high standard in first to fifth positions for string players. Approximate minimum standard AMEB Grade 6 or equivalent.
“My fondest memory would have to be putting on my performance blacks for my very first performance with the Peter Seymour Orchestra. This moment made me understand and appreciate everything I had learnt throughout my 5 years with the Orchestral Fundamentals Program. It was then that I realised, there was way more fun to come!” NIAMH ARMSTRONG VIOLA, THE SYDNEY YOUTH ORCHESTRA
Woodwind, Brass & Percussion: Approximate minimum standard AMEB Grade 6 or equivalent, aged 12+. 10
K E Y
APPLICATIONS OPEN
Monday 24 July
APPLICATIONS CLOSE
Friday 22 September
AUDITIONS SEMINAR
Saturday 16 September
AUDITION PERIOD
Saturday 14 October - Sunday 29 October
RESULTS RELEASED
Friday 15 December
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT ENDS
Friday 29 December
FINAL DATE - ACCEPTING OFFERS
Sunday 14 January 2018
REHEARSALS COMMENCE
Saturday 3 February 2018
COMMITMENT
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
With limited and highly sought-after places each year, it is a significant achievement to be offered a position with SYO. Successful applicants must commit to their orchestra for the full year. This is an annual program of learning and development. Musicians are occasionally required to participate in extra rehearsals or workshops outside scheduled rehearsal times.
Every new applicant and existing SYO musician must audition. You are required to perform a prepared piece, orchestral excerpts, scales, and sight read. Full details will be sent to you upon receipt of your application. Auditions will be approximately 6-8 minutes in length.
REGIONAL MUSICIANS
NEW MUSICIANS $60
SYO is pleased to welcome young musicians who would like to be part of our program and are based in regional NSW. A tailored rehearsal schedule, including a flexible attendance plan and contribution discounts, is designed to reduce the geographical barriers to participation. To be classified a regional musician you must reside over 200km from the Sydney CBD.
2017 SYO MUSICIANS $50
Please contact SYO to discuss this further and to apply to audition via video. APPLICANTS MUST BE:
Players aged 24 years or younger on 31 December 2017 and regularly studying with a professional instrumental teacher.
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D AT E S
A non-refundable audition fee is payable with your application.
AUDITION PROCESS
SYO is a merit-based organisation, and by instituting a process of annual auditions our standard remains high. Our audition panels comprise SYO conductors and external instrumental experts/professional orchestral musicians. Due to the complex arrangement of ranking and assessing each student, we cannot enter into discussion about the placement of individual musicians.
REHEARSAL SCHEDULE ST MARY’S CATHEDRAL COLLEGE 9.00am-9.50am 9.45am-12.30pm SATURDAY
SYO Theory Program Orchestral Fundamentals Program Stage One Orchestral Fundamentals Program Stage Two Orchestral Fundamentals Program Stage Four
12.00pm-12.50pm
SYO Theory Program Orchestral Fundamentals Program Stage Three
12.45pm-4.00pm
Peter Seymour Orchestra Symphonic Wind Orchestra
ST MARY’S CATHEDRAL COLLEGE SUNDAY
MONDAY
11.00am-3.30pm
The Sydney Youth Orchestra
2.00pm-5.00pm
SYO Philharmonic
RIVERSIDE THEATRES REHEARSAL STUDIOS 5.30pm-8.30pm
Rehearsals for all orchestras occur weekly during the NSW state school terms, with the exception of The Sydney Youth Orchestra whose rehearsals are scheduled to complement the tertiary calendar. AUDITIONS SEMINAR S AT 1 6 S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 7 , 11:30AM
At St Mary’s Cathedral College, current SYO and prospective musicians are invited to attend a seminar about audition requirements and tips, so you can feel confident and well prepared on the day. YOUR CONTRIBUTION
Western Sydney Youth Orchestra
SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRAL PROGRAM ANNUAL CONTRIBUTION TRAINING PROGRAM
$1,200
SENIOR MUSIC CAMP
$275
These contributions include a compulsory annual Association fee of $20 and all transaction fees.
REGIONAL TOUR $460 Regional Tour fees will be invoiced separately and are payable 6 weeks prior to the tour date. It is expected that all players accepted into SYOP, SWO, PSO & WSYO will attend a tour. ORCHESTRAL FUNDAMENTALS PROGRAM ANNUAL CONTRIBUTION TRAINING PROGRAM
$1,200
JUNIOR MUSIC CAMP
$200
Individual musician payments comprise only 35% of the These contributions include a compulsory annual Association fee full cost of the SYO Annual Training Program. The balance of $20 and all transaction fees. is funded through the generous support we receive from DISCOUNTS the NSW Government, private donors, and our corporate sponsors. For those young musicians who are invited to take TERTIARY STUDENT DISCOUNT $250 a place in one of our orchestras, their cost of participation SIBLING DISCOUNT $100 PER STUDENT is less than $10 per hour. All fees are non-refundable.
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT if paid in full by 29 December 2017 $50 REGIONAL MUSICIAN DISCOUNTS Over 200km $250 Over 250km $400 Distance is calculated from the musicians’ residential address to rehearsal location. Discounts may be cumulative.
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S YO M U S I C I A N S U P P O RT OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIPS
Awarded based on need, the SYO Opportunity Scholarships support musicians who do not have the financial means to cover their musician contributions. An application email will be sent to you at the start of the audition period and scholarships and their value will be announced in your orchestra offer email. Any application that does not contain supporting documentation and the required proof of income will not be considered. SUMMER SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIPS
With the support of private donors and the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation, SYO will be offering a number of scholarships and travel subsidies for the 2018 SYO Summer School for musicians who live over 200km from the Sydney CBD. Applications will be administered as part of the Summer School registration process. M A C Q U A R I E G R O U P F O U N D AT I O N REGIONAL SCHOLARSHIP
The inaugural Macquarie Group Foundation Regional Scholarship will be awarded to one musician from regional NSW who lives over 200km from Sydney CBD. This scholarship covers the musician’s full contribution and camp fees. This scholarship is funded by Macquarie Group staff with the support of the Macquarie Group Foundation By recognising the talent which exists in regional NSW, Macquarie Group is investing in the future of classical music and opportunities for emerging talent in communities. P R I N C I PA L C H A I R S P O N S O R S H I P
Each year SYO seeks private donors to support the Principal Chairs of The Sydney Youth Orchestra and the Concertmasters of the orchestras within the SYO Symphonic Orchestral Program. These scholarships are awarded on merit and the confirmation of a donor. 13
S YO SUMMER SCHOOL 2018
MONDAY 8 JANUARY – FRIDAY 12 JANUARY 2018 | REGISTRATION OPENS FRIDAY 1 SEPTEMBER 2017
Now in its third year, the SYO Summer School has become a firm favourite of budding young musicians, music teachers and parents alike.
For students in Years 11 and 12, the SYO Summer School will include an HSC preparation stream which can be selected as an add-on to the weekly program or as a standalone package*:
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST WHEN YOU BOOK YOUR SYO AUDITION
8.30AM
Drop-off available
9.15-10.00AM
Choir
Established to cover the second week of January each year when parents of school-aged students are looking to occupy their busy and talented young people, SYO provides a week-long open music program packed with choir rehearsals, large ensemble playing, masterclasses and tutorials, music theory and info sessions, as well as the opportunity to make friends and have fun.
10.00-11.00AM
Large Ensemble
11.00-11.30AM
Morning Tea
11.30AM-1.00PM
Large Ensemble / Tutorials
1.00PM-1.45PM
Lunch
Based on information collected from participants during enrolment, students are then placed in large ensembles which match their abilities and extend their knowledge and experience. For the first time in 2018 the Summer School will offer both a senior and junior band program, plus several string chamber orchestras.
INDICATIVE DAILY PROGRAM**
1.45-3.00PM Large Ensemble / Tutorials / Masterclass / Music Games 3.00-4.00PM Optional Add-on HSC Prep / Optional Add-on Fundamentals of Theory 4.00-5.00PM
Optional Add-on HSC Prep
* HSC Prep Program requires a minimum enrolment of 15 students to take place ** Program is subject to change and develop in the months leading up to registration
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O U R
PA R T N E R S
GOVERNMENT PARTNERS
Create NSW Arts, Screen & Culture
MAJOR PARTNER
DIGITAL EDUCATION PARTNER
CORPORATE MUSIC PARTNERS
INTERNATIONAL TOUR PARTNERS
SYO STATE PARTNERS
Greatorex Foundation EVENT PARTNERS
WESTERN SYDNEY YOUTH ORCHESTRA PARTNERS
SUPPORTING PARTNERS
182 Cumberland St, The Rocks NSW 2000 T +61 2 9251 2422 E info@syo.com.au Photography: Anthony Browell / Design: THREEFOURLEFT
SydneyYouthOrchestras
S Y O
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