sydney youth orchestras
SydneyYouthOrchestras SYOrchestras SYOrchestras
182 Cumberland St, The Rocks NSW 2000 T 02 9251 2422 F 02 9251 2744 E info@syo.com.au syo.com.au Cover Photo Daniel Boud
Sydney Youth Orchestras is supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW.
“Australia’s leading youth orchestra” THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH
why audition with SYO? Sydney Youth Orchestras is the leading orchestral training and music education provider in New South Wales. SYO prides itself on offering an educational pathway progressing young musicians from primary, secondary and tertiary education levels through to the pre-professional stage. SYO also offers young musicians a variety of performance opportunities across Sydney and Regional NSW. In addition to this, SYO connects likeminded young musicians, while being led by some of NSW’s best music educators. Photo: Daniel Boud
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SYO’s training program is centred on weekly orchestral training, complemented by concert performances, music camps, touring opportunities, masterclasses, sectionals and tutorials, and theory classes. This combination of a process-based practice in a structured learning environment, and formal performance opportunities make SYO a unique training program. Our program is highly-respected and includes the modules, projects and activities vital to producing artistic vibrancy.
our ensembles & orchestras the sydney youth orchestra
sydney youth chamber ensemble *
by invitation only
syo philharmonic
auditions 2020
orchestral training program
2 years in syo philharmonic
professional
concert performances in sydney’s premium venues
weekly theory classes
intensive overnight & daytime
symphonic wind orchestra
peter seymour orchestra
western sydney youth orchestra
music camps
weekly orchestral training by highly skilled music educators and experienced conductors
sectionals & tutorials
stage 4 syo strings
touring
opportunities throughout regional NSW & internationally in 2021
with members of professional orchestras
2 years in stage 3
stage 2 syo strings
masterclasses
opportunities with visiting musicians from interstate and overseas
2 years in stage 1
2 years in stage 4
stage 3 syo strings
2 years in stage 2
stage 1 syo strings
Ensemble placement is determined through our annual audition process. SYO strings muscians will typically spend two years in each ensemble.
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theory program The SYO Theory Program is available as an addition to the Orchestral Training Program. Students are educated in the principals 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 musical needs.
benefits of being a part of SYO Being a part of SYO has many extra benefits.
• Discounted to tickets to arts partner concerts and Dendy cinemas
Benefits include:
• Participation in some of Sydney’s elite events such as The Big Busk or performances at events such as Carols in the Domain and NRL or AFL games
•U niversity Bonus Points – a direct recognition of the participation within the SYO program • F ree access to full recordings of the great orchestras of the world through the IDAGIO platform • Ticket offers – being an SYO musician you will be eligible for discounted tickets to our SYO concerts
• The opportunity to perform at some corporate paid events • Additional wellness seminars and masterclasses • Ability to apply for additional opportunities such as regional and international touring (2021) and traveling scholarships such as the Austria Scholarship.
Photo: Daniel Boud
key dates Take note of these dates so you don’t miss your opportunity to be a part of SYO!
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23
august
september
applications open
applications close
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15
september
october
open day
auditions commence
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how to apply
iel Boud
audition process
Photo: Dan
“Laudable professionalism and contagious enthusiasm that belied their youth� SOUNDS LIKE SYDNEY
Every musician earns their place. We work hard to ensure that the auditions process is equitable, while maintaining high standards. Our audition panellists compromise of SYO conductors, and professional musicians. Every new and existing musician must go through the audition process to earn their place in SYO every year.
what is involved in an audition? apply now syo.com.au
Auditions are approximately 5-7 minutes in length. Your audition will consist of an own choice piece, orchestral excerpts, scales and sight-reading. You will receive your Audition Materials packet on application, which contains your audition excerpts and instructions.
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decide
apply
download
decide which orchestra or ensemble is best for you based on your experience.
complete your audition application before Monday 23 September 2019.
download your audition excerpts and technical requirements.
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practice
prepare
schedule
practice and take your excerpts to your private music teacher.
attend the audition Open Day on Saturday 7 September 2019.
your audition date, time and venue willl be sent to you in an email by Tuesday 1 October 2019.
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audition
results
enrol
attend your audition.
Results will be sent via email notifying you of the results of your audition by Saturday 14 December 2019.
accept or decline your offer. You have until Friday 17 January 2020 to accept your offer.
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- AMEB Grade 7 minimum or equivalent
choose your orchestra
- AMEB Grade 2 minimum or equivalent - first position playing in keys of up to 2 sharps & 1 flat
syo strings program
- aged 6+ - open to string players
stage 2 - syo strings
- woodwind, brass & percussion
stage 4 - syo strings
- aged 12+
- AMEB Grade 8 minimum or equivalent - previous orchestral experience required - strings, woodwind, brass & percussion
- AMEB Grade 6 minimum or equivalent - a very high standard in first & fifth positions - previous ensemble experience required - open to string players
stage 3 - syo strings
- AMEB Grade 3 minimum or equivalent
- AMEB Grade 4 miniumum or equivalent
- first to third position playing in keys of up to 3 sharps & 2 flats
- first to fifth position in major & minor keys playing up to 4 sharps & 3 flats
- previous ensemble experience required
- previous ensemble experience required
- open to string players
- open to string players
symphonic orchestral program
stage 1 - syo strings
- previous ensemble experience required
syo philharmonic
auditions 2020
symphonic wind orchestra
peter seymour orchestra
- AMEB Grade 7 minimum or equivalent - previous ensemble experience required - strings, woodwind & french horn
Your audition result will be the primary factor in your ensemble placement. AMEB grades are supplied as a guideline only & bear no weight on your audition outcome.
- available by invitation only to members from syo philharmonic & the sydney youth orchestra - strings, woodwind & brass
- aged 12+
western sydney youth orchestra
- AMEB Grade 5 minimum or equivalent - previous ensemble experience required
It is expected that each student will spend two years in each stage developing the required skills before they move to the next ensemble.
sydney youth chamber ensemble
- strings, woodwind, brass & percussion
the sydney youth orchestra
- previous ensemble experience required - strings, woodwind, brass & percussion
- aged 12+
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your commitment
contributions
audition application
returning musician
new musician
$50
$60
syo strings groups
$1,485
syo orchestras program
$1,570
Ph
includes weekend camps & association fees
additional theory
$360
regional tours
$460
second orchestra (inc.syce)
$350
sibling discount
$100
early bird discount
$50
compulsary of SWO, PSO, WSYO payable 6 weeks prior to the tour
per musician
scholarships tertiary
$275
regional
$250
for over 200kms
$400
for over 250kms
opportunity principal chair
oto : Da
niel
Boud
scholarships
scholarships
Through our generous philanthropic program, the Sydney Youth Orchestras offers scholarships; Opportunity Scholarships and Regional Scholarships.
tertiary scholarships Available to students enrolled in a tertiary institution in 2020.
opportunity scholarships Opportunity Scholarships are awarded based on financial needs to assist with covering the costs of the annual contribution to be a part of SYO. regional scholarships All musicians from regional NSW who live over 200 kms from Sydney CBD are awarded a scholarship based on the distance from Sydney. These scholarships are kindly funded by Macquarie Group staff with the support of the Macquarie Group Foundation and other generous SYO donors.
principal chair sponsorship Through generous private donors from SYO supporters, the section principals of The Sydney Youth Orchestra and the Concertmasters of the orchestras within the SYO Symphonic Orchestral Program receive support to assist with their contribution fees. These scholarships are based on merit and the confirmation of a donor.
To apply for a scholarship please select the Financial Assistance Required option on your audition application form.
variable 50%
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rehearsals
orchestra
location
day
times
syo theory
santa sabina college
SAT
9-9.45am
stage 1
santa sabina college
SAT
10am-12.30pm
stage 2
santa sabina college
SAT
10am-12.30pm
syo theory
santa sabina college
SAT
12-12.45pm
stage 3
santa sabina college
SAT
1-4pm
stage 4
santa sabina college
SAT
1-4pm
PSO
santa sabina college
SAT
1-4pm
SWO
santa sabina college
SAT
1-4pm
SYOP
santa sabina college
SUN
3-6pm
SYO
santa sabina college
SUN
10am-2.30pm
WSYO
parramatta town hall
TUE
5.30 -8.30pm
For your full orchestra schedule, please visit syo.com.au
Photo: Daniel Boud
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l Bo u d anie
Pho to: D
“Close your eyes and you could be listening to a fully-fledged professional symphony orchestra.”
endangered instruments
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
A great orchestra needs to be finely balanced between all the instruments. Too many violins or too few double basses and it just doesn’t sound right. It can be difficult to find the right number of musicians for certain instruments such as violas, bassoons and double basses. This also means that we need to restrict the number of violin or flute players that we can accept or the whole orchestra will be unbalanced.
orchestra sections
Did you know that transitioning from a popular instrument to a rare instrument can open up a variety of new opportunities to you?
violin
viola
cello
double bass
clarinet or saxophone
bassoon
Dependent upon the instrument, SYO can help you transition to one of these endangered instruments, by offering: • A free audition to this new instrument when auditioning for your current instrument • Loaning* you an instrument for a period of six months • Connecting you to a tutor * dependent on availability
conductor
woodwind
strings
brass
percussion keyboard
apply now syo.com.au
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It is most common for SYO members to spend two years in an ensemble before progressing to the next ensemble. SYO members are encouraged to audition for the ensemble most immediately above their current ensemble. This is to ensure you are auditioning on excerpts that cater for your abilities. For new applicants, it is a little harder for us to guide you. Please look at the guidelines listed on the orchestra pages and consult with your instrumental teacher prior to applying, as they will have the best idea of which ensemble will be the most appropriate for you.
when and where are rehearsals? Rehearsals take place at Santa Sabina College, Strathfield on Saturdays and Sundays, and at Parramatta on Tuesday evenings.
what should I do in preparation for my audition? For most SYO auditions you will be expected to play a short piece of your own choice, a set number of orchestral excerpts depending on your instrument and preferred ensemble, as well technical work (scales, arpeggios, etc.) and sight-reading. Please read our Auditions Tips about how best to prepare for your audition, and for things to remember on the day. If you decide to audition, please read the audition excerpt cover sheet very carefully for further instruction.
how long is the audition? Auditions are 5-7 minutes long.
can I bring an accompanist to the audition? No.
what should I choose for the piece of my own choice? This should be a 2-3 minute unaccompanied piece (or a 2-3 minute passage from a longer piece) that best displays your musicality and technical proficiency. It is strongly advised that this piece be from within an examination syllabus such as AMEB, Trinity College London or ABRSM. You are also encouraged to choose something you are familiar with and can perform comfortably under pressure and without an accompanist.
do I get to play my whole own choice piece? Sometimes an audition panel may wish to hear a particular passage, or may stop you halfway through your piece. This does not mean that you have played badly or ‘failed’ the audition. It simply means that the panel has heard enough of your playing to help them make their decision.
when will I receive my orchestral excerpts?
in selecting the right ensemble to audition for. Auditionees do not need to have passed exams to gain a position – nor does having passed an exam guarantee a player a position.
auditions 2020
faqs
which ensemble should I audition for?
what if I want to audition on two instruments? If your second instrument is auxiliary like piccolo or bass clarinet, you will not be required to audition for a separate audition panel and so will not be required to pay a second audition fee. If you are auditioning on two different instruments eg. violin and oboe, you will be auditioning in front of two different panels on different excerpts and so you will be required to pay two audition fees. As part of SYO’s Endangered Instrument Program, applicants who undertake a second audition on either viola, double bass or bassoon are granted this second audition free of charge.
where will the auditions be held?
The main audition period will be at Monte Sant’ Angelo Mercy College Once your audition application and fee in North Sydney. Late auditions and has been processed you will receive an percussion auditions will be at Santa email with a link to your audition excerpts. Sabina College in Strathfield. WSYO auditions will be at Parramatta Town are AMEB grades taken Hall.
into consideration?
The audition panel places auditionees on the basis of their playing ability as demonstrated in their audition only, not their AMEB or Suzuki grades. Grades are used as a commonly-understood standard of playing to assist auditionees
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auditions 2020
what is the cost of the audition? – There are new members auditioning All existing SYO members re-applying will be charged a $50.00 audition fee. Applicants new to SYO will be charged a $60.00 audition fee. These fees are payable at the time of your audition application and contribute to the booking of professional panelists, venue hire and administration for your audition.
why is it necessary to audition each year? Like all state-based youth orchestras in Australia, we audition all players each year on a competitive basis. Competitive auditions are the accepted method of equitably assessing an orchestra’s members and ensuring that players of similar ability are placed together. There are two main reasons that we audition each year: – I ndividual players progress at different rates. Placements are based on playing ability in the context of all auditionees, not on membership length. Each year there will be some players from an ensemble who are ready to face the challenges of another ensemble and some who will benefit more from continuing with their current group.
for Sydney Youth Orchestras each year. By hearing all players, new and existing, auditioning for an orchestra, we can be sure that our standards are high, and that placement is fair and appropriate for everyone. This provides balance within each ensemble and maximum benefit for its members.
can I apply for a scholarship? Yes. SYO, with the very generous support of the Macquaire Group Foundation and individual Opportunity Fund donors, will provide a number of full or partial scholarships. These scholarships support young musicians and their families who face financial hardship or circumstances that would otherwise prevent them from joining SYO. To receive more information and a scholarship form, be sure to check the appropriate box on your online audition application.
Is any consideration given to existing members when they compete with new members? Sydney Youth Orchestras’ policy states that if there are two players of the same standard competing for a place & one is an existing member, preference is given to that member. However, if the new member auditions at a higher standard than the existing member, this does not apply.
how is the seating and section worked out?
can I change my audition time or date?
The audition panel will make seating recommendations at the time of audition, which are adjusted when positions are accepted. There is no compelling musical reason to place players from strongest to weakest – in fact just the opposite. In the SYO we often rotate players around, and in particular, this notion is encouraged in our younger ensembles. Players learn to play next to different players, and also learn that an orchestra is made up of equally valuable sections.
Unless you are ill or have an exam, no. If you have an exam scheduled on the day of your audition, you must notify us as soon as you are aware of the clash. Written evidence is required to change your audition date or time for either reason. If you miss your audition without one of these reasons, or without providing written evidence (i.e. medical certificate), you will be considered to have forfeited your audition and you must contact SYO to arrange another audition.
is everyone who auditions for SYO offered a position? Because of the way SYO is structured, we are able to offer a position to most string players who audition for the program, however this will not necessarily be in the ensemble for which you applied. Based on your performance in your audition, the SYO audition panel will allocate you a position within the ensemble that will be most beneficial for you and allow you to work with other musicians of a similar standard and experience.
do I get any feedback on my audition? All information gained through the audition process is private and confidential. Sydney Youth Orchestras will not enter into a conversation that concerns an applicant’s audition results with the applicant, their parents or teachers. This mirrors the audition processes in the music profession and Sydney Youth Orchestras strives to prepare musicians for the reality of professional audition and performance standards and procedures.
For wind, brass and percussion, positions can be much more competitive, particularly for The SYO and SYO Philharmonic, as there are a limited number of positions for each instrument within these orchestras.
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Jan Bowen AM Chair Anthony Bell Deputy Chair Ursula Armstrong Geraldine Doogue AO Tim Downing Wallis Graham Greg Levy Malcolm Long AM Jon North Pieter Oomens
patron Her Excellency General The Honorable Margaret Beazley AO QC
artistic staff Alexander Briger AO Chief Conductor
Christopher Lawrence Chief Artistic Advisor
Brian Buggy OAM SYO Philharmonic
James Pensini
Marita Cranwell
Symphonic Wind Orchestra & Western Sydney Youth Orchestra
Marketing & Events Manager
John Ockwell
Donor Relations Manager
Peter Seymour Orchestra
Umberto Clerici
Natalie Fiorini Marketing & Development Assistant
Ruari Campbell
syo strings
Digital Content Coordinator
staff & management Mia Patoulios General Manager
Susan Hart Finance Manager
Daniel Placido Funding & Partnerships Manager
syo summer school 2020
Artistic Program Manager
Roslyn Perry Orchestral Training Manager
Laura Balthazar
enterprise
Orchestras Administrator
Sergio Insuasti Productions & Rehearsal Coordinator
Gail Pryor Archivist
Sydney Youth Orchestras is supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW
Sue Ellyard Volunteer
Alan Hauserman Volunteer
Come along for a unique opportunity to make friends and learn from the best.
artistic program
Where young musicians come together in ensembles and learn to extend their skills, including a HSC preparation stream. The week culminates in a concert held at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, showcasing the highlights from the week.
orchestral training
book now syo.com.au _
Greatorex Foundation
Katie Garman
6–10 January
22
founding partner of the western sydney youth orchestra
Lily Calderbank
Sydney Youth Chamber Ensemble
Peter Corkill Kathryn Crossing Victoria Jacono-Gilmovich Rachel Pogson Joanne Waples Jonathon Whitting
our partners
community engagement
board
Sydney Youth Orchestras is supported by Creative Partnerships Australia through Plus1