About the SYO
For 22 years the Shoalhaven Youth Orchestra (SYO) has been the leading music educational organisation for the South Coast of NSW. Providing quality performance and weekly tuition opportunities for regional students, SYO also runs educational programs for schools and a professional standard concert series for the winder community to enjoy.
With a bass of operations in Nowra, the SYO engages students and audiences as far south as Ulladulla, north as Wollongong and west as the Southern Highlands.
SYO engage professional educators to train student musicians on a weekly basis, host workshop opportunities and support the learning for children from families requiring financial relief.
In 2023 SYO celebrates 23 years of leadership in regional education. SYO is proudly supported by the Shoalhaven Arts Board, the Shoalhaven City Council, generous individual donors from within the community, local businesses and music educators.
2022-2023 Committee
President Haseena Tweedle
Vice President Jenny Cork
Treasurer Josie Lead
Secretary Thelma Marr
Community Rep Eryn Deys
Business Manager Ryley Gillen
Join an Ensemble
The SYO runs three orchestras for primary and high school students during school terms. All ensemble rehearsals and concert series performances are at the Nowra School of Arts, Berry St Nowra.
Orchestra
Shoalhaven Junior Strings
Shoalhaven Youth Orchestra
Shoalhaven Junior Strings (SJS)
Instruments: violin, viola, cello, double Bass
The perfect training ensemble for string students who have been playing for 1-3 years.
Shoalhaven Youth Orchestra (SYO)
Instruments: strings, woodwind, brass, percussion, keyboard
An advanced ensemble for music students who have been playing for at least 2-3 years on their instrument.
Time
4pm-4.45pm
5pm-6.45pm
A Snapshot of SYO in 2022
Rehearsals |
Across 3 ensembles, SYO provided the community with 100 rehearsals in 2022, staffed with conductors and tutors.
This included running in term 3 the Absolute Beginner Ensemble
100
Lessons |
As part of the In School String Program, SYO provided 720 group lessons.
This has provided employment for music educators, provided students with specialised skills, and created strong partnerships with schools.
720
Commissions |
SYO commissioned 11 works by alumni Ryley Gillen. 2022 was the first year that the SYO commissioned an original composition.
These commissions contribute to the canon of Australian compositions
11