About the SYO
For 24 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.
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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.
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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.
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In 2024 SYO celebrates 24 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.
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2023-2024 Committee
President Jenny Cork
Vice President/Acting Treasurer Haseena Tweedle
Secretary Thelma Marr
General Committee Members Alison Antonio, Eryn Deys
Business Manager Ryley Gillen
Join an Ensemble
The SYO runs two 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.
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Orchestra
Shoalhaven Junior Strings
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Shoalhaven Youth Orchestra
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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.
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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
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5pm-6.45pm
A Snapshot of SYO last year
Rehearsals |
Across its ensembles program, SYO provided the community with 80 rehearsals in 2023, staffed with conductors and tutors.
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Lessons |
As part of the In School String Program, SYO provided 720 group lessons.
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This has provided employment for music educators, provided students with specialised skills, and created strong partnerships with schools.
720
Commissions |
SYO commissioned 10 works by alumni Ryley Gillen. 2023 was the second year that the SYO commissioned an original suite of work. SYO commissioned a further 3 works by Australian composers which all premiered as a part of SYO's concert series
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