Youth Orchestra
The Shoalhaven Youth Orchestra
The Youth Orchestra is the premier senior orchestra of SYO’s organisation and is conducted by our Musical Director John Dunstan.
The orchestra regularly performs throughout the Shoalhaven, undertakes workshops with premier musicians and ensembles from throughout Australia, and attends an annual music camp performing baroque, classical, romantic, film and contemporary orchestral music.
The orchestra is made up of:
Orchestral strings Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Harp.
Winds Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Saxophone
Brass Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba
Percussion
If you play any of these instruments, want to join an orchestra and have a whole heap of fun we would love to have you audition to join us.
The orchestra rehearses on Tuesdays weekly during school terms throughout the year from
“Membership of the SYO has been excellent for my development as a musician. I have gained experience in playing in an ensemble, which is not easy to get as a pianist. I’ve also had a lot of fun rehearsing, performing and also learning from experienced musicians including our conductor and the Haydn Ensemble.”
Luke Bowen, SYO, Principal ViolaOther Programs
Quartet
The Shoalhaven Youth Orchestra Quartet is made of our principal violinists, violist and cellist. This ensemble may perform regularly and is available for private functions.
Junior Strings
The Shoalhaven Junior Strings is a training ensemble for junior orchestral string players, preparing them for rehearsal and performance with the senior orchestra.
Instrument Hire
The Shoalhaven Youth Orchestra maintains a full inventory of orchestral instruments available for hire.
Tuning In!
Tuning In! is the music education program of SYO. Trained music educators conduct various classes for children aged between 2 and 12 in Nowra and Berry. The program develops basic musical skills as well as allowing children to try out, and begin to learn, all the instruments of the orchestra.
Workshops
The Shoalhaven Youth Orchestra hosts a series of combined orchestral workshops throughout the year. This allows students the chance to perform in a full sized orchestra and work with professional tutors.
Camp
The Shoalhaven Youth Orchestra hosts an annual camp in which youth orchestral musicians of the Shoalhaven come together for an overnight camp to workshop challenging repertoire and work with professional tutors.