WollCon music teacher Suzanne Cowan was recently invited to tutor some of the most talented young musicians at the Regional Youth Orchestra (RYO) workshop in Sydney.
The week-long workshop hosted by the Association of NSW Regional Conservatoriums (ANSWRC) – the peak body for the 17 NSW Regional Conservatoriums – was an opportunity to learn from many inspiring and experienced tutors.
“I had the most incredible week with some of the most talented students from the state’s Regional Conservatoriums. We were also fortunate to work with the Australian World Orchestra and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, and as a finale to the week, perform at the Sydney Opera House.”
Suzanne’s involvement was primarily tutoring the woodwind students, but has learnt a lot from the whole experience, seeing how much can be achieved in a week, particularly if the students are committed and are expected to play at an extremely high level.
“The flute students were fortunate to have a session with principal flautist Andrew Nicholson who was very inspiring and encouraging. I am hoping that next year we have students from WollCon attend, so that they too can benefit from such an amazing opportunity, and perform at the iconic Opera House.”
Suzanne said that these types of opportunities for students are instrumental stepping stones that create career paths and inspire students to achieve at the highest level – the RYO is considered the benchmark for orchestral training in regional NSW.
“I came back with more determination and enthusiasm to help my students achieve their very best so they too can experience being part of the Regional Youth Orchestra.”
WollCon’s holiday workshop for flute students also ran recently, with students of all levels and ages coming together to improve performance skills and to meet other students.
Modelled on the Regional Youth Orchestra format, the students also got to perform in a finale concert, at Wollongong’s Church in the Mall – the Wesley Uniting church.
“I was absolutely delighted with how hard the flute players worked over the 3 days and very proud and impressed with the final concert. Students learnt how to play in an ensemble, working on staying together, matching note lengths, blending sounds, and improving pitch.”
“The parents were extremely grateful for the opportunity their children had to play in an advanced ensemble. Many mentioned how inspired and enthusiastic their children were after the 3 days of intensive rehearsals and that they can’t wait to come to the next camp.”
Interested in joining a flute ensemble? Register your interest to audition for WollCon’s flute ensemble, meeting for lessons every Wednesday evening.
