These workshops are an important learning opportunity for students. If you’d like more of these opportunities, please consider making a Tax-Deductible Donation to further support music education in our community.
Following the Epic Symphonic Journey concert at the UOW’s Jillian Broadbent building on Saturday (24th May 2025), young musicians from WollCon’s Powell & Llewelyn Orchestras and the Symphonic Wind Band took part in a Sunday workshop with our Artists in Residence: the Sydney Symphony Orchestra Fellows.
“I wanted to thank everyone for making this happen. All the participants seemed to really enjoy themselves and I felt like many of them came away really inspired. I also enjoyed hearing the Fellows speak about their musical experiences as young students – many of them starting out in youth and community ensembles.”
“It is good for our students to hear those musical journey stories.” Said David, who was also appreciative of the wonderful conducting by Mikaela Johnson and Suzanne Cowan.
Miffy Ryan who headed the Llewellyn orchestra with support from Alisha Dunston, agreed it was a success on many levels.
“The workshop was so beneficial for orchestra students – just the right length, structure and personality fit with the Fellows. And their performance at the end of the workshop was very good. The children really seemed to enjoy themselves and the parents were impressed too.”
“The Symphonic band had a fantastic morning with the SSO fellows. The students benefited from having sectionals with the wind players and then combined for a rehearsal. We worked on producing a warmer sound, balancing the parts and following the conductor. The parents were very impressed with their performance of ‘Kaleidoscope’.”
Bailey Ireland (SSO Fellow and Bassoon player) teaching WollCon student Alexander.
“I would like to thank you for arranging the student workshop with the Sydney Symphony Fellows. It was extraordinary opportunity – Alexander came away from the experience with a huge smile on his face, renewed enthusiasm for his instrument and some tips to improve his playing. He keeps asking when he’ll be able to play with other bassoonists again and is planning on joining every band and ensemble he possibly can. So, thank you for providing this wonderful opportunity for him to learn from an accomplished professional, as well as discover the joys of ensemble playing.”
With our SSO Fellows Day a great success, we are already planning our next workshop.
If you would like to help support such workshops for our Musicians in Residence program, you can visit our ‘Donate’ page where you can make a one off or regular donation to ‘Workshops and Masterclasses’.
Remember, every $2 and over is tax deductable and you will be supporting music and the arts in our community.
