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The Youth Orchestra String Extravaganza

Last weekend, members of WollCon’s BlueScope Youth Orchestra and Powell Orchestra hit the road for a special musical adventure – travelling to join forces with the Bega Valley Youth Orchestra for a weekend of workshops, rehearsals and performances.

It was a weekend filled with music, learning, collaboration and newfound friendships, with students taking part in two full days of workshops, rehearsals and a final performance to showcase the students hard work and incredible talent.

The Journey

The Powell and BlueScope Youth Orchestra set off from Wollongong on Friday evening, stopping in Batemans Bay for dinner before arriving in  late that night for much needed sleep!

Saturday began bright and early with breakfast before heading to the Bega Chamber of Commerce, where the morning kicked off with everyone coming together to play some simple tunes as a full group. The students then split into two groups – beginners, and intermediate/advanced – to focus on their own repertoire.

After lunch in the park, the intermediate and advanced musicians returned for more specialised, one-on-one work in the afternoon. The day ended with some well-earned rest, a WollCon students group dinner, and an early night in preparation for the big day ahead.

Performance Day at four Winds

On Sunday, the group was up early, packed, and ready for the 1.5-hour drive to Four Winds – a stunning performance venue surrounded by the sounds of the bush. There, they were joined by more students from the Bega Valley Youth Orchestra for a combined rehearsal from 10am to 12:30pm.

The combined concert began at 1:00pm, with BlueScope Youth Orchestra performing some individual pieces – inspiring the Bega Valley beginners with a glimpse of what’s possible as they continue their own musical journeys.

By 3:00pm, the group was back on the bus, heading home full of ideas and enthusiasm for future collaborations with the Four Winds and Bega Valley communities – arriving back in Wollongong by 8:00pm. A big weekend for everyone involved!

The Value of Collaborations

This trip was a first for the WollCon Powell Orchestra, marking their debut experience travelling and performing away from home. These opportunities are vital as they help young musicians form bonds within their ensembles, develop teamwork, and find a unified sound together.

For the Bega Valley students, the weekend offered something truly special – a chance for the more advanced players to work at a higher level than is usually possible locally, given the smaller number of players in their region.

And for the WollCon students, performing in the Four Winds Sound Shell was an unforgettable experience – a purpose-built performance space with incredible acoustics that allowed them to experience performing in a professional setting.

“I love nothing more than creating opportunities for regional students, and this weekend in the Bega Valley was a perfect example of that. It was made possible by a generous and welcoming community, from the Bega Chamber of Commerce helping us with rehearsal space, to Hillcrest providing wonderful accommodation.”

Annette Brown

Wollongong Conservatorium CEO

Thank You

A huge thank you to everyone who made this incredible weekend possible:

  • Vanessa Vromans, representative of the Bega Valley Youth Orchestra, whose organisation and support helped bring the entire weekend together.
  • Tanya Phillips, conductor and cello specialist, for leading both Powell’s and BlueScope Orchestras and working closely with the Bega Valley group.
  • David Hewitt from Four Winds – for welcoming the group and even jumping in to play triangle in a few pieces!
  • Brett, our amazing bus driver, for keeping everyone (and all the instruments!) safe on a long drive.
  • Joe McIver, parent volunteer and violinist, who stepped in to conduct rehearsals, play and support the string sections.
  • And of course, the wonderful parent volunteers who made sure everyone was fed, rested, and ready – and that nothing was left behind on the bus!
It was a weekend that highlighted the power of music to connect communities, and a reminder of what can happen when young people come together to learn, share, and make music.
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Wollongong Conservatorium of Music is funded by the NSW Government through the Regional Conservatorium Grants

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Matt Lynch

Director

Matt Lynch brings to WollCon extensive executive and governance experience across energy, infrastructure, defence, and government sectors. He has a proven record of delivering enterprise transformation, strengthening risk and governance frameworks, leading the development of innovative IT solutions, and managing data security and safety transformation projects within highly regulated environments. He is recognised for building high-performing teams that achieve sustainable outcomes.

He holds a Master of Commercial Law from Deakin University, a Bachelor of Information Science and Technology from the University of Wollongong, and is a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Dr Sue Savage

Director

Sue is an accomplished and seasoned manager with a wealth of experience in government administration and community service delivery. With a strong background in strategic planning, organisational development, community engagement, project planning, and building strategic partnerships, Sue has consistently demonstrated her leadership and expertise and brings a wealth of knowledge to the board. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business focusing on Local Government and Creative Industries from the University of Wollongong, reflecting her commitment to public service and innovative leadership. Sue’s extensive career and dedication to community and social service make her a valuable asset, offering both strategic insight and practical experience to drive meaningful impact.

Anne Mowbray

Director

Anne has been a member of the Wollcon Board since 2019. She holds a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts from UNSW. She is an Accredited Specialist in Family Law and an accredited Mediator and Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner. She has taught family law and other subjects at Wollongong University.

For a number of years she has been a subscriber to the Australian Chamber Orchestra which regularly performs in Wollongong . She has been passionate about music and in particular music education to children and adults.

Jake Pearson

Director

Jake has worked in the disability sector for 24 years- 17 of these with Interchange and 7 years as their CEO. Jake is passionate about inclusion and equality for both people with disability and their carers.

He holds an MBA, Bachelor of Commerce, Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, as well as completing Diploma’s in Case Management, Community Services Coordination and the AICD Company Directors Course.

Jake is also a committee member on the International Short Breaks Association Board and has been a Director on the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music Board since 2022.

Wayne Morris

Director

Wayne is a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors as well as being a qualified company secretary and accountant with over 35 years experience in banking and finance. He performed for nine of those years as Chief Executive of IMB Ltd, and the preceding seven years as Company Secretary and Chief Financial Officer, also with IMB. Wayne’s primary expertise is in the areas of governance, management, accounting, risk management and banking and finance. He has spent his whole life living in the Illawarra and is passionate about ensuring the Illawarra can provide the best possible opportunities and lifestyle for its residents. In 2024 Wayne was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for services to the community.

Dr Terumi Narushima

Deputy Chair

Dr Terumi Narushima is a senior lecturer and Music Discipline Leader at the University of Wollongong. She is a composer, performer and sound designer specialising in microtonal tuning systems. Her works include Tritriadic Chimes, a sound installation for LA MicroFest, Hidden Sidetracks, a composition for custom-made instruments premiered by Ensemble Offspring at Sydney Opera House, and a project to build microtonal flutes using 3D printing. She has worked on theatre collaborations which have been presented nationally and internationally, including Yasukichi Murakami: Through a Distant Lens, Lost in Shanghai, and The Story of Chi. She performs with microtonal ensemble Clocks and Clouds, and her book Microtonality and the Tuning Systems of Erv Wilson is published by Routledge.

Nicky Sloan

Chair

Nicky is the CEO of Community Industry Group. She has degrees in Dementia Care, Community & Environment and Marketing, and a Grad Dip in Project Management. She is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and an Honorary Fellow of UOW. In addition to Chairing the WollCon Board, she is Deputy Chair of the Regional Development Australia Illawarra Shoalhaven Board and an Independent Non-Executive Director of Warrigal, a large not-for-profit specialising in the provision of services for older people.

Her corporate governance and strategy experience extends through a 20+ year career on boards in the corporate, government and NFP sectors.