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Positive Change Through Music

Community Bands & Orchestras

Our community music bands and orchestras, which welcomes people from across the region, are a vibrant and significant part of WollCon’s programs, encouraging people with all sorts of musical abilities to be part of a group sharing their love of music.

The groups all explore a wealth of musical styles and perform across Wollongong and further afield.
For some participants it’s just the start of their music career while for others their focus is just to be part of a wonderful music community.

We are delighted to welcome Louise Luke as WollCon’s Head of Schools & Community

Louise is passionate about music education and works closely with schools, students and teachers to inspire the next generation of musicians and strengthen our community through music.

***DO NOT REMOVE THIS**

WollCon Symphony Orchestra

DAY & TIME
Monday 6.30pm-8.30pm

AGE GROUP
Ages 12+

FEE

Click here to view our fees

LEADER
Mikaela Johnson
The WollCon Symphony Orchestra (previously known as the WollCon Community Orchestra) is an inclusive all-ages community orchestra. The orchestra exists for the benefit of musicians in and around the Illawarra Region and South Coast, following a long tradition of community-based orchestras in the region. Members of the orchestra have played in the original Illawarra Symphony Orchestra, The South Coast Orchestra, The Wollongong Symphony, Wollongong Community Orchestra and Steel City Strings. No audition is required. Players from intermediate to advanced are invited to participate (there may be limited places for woodwind, brass, percussion). The Symphony Orchestra rehearses during term and plays at least four concerts per year.

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The Conchords

DAY & TIME
Tuesday 6.30pm-8:00pm

AGE GROUP
Ages 18+

FEE

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LEADERS

Alison Robertson
WollCon’s Community Choir The Conchords is a weekly dose of all the happy hormones that come from community, connection and joining together in song! The focus is on a positive rehearsal atmosphere that encourages each member to let their voice ring, and to feel comfortable stretching themselves across a range of material that embraces pop and gospel tunes to jazz, folk and musical theatre in a safe, supportive and joyful space.

The Conchords regularly perform at WollCon events and arrangements are provided along with practice tracks.

This is an un-auditioned community ensemble.

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WollCon Chamber Choir

Following the success of the 2022 Wollongong Messiah Choir, we have plans for the Choir to continue as a large chamber choir. The Choir will be for more experienced singers who enjoy singing classical choral repertoire, and choral arrangements of songs.  It is anticipated that the Choir will sing in performances in and around Wollongong as well as taking advantage of opportunities to join other larger performances.

The Choir meet on Thursday evenings between 6:30pm and 8:30pm.

If you are interested in joining the Chamber Choir – which will have a light touch audition process – please complete the application form

The O.W.L Band

DAY & TIME
Thursday 10.30am-12:00pm

AGE GROUP
Ages 18+

FEE

Click here to view our fees

LEADERS

Mel Wishart
Open-minded Women Learning

A women’s band for curious minds, rusty instruments and anyone who has ever thought, “I’d love to play in a band… but I’m not sure I’m good enough.”
The O.W.L. Band is a relaxed, beginner-friendly ensemble, bringing women of different ages, backgrounds and musical experiences together to learn, play and have a bit of fun.
No auditions. No previous band experience required. No pressure to be brilliant.
Perhaps you played an instrument years ago and it’s been quietly gathering dust in a cupboard.
Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn but never found the right place to start. Or perhaps you already play and simply want to make music with other women in a welcoming, supportive environment.
Come as you are, bring what you’ve got, or ask us to help source an instrument to loan and let’s see what we can make together.
🎷 Woodwinds
🎺 Brass
🎻 Strings
🥁 Percussion – limited spots.
And if you happen to play alpine horn, zither or something wonderfully unexpected, let Mel know. We’ll see what we can do!
From Classical to Whimsical
The repertoire will be as eclectic as the people playing it. Expect world music, a dash of jazz, classical influences and perhaps the occasional weird and wonderful 60s–80s hit.
There are no musical boundaries here –  just plenty of possibilities.
About Ensemble Leader Mel Wishart
With many years of experience teaching and leading ensembles, and around four decades of being a passionate performer and participant in the local music scene, Mel aims to create a collaborative space where it’s perfectly okay to ask the “obvious” question without anyone rolling their eyes!
The emphasis is on pleasure over progress — although you might be surprised by how much progress happens when you’re having fun.
Whatever you’ve got, Mel can tailor the music to suit your level.
Come and find your musical tribe.
Come curious. Come rusty. Come experienced. Come with the instrument that’s been hiding in the cupboard or ask us about hiring an instrument!
Come and join the O.W.L. Band and give a hoot about your musical journey!

Bushlarks - Friday morning singing group

Our Friday Morning Singing Group (which we have named the Bushlarks), started early 2024 and quickly became a warm, friendly, fun morning of singing with others. We would love more people to join us!

This is a great chance for anyone who just loves singing but may not feel confident, or who may need some support to attend.

We sing with no pressure, just passion!

Please see our pricing and fees page HERE for updated pricing for you and your support person (if needed). This includes tea/coffee and biscuits afterwards.

To apply for yourself, please complete this Application Form.
To apply for someone who would be unable to fill out the form on their own, please complete: Application Form – Adult on behalf of an Adult.

submit an application

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Wollongong Conservatorium is located on Dharawal country. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging, celebrate their continuing culture and the contribution First Nations people make to the life of this region and our country.

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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.