Orchestra Victoria
Education
Orchestra Victoria travels to regional Victoria to mentor hundreds of aspiring young musicians each year.
Workshops
The Orchestra Victoria Education program is an intensive two-day workshop for secondary school students learning orchestral instruments.
The workshops provide students with a unique opportunity to extend their ensemble playing and instrumental techniques under the baton of a professional conductor and alongside professional musicians.
Over the two days, students rehearse as a full orchestra and break out into sectional rehearsals. Orchestra Victoria musicians lead the sectional rehearsals and mentor the students. The full orchestral rehearsals are led by the conductor while Orchestra Victoria musicians play with students.
See below for upcoming workshops.
Concert
A concert is performed for the local community at the end of the second day, presenting a selection of the repertoire rehearsed during the workshops. All teachers, students and community members are welcome to attend this free performance.
Cost
The support of our sponsors, trusts and foundations and government grants enable the workshops to be completely free to participants.
Locations
Since it began Orchestra Victoria Education has been presented in Sunshine, Bendigo, Hamilton, Horsham, Shepparton, Traralgon and Mildura. In 2010 the program will be held in five locations: Bendigo, Hamilton, Shepparton, East Gippsland and Wyndham.
Professional Development for Teachers
Free professional development sessions are also available to music teachers. Topics covered include conducting gestures, effective rehearsal techniques and repertoire selection. Teachers are also welcome to observe students at work with the Orchestra Victoria musicians and conductor during full orchestral rehearsals to gain insight on pedagogy and technique.
An evening of rehearsal with Orchestra Victoria musicians and the conductor is offered to local amateur orchestras and bands.
Student feedback
Overall it was the best musical days in my life so far! Thank you! Jake, Cello (Sunshine)
[the workshop] has inspired me to keep playing because playing in an Orchestra is so much fun. Rachel, Flute/Piccolo (Mildura)
[I most liked] getting to play in an orchestra because we don't have one at my school. Brooke, Flute (Sunshine)
My playing has improved heaps. I've learnt a lot. Brigid, Oboe (Bendigo)
It's a great opportunity for kids in country towns to play with professionals in an orchestra. Grace, Trombone (Mildura)
Upcoming Workshops
19 & 20 May 2010 Hamilton Education Workshop for students
19 & 20 May 2010 Hamilton Education Workshop for teachers
26 & 27 May 2010 Shepparton Education Workshop for students
26 & 27 May 2010 Shepparton Education Workshop for teachers
1 & 2 June 2010 Bendigo Education Workshop for students
1 & 2 June 2010 Bendigo Education Application Form for teachers
28 & 29 July 2010 East Gippsland Education Application Form for students
28 & 29 July 2010 East Gippsland Education Application Form for teachers
17 & 18 August 2010 Western Metro Education Application Form for students
17 & 18 August 2010 Western Metro Education Application Form for Professional Learning Sessions
For more information
Contact Orchestra Victoria
