ACO Academy
The inaugral ACO Academy gives top-level secondary students (who play violin, viola, cello or double bass) the opportunity to work with ACO musicians in an inspiring week of music-making. The ACO runs over the July 2012 school holidays, at the ACO's Sydney rehearsal studio, and culminates in a public concert where students perform alongside ACO musicians.
Students will be challenged and encouraged throughout this week of intense, immersive rehearsal and learning.
The week will include:
- Chamber music rehearsals focusing on ensemble work, technical accuracy, interpretation and style;
- The opportunity to work one-on-one with ACO musicians;
- Private performances by ACO musicians;
- A public concert;
- A behind-the-scenes look at the Orchestra, with presentations from ACO management staff;
- A session on careers and pathways in music.
Students will be allocated to a chamber ensemble led by an ACO musician and will rehearse with this musician throughout the week, culminating in a performance in Sydney. Students will also combine to form a larger ensemble to prepare the week's grand finale concert at City Recital Hall Angel Place.
Information for Applicants
Initial applications require an online audition uploaded via YouTube. Short-listed applicants then perform live auditions at the ACO Studio in Sydney. Auditions will be held interstate as necessary.
Cost is $200 per student. Participants who are not resident in Sydney will need to be based in Sydney with a parent/guardian for the duration of the ACO Academy week. Interstate applicants must cover their own travel and accommodation expenses in Sydney.
Scholarships are available to cover the fee and/or travel and accommodation. Please tick the relevant box on the application form to register your interest. You will then receive further information.
Applicants should have completed:
Violin: 8th grade AMEB / Suzuki Book 7
Viola: 6th grade AMEB / Suzuki Book 5
Cello: 6th grade AMEB / Suzuki Book 5
Double Bass: 5th grade AMEB / Suzuki Book 4
Or equivalent
To apply, please upload an audition video onto YouTube, and then photocopy and complete a separate application form for each student and return to the ACO office.
YouTube audition videos must include 15 minutes (maximum) of the student's playing, and must contain two contrasting works or movements, at least one of which should be with piano accompaniment.
Students will need to set up a YouTube account to upload their video. Once students have uploaded the video it will be publically accessible. If students do not want anyone else to be able to see the video, class it as 'private', then request to be "Friends" with the YouTube account ACOEducation and once we have accepted the Friend request, share the video with ACOEducation.
Applications close 16 March
Download ACO Academy Application form