Combined Schools Workshops
The ACO and ACO2 conduct Educational workshops during their national tours each year. We're looking for string players from across Australia to join the ACO for the day. Students will learn what it takes to rehearse and perform at the highest level, alongside the finest string players in the country. ACO workshops develop technique and ensemble skills, and an understanding and interpretation of music. Students also learn to step up and make their voices heard playing in an orchestra without a conductor. At the end of rehearsals, students can show teachers, family and friends what they've achieved in an informal performance. They'll have fun and learn a lot from being a part of Australia's most enthusiastic and dynamic orchestra.
Information for applicants
The ACO’s Combined Schools Workshops are aimed at providing an extension activity for capable students. Music will be posted to teachers approximately one month before the events, and it is expected that participating students will ‘know the notes’ before the workshops begin.
The ACO recommends that participants have completed:
Violin: 6th grade AMEB / Suzuki Book 5
Viola: 4th grade AMEB / Suzuki Book 3
Cello: 5th grade AMEB / Suzuki Book 4
Double Bass: 4th grade AMEB / Suzuki Book 3
Places in the program are allocated to form a balanced ensemble consisting of students representing a number of different schools. Preference is given to older students over younger students of an equal standard.
If you would like your students to participate in a Combined Schools Workshop, please download and complete a seperate application form for each student and return by the date specified in your state's section.
2010 Workshops
New South Wales
Bangalow
Tuesday 5 October, 1 - 4pm
A & I Hall
Applications close: Fri 20 August, 2010
Bellingen
Sunday 3 October, 10am - 1pm
Applications close: Fri 20 August, 2010
Please note - Coffs Harbour students are invited to apply for the Bellingen Workshop.
Queensland
Brisbane
Friday 8 October, 10am - 1pm (there will be two workshops on this date)
Queensland Academy for Creative Industries
Applications close: Fri 20 Aug, 2010
Toowoomba
Thursday 7 October, 10am - 1pm
Downlands College
Applications Close: Fri 20 Aug, 2010
Download 2010 Application Form
2011 Workshops
New South Wales
Sydney
Wednesday 25 May, 1pm - 4pm
ACO Studio
Applications Close: Friday 15 April, 2011
Grafton
Thursday 11 August, 10am - 1pm
Clarence Valley Conservatorium
Applications close: Friday 1 July, 2011
Lismore
Thursday 11 August, 1pm - 4pm
Venue TBC
Applications close: Friday 1 July, 2011
Queensland
Brisbane
Friday 12 August, 10am - 1pm
Brisbane State High School and Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University (there will be two workshops on this date)
Cairns
Friday 19 August, 1pm - 4pm
Whitfield House
Mackay
Thursday 18 August, 1pm - 4pm
Mackay North State High School
Rockhampton
Wednesday 17 August, 10am - 1pm, 2011
North Rockhampton High School
Applications for all Queensland workshops close Friday 1 July, 2011
Victoria
Horham
Tuesday 5 April, 1pm - 4pm
Horsham College
Applications close: Friday 4 March, 2011
Melbourne
Monday 16 May, 10am - 1pm
Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School
Applications close: Friday 1 April, 2011
Mildura
Friday 8 April, 10am - 1pm
St Josephs College
Applications close: Friday 4 March, 2011
Western Australia
Perth
Thursday 19 May, 10am - 1pm
Perth Modern School
Applications close: Friday 25 March, 2011
Download 2011 Application form