ACO Academy

The inaugral ACO Academy gives top-level secondary school string students (who play violin, viola, cello or double bass), the opportunity to work with ACO musicians in an inspiring week of music-making. Read more...

String Workshops

String Workshops bring together talented young string players from a number of schools with members of the ACO and its Emerging Artists program, under whose expert guidance, students participate in rehearsals, masterclasses, tutorials and an informal performance for friends and family. Workshops are run all over Australia, both in Regional and Metropolitan centres. 2012 program details.

Matinee Concerts for Secondary Students

Melbourne, Sydney

The ACO will present two matinee concerts for secondary students led by Richard Tognetti. Students will experience music in a fresh and exciting way with the ACO's characteristic energy and precision. During these interactive concerts they will be encouraged to listen for key elements in the music, whilst learning about performance and ensemble techniques from some of the best musicians n the world.

For more information including repertoire and dates, go to the booking page.

Discounted Tickets for School Groups

Teachers and students are invited to book through the subsidised Schools' Ticketing Program. With dynamic musicians and innovative programming, the ACO is the most inspiring orchestra in Australia for young music-lovers to see. The 2012 Season include music from a range of periods.

The Schools’ Ticketing Program offers heavily discounted prices, with educational background material based on the school curriculum provided free, and includes:

* $20 concert tickets (a discount of up to 80%);
* 45 minutes pre-concert talks in all venues;
* Free concert programs
* A free ACO CD for each student;
* Teacher resources provided in advance (download below);
* Regular email updates including information about upcoming concerts and special events.

Teacher resources include lesson content, sections of musical scores and audio samples. These resources cover one unit of work and are tailored to each state's curriculum.

To book, download the booking request form and return it to the ACO Box Office:
PO Box R21, Royal Exchange, Sydney NSW 1225
Fax (02) 8274 3887
boxoffice@aco.com.au

Music Notes
Download a PDF of the Music Notes for each concert here. These notes are tailored to the school curriculum and provide teachers with information and exercises to assist students to actively listen to the repertoire whilst learning about different styles of music and performance.

Masterclass with Richard Tognetti

Healesville

Two students selected from the Victorian State Schools Spectacular Orchestra will receive a one-on-one lesson with Richard Tognetti.

This masterclass and the TarraWarra Strings Workshop in Healesville with the string section from the Victorian State Schools Spectacular Orchestra, begins an exciting partnership between the ACO and the Victorian State Schools Spectacular, DEECD.

Online Resources

ASK AN ACO MUSICIAN

Students and teachers are invited to seek musical advice from ACO musicians. Players will be available to answer qusetions about string techiques, style, interpretation and career pathways.

Visit aco.com.au/blog and head to the 'Ask a musician' section.

COMING SOON

Online Ensemble and String Tips from ACO musicians
The ACO will produce a series of short videos, available online and on DVD, explaining and demonstrating different techniques and offering ensemble playing and stylistic guidance.

Online lessons with ACO Musicians
Students in regional and remote areas have an individual or group lesson with an ACO musician via online video conferencing.

Open Rehearsals for School Students

School students may apply to attend an ACO rehearsal at the Orchestra's Sydney studio where they sit within metres of the musicians while they rehearse repertoire for their national concert tours. Students get a behind-the-scenes look at how the Orchestra prepares for concerts. After the rehearsal, students are invited to meet the ACO players. To book, please complete the application form.

Thursday 2 August, 2.15pm to 3.30pm
ACO Studio, Opera Quays, 2 East Circular Quay, Sydney

Applications close 16 March, 2012

To register your students, please fill out the application form, or contact Vicki Stanley (Education Manager) vicki.stanley@aco.com.au for more information.

Regional Concerts for Secondary Students

Broome, Carnarvon, Katanning, Mt Isa, Narrogin

Whilst on regional tours, ACO2 presents 60-minute concerts for secondary students. These interactive performances introduce students to the magic of the string orchestra and take them on a journey through the music.

Resources to accompany these concerts will be available in 2012 and will be sent to teachers on booking. These include an analysis of the works performed and state curriculum-based in-class exercises for students to work through.

To register your students for these events, please contact Sarah Conolan on 02 8274 3871.

Your performance has inspired me to keep practicing. Thank you for sharing your music with me - it was probably the musical highlight of my year." Bea Hanna, student

In 2011, there are three schools concerts in South Australia. To register your students for these events, please refer to the booking details below.

Queensland

Mt Isa
Friday 2 November, 9.30am

Tasmania

Port Arthur
Friday 12 October, 11am

St Mary's
Thursday 11 October, 11am

Zeehan
Monday 15 October, 11am

Western Australia

Broome
Wednesday 11 July, 11am

Carnarvon
Friday 25 Mary, 2pm

Katanning
Wednesday 5 September, 11.20am

Narrogin
Tuesday 4 September, 11am

ACO & The Australian Children's Music Foundation

The ACO presents interactive concerts and participates in music classes with primary school students at the Matraville Soldiers' Settlement School and the Our Lady of Carmel School in Waterloo to support the ACMF school music program.

The ACMF has been running a weekly music program at Matraville Soldiers Settlement Public School for the last four years. Previously there was no music taught at the school. Each week, two talented teachers motivate over 400 children with a variety of different music techniques. The school now boasts a choir of over 190 children.

They've learnt an enormous amount, and had an experience that they won't forget for a long while. I know that this works. I know that music both inspires and heals. Rachel Scott, ACMF Teacher

Matraville Soldier's Settlement School String Ensemble

Year 3 students from Matraville Soldiers' Settlement School will be selected to learn the violin and cello and form a small string ensemble. They will receive lessons from ACMF teachers, workshops with ACO musicians, tickets to ACO concerts and invitations to ACO and ACO2 open rehearsals.

Open Rehearsal for Students with Disability

The ACO hosts an annual private rehearsal for children with disability. After the rehearsal, the students are invited to meet the players. This program is run in conjunction with International Day for People with a Disability

Monday 8 October, 12pm - 1pm
Tuesday 4 December, 12.30pm - 1.30pm
ACO Studio, Opera Quays, 2 East Circular Quay, Sydney

For more information and to register, please contact Vicki Stanley (Education Manager) vicki.stanley@aco.com.au.

Composition Workshops

Carnarvon

To coincide with Richard Tognetti and ACO musicians taking up residency in Carnarvon to develop a new work by Iain Grandage for The Reef, students will create their own work to reflect their stories. Workshop leader Gillian Howell, together with Iain Grandage, Mark Atkins and ACO musicians, will facilitate a series of workshops to open up the world of composition to young people.

Teacher Professional Development

Albany (WA), Wollongong (NSW)

ACO musicians work with string teachers in a workshop and discussion format to share ideas about string techniques and ensemble skills. Each workshop is tailored for specific groups in consultation with schools and communities.