Picton Strings
The Picton Strings are an ensemble of school students from the Wollondilly Shire area, led by Katie Spicer. In 2011 the ACO began a three year mentoring program with the Picton Strings, which is run in partnership with the Wollondilly Shire Council and Classics at Picton.
If you would like your students to join the Picton Strings, please visit their website at pictonstrings.org. All students who play the violin, viola, cello or double bass are welcome to join, and will be placed in the junior or senior group according to their standard.
Senior Students
ACO musicians facilitate a series of workshops for the Picton Strings. Students form meaningful and long-lasting relationships with the ACO players over the course of the three year program. An ensemble of ACO musicians also perform two community concerts in Picton, featuring the Picton Strings. These concerts are co-presented by Classics at Picton.
Primary Students
For Picton Primary School students who don't play an instrument, the ACO is working with a local visual artist and music facilitator to provide lesson plans for teachers which combine music education with visual art. Students will be taught about the different influences that shape music and will be asked to express their ideas through visual art. The students' artworks will be showcased in the foyer at ACO Ensemble concerts and at other community events.
UPCOMING CONCERT IN PICTON
15 June 7pm, Wollondilly Shire Hall
Parramatta String Players
The ACO's youth chamber orchestra, the Parramatta String Players, rehearses with ACO musicians and performs around Western Sydney. The orchestra is led by violinist, Kerry Martin. Students receive tickets to rehearsals and concerts. All you need to do is play violin, viola, cello or double bass and be at the recommended standard (see Combined Schools Workshops) and you could be in for the experience of a lifetime.
The Program is run by Riverside Theatres and the ACO. Our vision is to see this program expand over the coming years into a full sized Parramatta Youth Orchestra for students of all orchestral instruments.
The participation fee for this program is $200 per year. Mid-year auditions will be held in term 2, 2011. To apply, download and complete the Application Form, and return to Sarah Conolan, ACO, PO Box R21, Royal Exchange, NSW 1225.
Dates for 2011
All rehearsals are from 4-6pm at Connect Studios in Parramatta
Period 1
Rehearsals on these Tuesdays: 22 February, 2 March, 8 March, 15 March, 22 March
ACO Workshop Monday 28 March, 1-4pm
Period 2
Rehearsals on these Tuesdays: 3 May, 10 May, 17 May, 24 May, 31 May, 2 June
2 Eisteddfod performances, dates to be advised
Period 3
Rehearsals on these Tuesdays: 26 July, 2 August, 9 August, 16 August, 23 August, 30 August
ACO Workshop Monday 5 September, 1-4pm
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
