String Playing Opportunities in the Perth Region

WAYMA exists to provide a high level of ensemble opportunities to youth beyond what would normally be available in schools and local communities. String players from approximately AMEB G2 are catered for by two dedicated string orchestras and 2 symphony orchestras. The age range is 9 - 25 and there are viola and double bass scholarships. As part of the WAYMA's outreach programme, young string groups perform in schools in the outer metropolitan region.
Entry is by annual audition in October/ November. Watch out for brochures in July or visit the WAYMA website www.wayma.asn.au

VYSPF is a registered charitable organisation dedicated to serving the larger community by working for the improvement of quality in Australian music education through courses, workshops, performances and the provision of resources. The VYSPF aims to provide scholarships and grants for WA string players under the age of 25, to develop a string resource centre for the WA music community and to establish a collection of fine string instruments for use by deserving students. http://www.vyspf.org.au

The Western Australian Youth Strings (WAYS) provides an opportunity for Western Australian primary school string students throughout the metropolitan area to develop their musical talent within a strings orchestra.
The Orchestra is under the musical direction of internationally renowned Mr Ashley Arbuckle. It strives for musical excellence and fun, while focusing on the key disciplines necessary to successfully play within an orchestra.
WAYS offers the opportunity to play before large audiences. The Orchestra performs at least five times a year, including at Government House. It provides a great pathway to further youth orchestral and musical opportunities.
WAYS is a non-profit, independent community organisation, run by the Orchestra’s parents.

Further information can be obtained by visiting the website www.ways.net.au or by emailing secretary@ways.net.au

Established in 2006 and with music and stands courtesy of the Bendigo Bank, the ensemble aims to perform in the Hills area twice a term.
Membership is open to school age students who have been learning a string instrument for one year or more. (Cellists are especially welcome at the moment)
Rehearsals are in the Mt Helena area on Saturday mornings starting at 10:15am.
For further information contact the conductor, Kirrily Stewart 9572 1270 or Kristin Nüske 9252 1963

String Beans — string orchestra for students in years 2–7 who have had at least one year’s experience playing violin or cello and can read simple passages of music.
Intermediate orchestra — string orchestra for experienced violin, viola or cello players in years 7–10.
Bean Sprouts — a limited number of places for primary school-age beginners playing violin or cello.
String Beans website

The Allegri Chamber Orchestra, founded in April 2000, fills a niche in the Perth music scene. The orchestra consists of about 25 professional, semi-professional, advanced amateur and student string players. The current leader is Jocelyn Cullingford. Allegri Chamber Orchestra provides talented musicians of any age and background with the opportunity to be part of a chamber orchestra, to study works in depth, to improve their musical skills and to gain experience under professional direction. Under the artistic direction of Jacek Slawomirski the orchestra has now reached a high standard of performance. It usually gives three or four concerts per year.
Allegri rehearses at St Thomas Church Hall in College Roadm Claremont, usually on a Thursday evening at 7.30pm. Further information can be had from the president, Gail Owen, (08) 9383 3647

FSO is a community based amateur orchestra providing concerts in the community. The orchestra strives to tackle challenging works Under the artistic direction of Musical Director, David Pye and invited guest conductors the orchestra performs three symphonic concerts each year as well as being available for other engagements.
The orchestra currently has 40 - 50 regular members ranging in age form late teens to 80+ and membership is open to any amateur player who considers themselves capable of playing the repertoire.
Rehearsals run from the end of January to mid November on Wednesday evenings, 7:30 - 10pm in Nedlands. Concerts are generally on Sunday afternoons. Contact Jeremy Hall on 9384 6671/0421 124 181

MetSO's mission is to play interesting music to a wide audience, from light music to the great classics. Members of the orchestra range in age from 20s to 80s. The orchestra performs for programmes each year under the batons of guest conductors.
Rehearsals are on Monday evenings starting at 7:30 prompt. New members need to be at least AMEB Grade 6 standard.
www.metso.asn.au or Pam Pougnault on 9276 6658

HSO began in 1981 with twenty three players and has become an intergral part of the hills music scene. Each year the HSO presents eight to ten concerts often in a fundraising capacity for various charitable organisations and local groups and visits to the country are a feature. The orchestra is mostly made up of dedicated amateurs from all walks of life with a passion for music. It is a community based orchestra with members ranging from amateurs to ex WASO players. String players are always especially welcome.
Rehearsals are held on Monday evenings at Helena College. www.hso.org.au or call Declan Coburn 9291 0876

The Orchestra meets at 7:30pm on Mondays at St. Nicholas' Church Hall in Floreat. It plays a wide variety of orchestral music. No auditions - only enthusiasm and a love of playing. Strings players especially needed.
Contact Ernie Hawes 0414 855 120 or Lesley McKay 9332 5578

The West Australian Doctors' Orchestra (WADO) is the local branch of the Australian Doctors' Orchestra, which is formed by doctors from around Australia who gather together once a year to play to raise funds for charity. The national orchestra usually performs mid year. However, WA musicians have also formed a local orchestra and have held concerts in February for the past couple of years to raise funds for medical charity. The next concert will be at the Fremantle Town Hall on March 16, 2008 and we are planning to play Force of Destiny by Verdi, Scheherezade by Rimsky-Korsakov, and a violin concerto by Mozart (with Dr Martin Coopes as soloist). Five rehearsals will be held during February and early March. The fee is $50 ($20 for students). If you are interested in joining or attending a concert, please contact Lynne or Frances.

A non-profit association that facilitates informal playing and singing by people of all ages and nationalities, beginners to professionals. Visit their Website. The Australian contact is Peter Larsen.

GCO was established in 2002 by a group of string teachers who believed that those who are able to publicly demonstrate a passion for their subject are a motivational force for their students and felt that a link between teaching and performing would aid the development of string playing in WA.

The orchestra brings together string teachers from private schools, state schools and private studios to exchange ideas and work together to perform works from the string orchestra repertoire.

Membership is open to tertiary trained (or equivalent) musicians who are actively teaching. Click here for more information.

Click here for more information.

The Congress will offer an assortment of events for viola enthusiasts and professionals, from master classes and lectures to recitals and orchestral concerts. The 2009 Viola Congress in South Africa promises to be something completely different, with participants being introduced to a wealth of South African indigenous music, and much focus placed on local developmental education initiatives.

March 19-21, 2009 Atlanta, GA

February 17-20, 2010 Santa Clara, CA

March 17-19, 2011 Kansas City, MO

ASTA Website

ORP was established in 2006 to provide an opportunity for trained musicians to become familiar with standard orchestral repertoire in a friendly but highly paced forum. The project occurs monthly on Saturday morning and typically covers 2 - 3 symphonies in a session.
Minimum standard is AMus. Expressions of interest to Burhan Güner 0408 883 393

FCO was founded in 2005 to play a single concert but as a result of positive press and feedback it was decided to keep the orchestra going.
The orchestra's current conductor is Jessica Gethin and Concertmaster is Rebecca White
The orchestra endeavors to play concerts that comprise both well known works as well as lesser known and original compositions. The orchestra aims to play two programmes a year and is open to invitations for additional performances. Each concert is treated as an individual project with players receiving a share of the proceeds after costs are covered.
Membership is by recommendation or audition and there is a balance of established and new players.
Click here for further information.

The Juniper was formed in 2006 by a collective of WA musicians comprising seasoned professionals and past and present students of UWA. Under the direction of concert master Paul Wright JCO presents repertoire from the Renaissance to the present day. Visit their website at www.juniperchamberorchestra.com

WASO is WA's full time professional orchestra with around 90 players. Vacancies are advertised nationally. Auditions for casual employment are held during the year. For information regarding casual auditions please contact Keith McGowan on 9326 0058.
Selected rehearsals can be attended by becoming a member of the Patrons & Friends of WASO - 9326 0016