Six Central Coast Youth Orchestra students have attended Sydney Symphony Orchestra’s Playerlink in Lismore – an annual orchestral “bootcamp” for young musicians at Northern Rivers Conservatorium.

Jacob Smart (French horn), Noah Taylor (double bass), Ehyrn Bala (viola), Lucas Sequira (cello), Anna McAweany (bassoon) and Dana Hamilton (bassoon) – who are all members of Central Coast Youth Orchestra took part in intensive three-day camp alongside musicians from around the state. They were mentored by SSO musicians and the camp culminated in a combined performance.

Bassoonist Anna said the Playerlink experience was something she will never forget. “There were so many highlights – from working with incredibly talented mentors, to meeting other skilled young musicians from across the state.”

Anna said the culmination of all the musicians’ hard work in the performance at the end of the weekend was definitely a high point. 

“The Playerlink experience reminded me of the importance of musicality when it comes to being an orchestral musician, making the music more than just notes on a page. On a more personal note, the weekend helped me reaffirm how much I enjoy being part of an orchestra and that it is so much more than ‘just another extracurricular activity’. 

She said playing alongside SSO musicians provided an opportunity to see and feel what it means to be and play like a professional musician. 

“The experience was definitely a step out of my comfort zone but has given me not only confidence in my abilities as a musician, but also reaffirmed my passion for being part of such skilled ensembles, and I look forward to participating in experiences like this again in the future.”

Cellist Lucas said one of the most challenging aspects was learning and performing music in a relatively short time frame. “The other benefits were meeting new people who came from completely different areas, and playing with professional players in a bigger orchestra. It surprised me that there were so many musicians who were extremely good at the instrument they played and how well we sounded together as a full orchestra.”

Double bass player Noah said the highlight was the masterclasses with the SSO professionals, and catching up with friends from Regional Youth Orchestra NSW. “It is an intensive learning experience – hard work, but totally worth it. While I was there, I also learned new things about improving my technique and playing more confidently.”