The Central Coast Premier Ensembles Program is growing, with the addition of an additional new wind ensemble for school band musicians starting from 2025.
Our Premier Ensembles program is a four-tiered audition-based musical extension band program for young musicians on the Central Coast and offers performance opportunities in the region and beyond.
Led by experienced conductors and music educators Patrick Brennan, Kevin Smith, Dr Phillip Rutherford and E-Yang Liu the Premier Ensembles pathway is a pillar of Central Coast Conservatorium’s performance program, providing students with excellent extension and development in their musical understanding and performing.
This year we have expanded the flagship ensemble program with the addition of a NEW middle-tier Junior Wind Ensemble for musicians in Years 6 to 8. The JWEs will be led by conductor, Kevin Smith.
The Primary Wind Ensemble will now provide music extension opportunities for promising students in Year 4 to 6 who have been playing with their school band for at least a year and will be led by conductor, Phillip Rutherford.
The four Premier Ensembles all rehearse at Gosford Presbyterian Church in West Gosford after school, and are:
Primary Wind Ensemble
- For Year 4 to 6 students (must have been playing with school band for at least 1 year)
- Rehearsals: Mondays 5.30-7pm with Phillip Rutherford
NEW Junior Wind Ensemble
- For Year 6 to 8 students (AMEB Grade 2 – 4 or equivalent)
- Rehearsals: Wednesdays 5-7pm with Kevin Smith
Symphonic Wind Orchestra
- For Year 8 to 12 students and school leavers (AMEB Grade 4 to 8 or equivalent)
- Rehearsals: Wednesdays 5.30-7.30pm with Patrick Brennan and E-Yang Liu
Central Coast Youth Orchestra
- AMEB Grade 6 or above or equivalent
- Rehearsal: Tuesdays 5-7pm with Patrick Brennan
“We are pleased to be welcoming a cohort of new young musicians into our Primary Wind Ensemble for 2025, many who are our 2025 Bendigo Bank Schools Scholarship recipients and have been playing in their school bands as part of the Central Coast Conservatorium’s Schools Program,” said Central Coast Conservatorium Artistic Director, Patrick Brennan.
“Our Premier Ensembles pathway will give these students the opportunity to extend their musical horizons, meet new friends, perform with others and nurture their love for music.”
“Rehearsing and performing in ensembles also builds cohorts and friendships that so often last the test of time. The enthusiasm shown by our students and teachers to learn and work in the ensembles, is evidenced by all they have achieved. Some of these students will go on to forge careers in music and/or music education, while others will remain committed to making music in their community”
Five benefits of playing in an ensemble
- Social Skills Development: Ensemble participation fosters teamwork, communication, and collaboration among peers, enhancing social interactions.
- Emotional Growth: Engaging in music together helps children express emotions, build confidence, and develop resilience through shared experiences.
- Musical Skills Enhancement: Children improve their musical abilities, including rhythm, pitch, and harmony, by learning from one another in a collaborative setting.
- Cognitive Development: Playing in an ensemble encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills as children navigate musical challenges collectively.
- Fun and Engagement: The enjoyable atmosphere of ensemble practice makes learning music a fun experience, motivating children to stay committed and enthusiastic about their musical journey.
Read more on the benefits of playing in an ensemble HERE
To find out about joining our Premier Ensembles program click HERE
