Play music with others

Do you want to play as part of an ensemble?

Playing with others is an important part of learning music. The Central Coast Conservatorium of Music has various ensembles for different ages and playing levels giving our students the benefit of collaborating with others, performing in concerts and having fun while learning music.

Our audition-based Premier Ensembles are:

Central Coast Primary Wind Ensemble

Also known as ‘Super Band or PWEs’  this is a musical extension program for primary school aged student musicians who play woodwind, brass or percussion instruments on the Central Coast. The ensemble aims to complement and enhance the learning and performance experiences gained in our school band program by challenging students who have already gained a high degree of musical proficiency at a young age. 

Central Coast Symphonic Wind Orchestra

SWO is a high-calibre symphonic wind ensemble program for high school student musicians who play woodwind, brass or percussion instruments and have gained a high-degree of musical proficiency on their instrument. The orchestra rehearses and performs challenging repertoire that compliments and enhances the learning and performance experiences gained in one-to-one lessons and school band programs.

Central Coast Youth Orchestra

Our flagship ensemble, the Central Coast Youth Orchestra is renowned in the community for its exceptional level of musicianship and captivating performances.  CCYO is made up of the Central Coast’s top string, woodwind, brass and percussion students, many of whom represent our region at a state level as members of the Regional Youth Orchestra NSW.

Children’s and Youth Choirs

In 2022 the Central Coast Conservatorium of Music relaunched our two choir programs:

• Children’s Choir Program for ages 9-14
• Youth Choir Program, for ages 14+

In both choirs, students learn the basics of reading music, and beginner vocal techniques, including how to warm up their voices safely, how to sing beautifully together and with a conductor. Students also learn performance skills including understanding stage directions, and learning fun choreographed movements which will enable the students to present with confidence on stage. In 2022 both choirs performed with Opera Australia in their regional tour of Barber of Seville, Central Coast Philharmonia Choir and Central Coast Youth Orchestra. 

In 2022 all our Premier Ensembles performed in four highly anticipated end-of-term Premier Ensembles Concerts.

Guitar Ensembles

Steve Smillie’s Guitar Ensemble is a group made up of loyal and dedicated adult players that have been connected with the Con for more than 20 years. The Classical Guitar Ensemble ran for the first half of 2022.