The Central Coast Premier Ensembles Program is growing, with the addition of an additional new wind ensemble for school band musicians starting from 2025.
The Central Coast Conservatorium of Music Premier Ensembles program is a tiered pathway of three wind ensembles and Central Coast Youth Orchestra. This audition-based musical extension band program is 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.
From 2025 the Premier Ensembles program has been restructured from a three-tiered program to a four-tiered pathway, with the addition of an extra beginner wind ensemble to provide music extension opportunities for promising students who have been playing with their school band for at least a year. This new ensemble (named the Primary Wind Ensemble) will be led by Phillip Rutherford.
From Term 1 2025, the ensemble formerly known as the Primary Wind Ensemble (or PWEs) will become the new Junior Wind Ensemble, led by Kevin Smith. The four Primary Ensembles all rehearse at Gosford Presbyterian Church in West Gosford after school, and are:
NEW 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 (previously PWEs)
- 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
