Our Premier Ensembles – comprising the Primary Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Wind Orchestra and Central Coast Youth Orchestra – are open to string, woodwind, brass and percussion students currently studying their instrument from primary age through to senior high school as well as tertiary students up to 23 years old.

These ensembles are graded by age, ability and experience, with entry via an application and a successful audition process.   

CENTRAL COAST PRIMARY WIND ENSEMBLE (CCPWE)

Primary age students

CCPWE, also known as Super Band, is a musical extension program for primary school-aged student musicians who play woodwind, brass or percussion instruments on the NSW Central Coast.

Super Band complements and enhances the learning and performance experiences gained by students in their school band programs and is for primary-aged students who are passionate about learning their instrument and love musical challenges. Participating students engage in weekly rehearsals with our expert conductors whilst building friendship groups with other like-minded individuals.

Commencing Term 1:  Wednesday 1st February, 2023

Time: 5 – 7pm 

Venue: Gosford Presbyterian Church, 14 Young Street. West Gosford

Students interested in joining CCPWE are invited to apply by submitting a video audition meeting the following guidelines:

• auditionees must play one scale.
• auditionees must play one piece of music that demonstrates their current playing and skill level.
• video limit 3 – 5mins.

To apply go to: CCCM Premier Ensembles 2023 Audition application.

CENTRAL COAST SYMPHONIC WIND ORCHESTRA (CCSWO)

High School age students

CCSWO is a high calibre Symphonic Wind Ensemble program for high school students who play woodwind, brass or percussion instruments who are seeking musical extension. This ensemble rehearses and performs challenging repertoire that compliments and enhances the learning and performance experiences gained in one to one lessons and their school band programs.

The CCSWO is for high students who have gained a high-degree of musical proficiency on their instrument and enjoy learning and performing exciting and challenging repertoire in a large ensemble.

Date Commencing Term 1: Wednesday 1 February 2023  

Time: 5:30 – 7:30pm 

Venue: Gosford Presbyterian Church, 14 Young Street. West Gosford

Students interested in joining the CCSWO are invited to apply by submitting a video audition meeting the following guidelines:

• auditionees must play one scale.
• auditionees must play one piece of music that demonstrates their current playing and skill level.
• video limit 5 mins.

To register for an audition:  CCCM Premier Ensembles 2023 Audition application.

CENTRAL COAST YOUTH ORCHESTRA (CCYO)

Advanced high school & tertiary students

Advanced high school & tertiary students

CCYO is the Conservatorium’s flagship ensemble, 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. The CCYO rehearses weekly and performs professional level repertoire.

Commencing Term 1:  Tuesday 31 January 2023

Time:  4:45 for a 5.00pm – 6:30pm session 

Students interested in joining CCYO – who meet the selection criteria listed below – are invited to apply by submitting a video audition meeting the following guidelines:

• auditionees must play one scale.
• auditionees must play one piece of music that demonstrates their current playing and skill level.
• video limit 10 mins.

CCYO Selection Criteria:

• Woodwind:  Min. AMEB 6 or equivalent
• Brass: Min.  AMEB 6 or equivalent
• Percussion: Orchestral or Symphonic Wind Ensemble experience
• Upper String:   Min. AMEB 6 or equivalent
• Lower String:   Min. AMEB 5 or equivalent

To register for an audition go to: CCCM Premier Ensembles Audition application.

CENTRAL COAST STUDENT CONDUCTING & MUSIC TEACHING PROGRAM

Tertiary level / Advanced high school students wishing to pursue music at a tertiary level 

This Program offers senior high school & tertiary musicians the opportunity to extend their orchestral music education in conducting and musical pedagogy. It provides essential skills and knowledge to help students develop as a musician, teacher, and conductor.

Under the leadership of our Artistic Director and Conductor, Patrick Brennan, this program is delivered in a small, focused group, and includes practical, theoretical, and fun sessions and explores the following topics:

• How to teach a musical instrument to students using a structured approach
• How to conduct an ensemble using basic conducting techniques
• How to run engaging and productive rehearsals and sectionals
• Mastering the art of practising an instrument at an advanced level
• Developing effective audition techniques
• Planning and delivering musical events and performances
• Participating in masterclasses
• Developing skills in leadership including managing conflict, motivation, giving praise and criticism, communication and problem solving

Patrick Brennan brings many years of diverse training to the course offering a multi-point-of-view technique. 

The Conducting Program is open to students who are members of an orchestral program,  and CCCM orchestral program alumni are invited to join by application to the Artistic Director Patrick Brennan.

Commencing Tuesday 31 January, 2023  

Time: 6:30- 7:30pm 

Venue: Gosford Presbyterian Church, 14 Young Street. West Gosford

Students interested in joining the conducting program should apply via the CCCM Premier Ensembles Audition application.