You are currently viewing 2024 Schools Scholarship recipients awarded in record funding round
Schools Program conductor Kevin Smith - one of the Scholarship judges - with a school band at Central Coast Band Festival 2023.

2024 Schools Scholarship recipients awarded in record funding round

  • Post category:Latest News

Twenty school students have been awarded Central Coast Conservatorium of Music’s 2024 Schools Scholarships worth a total of $65,000 over three years.

The Central Coast Conservatorium of Music’s Schools Scholarship is for enthusiastic students enrolled in the Con’s Schools Program. Enthusiastic and talented students in years 5-7 in 2024 were invited to audition for these scholarships, with auditions taking place at Robert Knox Hall in November.

The total value of the Scholarship per student is $3,248.40 over three years, with Scholarship recipients invited to take part in one-to-one lessons on their instrument, musicianship classes and at least one Conservatorium ensemble such as the Symphonic Wind Orchestra (High School), Primary Wind Ensemble (aka Super Band) and Central Coast Youth Orchestra or the Saturday Strings Program. 

“This comprehensive approach to learning offers what we believe is the optimal instrumental music education available on the Central Coast, giving your child the very best chance to excel as a student musician whilst engaging socially with other like minded individuals,” said Central Coast Conservatorium of Music Artistic Director, Patrick Brennan.

About the School Program

The Central Coast Conservatorium School Band program currently has more than 600 children enrolled over 27 schools across the Central Coast.

Many of our School Band Program students have progressed from playing in their School Band to playing in the Central Coast Conservatorium’s Premier Ensembles – from our Primary Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Wind Orchestra to the Central Coast Youth Orchestra.

The School Band Program is an entry level band program designed to give primary school students the opportunity to learn an instrument of their choice and to participate in their school band.

All lessons and band rehearsals are held at school during school hours with the exception of the band rehearsals which are usually held before school.

Students learn alongside their peers in small groups with experienced specialist teachers and conductors from the Conservatorium, with the opportunity to later move into private lessons and the Conservatorium’s premier ensembles as they progress.

Students generally join the program in Year 3, although older students are also welcome. All beginner students start in the Training Band where they are taught the fundamentals of how to play their instrument and how to read music. Regular performance opportunities enable students to also learn performance skills and to showcase what they have learnt.

After a year of training, most students are then ready to move into their school’s Concert Band where the students are extended on their instrument and introduced to many different styles of music. The Concert Band regularly performs at school assemblies and other special events and is the senior ensemble group at each school.

The Schools Program is an excellent and affordable way to get your child started in music. For more information on what you need to do to get started, please head to our “Getting Started” page or click here to contact us for more information.

DOWNLOAD THE SCHOOL BAND PROGRAM INFORMATION BOOKLET HERE