Conservatorium Community Music Ensembles

Conservatorium Concert Band

For players aged between 11 to 19 who have been learning for at least 2 years or have reached a standard of grade 4.  The Concert Band repertoire covers many different styles of music ranging from original wind band repertoire through to popular and jazz pieces especially arranged for this type of ensemble.

Wednesdays, 5pm - 6:30pm

Conservatorium Junior Concert Band

For children between 8 and 14 years of age who have been learning for at least 18 months. Beginner Concert Band performs regularly in the Harold Lobb Concert Hall and also competes in local contests.

Wednesdays, 5pm - 6:30pm

Conservatorium Youth Choir

The Conservatorium Youth Choir endeavours to nurture young voices and foster excellence in musicianship. It is open to young people from the community 8 years of age and upwards. No prior musical experience is necessary. The only requirements are a sense of fun and enthusiasm for singing!  The choir rehearses weekly at the Conservatorium with new members welcome to join throughout the year.

Mondays, 4pm - 5:30pm

Conservatorium Vocal Ensemble

The Conservatorium Vocal Ensemble is a small touring choir that performs a variety of Pop, Jazz, and Classical songs in four and six part harmony for teenagers 13 - 19 years of age.

Mondays, 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Conservatorium Songshine Choir

Songshine is a lively and adventurous group of singers who enjoy a wide repertoire - from Mozart to the Beatles and beyond! Aimed at the 'young at heart' (50+), Songshine offers a warm and welcoming environment where everyone is comfortable no matter what their musical background. You don't need to know how to read music but simply be able to hold a tune!

Saturdays, 10am -  12pm

Conservatorium Callaghan Singers

The Callaghan singers provide a fun and social environment in which people can develop their singing, harmonisation and musical skills. The choir is open to enthusiastic singers of all ages from the community as well as students and staff of the University. Members enjoy singing a variety of styles from madrigals to pop music ensuring that rehearsals are both fun and informal. Performances include singing at community events whenever the opportunity arises. Although you don't need to be able to read music a sense of fun and a willingness to learn are essential.

Tuesdays, 5:30pm - 7:30pm

The University of Newcastle Chamber Choir

International winners in the World Choir games, champions of Channel 7's "Battle of the Choirs' and ABC Choir of the Year (Adult Choir), the University's Chamber Choir offers aspiring singers the opportunity to sing with and learn from this very distinguished ensemble. Comprising university students and members of the community, the Choir enjoys a busy performance, touring and recording schedule. The Choir performs a wide repertoire ranging from classical to contemporary. Entry is by audition.

Wednesdays, 5:30pm - 7:30pm

Conservatorium Contemporary Guitar Ensemble

This ensemble is for guitarists of all types to enjoy ensemble playing. The class encourages you to come along and "jam" with fellow guitarists. It is essential that you bring with you your portable amp and guitar. 

Saturdays, 10am - 11am

 University of Newcastle Jazz Orchestra

Our jazz orchestra is in the traditional big band format that explores all styles of large jazz performance from traditional to contemporary. If you play alto/tenor/baritone sax, trumpet, trombone, bass trombone, piano, guitar, bass (electric or double), or drum kit you are welcome to attend an audition. To join the ensemble you must have sound instrumental playing and music reading skills. Experience with jazz styles is ideal but not essential as this will be developed as part of your ensemble experience. Improvisation skills are also highly regarded but not essential. Our jazz orchestra has developed into a genuine collective of enthusiastic musicians.

Mondays, 5pm - 7pm

Conservatorium Community Strings

Conservatorium Strings is an ensemble based program for school children, offering musical opportuinites to string students. Entry into the Conservatorium Strings is by audition and students are placed into one of the four string ensembles depending on their ability.

Junior String Ensemble

This ensemble offers training in the rudiments of ensemble playing and musicianship and is open to primary school children up to and including Year 6. Entry to this ensemble is by audition.

Tuesdays, 4pm - 5.30pm

Intermediate String Orchestra

This orchestra offers the next stage in string orchestra playing. Approximate minimum entry level is grade 3. Players are introduced to more advanced aspects of ensemble playing and the repertoire includes a range of colourful pieces for string orchestra. Students must be Year 6 or above to be eligible for this orchestra.

Tuesdays, 4pm - 5.30pm

Advanced String Orchestra

This ensemble is the most advanced orchestra in the Hunter Strings. Approximate entry level is grade 6 depending also on orchestral experience and sight-reading ability. Students must be in Year 7 or older to be eligible for this ensemble.

Tuesdays, 4pm - 5.30pm

Conservatorium Woodwind Ensemble

This ensemble is a group for those who want some group experience before joining an orchestra or band. It is designed for those who want to play in a group and learn all the techniques required for playing in a large group. It is a stepping stone to bigger things!

Saturdays, 10am - 11am

Conservatorium Percussion Ensemble

The Conservatorium Percussion Ensemble nurtures percussionist’s performance skills through a variety of small ensemble works. Members are required to have a fundamental rhythmical understanding of either tuned or un-tuned percussion instruments. Percussionists who specialise in un-tuned percussion (drum kit) are highly recommended for this group. Rehearsals are musically rewarding and enjoyable, particularly for those who are interested in refining their performance and ensemble skills.

Saturdays, 10:30am - 11:30am

University of Newcastle Wind Orchestra

For players above the age of 16 and who have reached an approximate standard of grade 6 or equivalent.  Membership is by audition.

Wednesdays, 7pm - 9:30pm

Conservatorium Flute Choir

If you play the flute and have reached the level of grade 6 or equivalent, why not consider the Conservatorium Flute Choir? You will play challenging repertoire, develop ensemble techniques, perform at the Con and in the community , and form friendships with like-minded people from school age to retirees.

Mondays, 6:30pm - 8:00pm

Conservatorium Breast Cancer Choir

The University of Newcastle and the Hunter Breast Cancer Founation invite people from the  Hunter who have been touched by cancer to join a choir in a warm environment of music, fun and friendship free of charge.

Saturdays, 12:00pm - 2:00pm

For more information on the Breast Cancer Choir Click Here

For information on tertiary ensembles, including the award winning Chamber Choir Click Here