Showcase Ensembles

The Conservatorium’s Showcase Ensembles are professional ensembles featuring some of Newcastle’s best musicians and Conservatorium alumni who love performing together. Ensembles rehearse in the Harold Lobb Concert Hall and perform regular concerts at the Con and at local venues in Newcastle. For performance enquiries, please contact conservatorium@newcastle.edu.au

Arts Orchestra

The Conservatorium Arts Orchestra perform a wide variety of musical styles including traditional and non-traditional wind symphonic music and contemporary music. Instruments include the piccolo, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, soprano/alto/tenor/baritone sax, french horn, trumpet, trombone, baritone, tuba, euphonium, drum kit and percussion. Led by Lesa Scully, the Arts Orchestra perform regularly at the Con with other musical collaborators and love to share their passion for music with their audiences.

Showband

Showband is the Conservatorium's flagship contemporary ensemble and is the ultimate party band. They play Soul, R&B, Funk, Latin and Pop classics and hits and feature incredible vocalists and instrumentalists. Showband is the idea band for events and special occasions and is an experience not to be missed. Placement is by invitation / audition.

University of Newcastle Jazz Orchestra

Currently at capacity and accepting waitlist enrolments only

The Conservatorium Jazz Orchestra is based on the traditional big band format and explores all styles of large jazz performance from traditional to contemporary. It is an ensemble performing at a high level and delivers high energy and polished performances. Our ensemble members have excellent instrumental playing and music reading skills as well as improvisational skills in the jazz vocabulary. If you play alto/tenor/baritone sax, trumpet, trombone, bass trombone, piano, guitar, bass (electric or double), or drum kit you are welcome to express your interest. Placement is by invitation / audition.

The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.