Ensembles
Individuals involved in ensembles acquire new skills while enjoying the excitement of creating music alongside others with similar abilities.
Engaging in ensemble playing broadens and enriches your musical journey, allowing you to explore a wide range of styles. Ensembles perform at Conservatorium concerts, eisteddfods, community events, and participate in special projects and workshops.
Each ensemble caters to different levels of experience and skill, so if you're interested in joining one, please review the information provided below for each ensemble. You can also talk to your Conservatorium teacher if you are a student or reach out to Macquarie Conservatorium for any enquiries.
MC Big Band
MC Big Band is the premiere ensemble at the Conservatorium. As an invitation-only ensemble, this band is open to advanced saxophone, trombone, trumpet, and rhythm section players. MC Big Band regularly plays at concerts and community events in the Dubbo region. If you are interested in auditioning for MC Big Band, please email Paul Young at ceo@macqcon.org.au
Rehearsals: Thursdays 6.30pm to 7.30pm
Location: Macquarie Conservatorium Performance Hall
Cost: Annual Membership Fee $25 per Family
These ensembles welcome everyone in the community; you don’t need to be enrolled in instrumental or other lessons as a Conservatorium student to participate. However, you do need to meet the skill requirements specified in the descriptions of each ensemble and commit to attending the regular weekly sessions.
Please be aware that most ensembles charge a fixed fee per term for membership, regardless of the number of sessions held during that term.
MC Symphonic Wind Ensemble
Macquarie Conservatorium Symphonic Wind Ensemble is a concert band for students of all ages. Performing repertoire at a Band Grade 3 and above level, Symphonic Wind Ensemble is open to anyone who wishes to improve their ensemble playing and performance skills. Members of Symphonic Wind Ensemble do not have to be students of the Conservatorium. Anyone is welcome to join!
Rehearsals: Wednesdays 5.45pm to 6.45pm
Location: Macquarie Conservatorium Performance Hall
Cost: Annual Membership Fee $25 per Family
MC String Ensemble
Macquarie Conservatorium’s string ensemble for adults, who play violin, viola, cello, and are at approximate skill level AMEB Grade 1 and above.
New members are always welcome. If you are interested in joining this ensemble contact the office.
Rehearsals: Tuesdays 5.30pm to 6.30 pm
Location: Macquarie Conservatorium Performance Hall
Cost: $160 per Semester plus Annual Membership Fee $25 per Family
“The Con Men” - Male Vocal Ensemble
Macquarie Conservatorium male vocal ensemble - "The Con Men" is an auditioned vocal group for men of any age who wish to sing in an ensemble setting.
Participants learn ensemble skills, are taught how to sing in harmony, read music, and perform both classical and contemporary repertoire.
Rehearsals: Tuesdays 6.30pm to 7.30 pm
Location: Macquarie Conservatorium Performance Hall
Cost: $100 per Semester plus Annual Membership Fee $25 per Family
Brass Ensemble
Macquarie Conservatorium’s brass ensemble for students of all ages, youth and adult, who play brass instruments and are at approximate skill level AMEB Grade 3 and above.
New members are very welcome: if you are interested in joining this ensemble
Rehearsals: Thursdays 4.30pm to 5.15pm
Location: Macquarie Conservatorium Performance Hall
Cost: $160 per Semester plus Annual Membership Fee $25 per Family
