The Junior Academy

Directed by Annabelle Swainston, this new ensemble is targeted towards talented, younger players wishing to extend their musical studies with a group of like-minded peers.

This serves as a fantastic learning opportunity for musicians who wish to play orchestral music- symphony, opera, ballet and more. As well as learning to interpret written musical scores, we will be developing aural skills by learning folk music by ear. The Junior Academy is the first of the three-tiered orchestral pathway we offer at the Conservatorium. The skills acquired from this ensemble will directly apply for the Coffs Coast Youth Orchestra and for further studies in The Academy.

When: Mondays 4-5pm during school term.

Where: Coffs Harbour Regional Conservatorium Performance Space

Recommended standard: AMEB Grade 2+ or equivalent.

Recommended ages: 7-12

Cost: $75 per term

Enrolments are now open. To enquire about becoming a member of The Junior Academy, please call the office on 6652 1592 or send us a message.

Also, make sure you check our other ensembles.  We have many options for Coffs Harbour musicians who would like to join a band (including our guitar ensembles, Coffs Con Stage Band, The Academy, etc).

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I play with the Junior Academy?

The Junior Academy Program is open to primary aged students with a suggested playing level of AMEB grade 2+. Junior Academy is open to Con students as well as students from outside the  even if you’re not learning music at the Conservatorium!

Junior Academy - Coffs Harbour Ensemble for primary school children

What do I get from being a member of the Junior Academy?

Not only will you benefit from playing glorious chamber music with other musicians at a similar level, you will also have the opportunity to work with the Con’s professional and experienced teaching staff. Students in the Junior Academy will gain performance experience and opportunities at least once per year, joining the Coffs Coast Youth Orchestra and Academy on stage for end of term concerts.

Students of the Junior Academy learn the following skills:

  • Musical interpretation
  • Listening in an ensemble context
  • Performance and how to cope with performance anxiety
  • The role of their chosen instrument in various ensembles
  • Historical context of ensemble compositions
  • Unusual instrument combinations
  •  Bringing solo instruments into a team playing environment
  •  Communicating with an audience

How much time will I have to commit to the Junior Academy?

Rehearsals for the Junior Academy are 60 minutes per week, on a Monday afternoon from 4-5:00pm.