State and Nationwide Ensemble Organisations

Australian Band & Orchestra Directors Association, Victorian branch

State branch of a national network of band and orchestra directors. Ostensibly a resource for directors rather than for individuals seeking ensembles, but it does have a list of links to ensembles. Strangely, for orchestras, only professional ensembles are listed. More information: http://www.aboda.org.au/Links/default.htm

Australian National Choral Association

Nationally, a list of some hundreds of choirs that perform many different styles of music.  You search by state. The list of choirs does not necessarily indicate location so you may have to poke around to discover which choirs are accessible to you. The amount of information varies enormously from choir to choir. Some give website addresses where you can seek more information. But in many cases you may have to contact the choir directly to find out what you need to know. More information: http://www.anca.org.au/index.html

Australian Pipe Band Community Website

A terrific resource for pipes and drums. Currently, there are only two ensembles listed for Victoria.  Age range for participants: not stated

Style of music: pipe bands

Nature of program: tuition provided within each ensemble

More information: http://www.australianpipebands.com/

Australian Youth Band

Formerly known as the McDonald’s Melbourne Youth Band, the Australian Youth Band Southern Stars is one of Australia's premier youth marching-concert bands. Age range for participants: about 25 yrs and up

Style of music: marching band

Nature of program: playing regularly at popular regional festivals, major sporting events, marching band festivals, and corporate functions.

Led by: Musical Director - Peter Grant

More information: http://www.ayb.org.au/

Community Music Victoria

Age range for participants: All ages. Victoria is the only State in Australia that has an organisation dedicated to personally helping any Victorian who contacts them to find a group to make music with. Style of music: All styles. No matter what sort of music you may favour (singing for fun, formal choir, celtic session, drumming circle, brass band or symphony orchestra, to name just a few) CMV promises to do all it can to put you in contact with the group that's right for you. More information: Community Music Victoria Inc. Ross House, 247 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Vic 3000

Tel: 03 9662 1162   Fax: 03 9662 1197 Email:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

More information: http://cmv.customer.netspace.net.au

Dandenong Ranges Music Council Inc.

The Dandenong Ranges Music Council Inc (DRMC) provides opportunities for musicians of all ages, abilities and interests, to participate in making music. The DRMC mission is to "retain its position at the leading edge of community music develoment by continuing to create opportunities for people of all ages to listen to, to learn, to participate in, and to perform music in the Yarra Ranges and it's environs, in partnership with resident and visiting professional musicians and music educators'. Groups currently exisiting under the DRMC are: Dandenong Ranges Orchestra, Ranges Young Strings, Hilltop Singers, Dr Swing Big Band, Outer Eastern Country Music Club, Youth Music Connection, Music Jams and many more.

Tel: 03 9754 6566

Email:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it     

More information: www.drmc.org.au

Federation of Australian Mandolin Ensembles

An organisation which aims: to promote community involvement in the formation of orchestras of plucked string instruments; to promote such orchestras to achieve the highest musical standards possible; to promote the training of players and conductors; to encourage musicians to compose and arrange music for mandolin orchestras.  Member backgrounds range from folk through light popular to classical and playing ability from beginner to professional. Activities include conventions, workshops, newsletters, scholarships for students, and encouragement to composers to expand the repertoire. Community involvement by the member ensembles is encouraged. More information: http://home.vicnet.net.au/~fameweb/

musicteachers.mu - The Ultimate Music Teacher Directory & Resource

A nation-wide list of ensembles, mostly orchestras, grouped as Professional, Amateur, or Youth. More information: http://www.musicteachers.mu/mu

Orchestras Australia

A listing of symphony orchestras both amateur and professional. The website has a list of members in each state. Information is provided only by links to each orchestraís website - and not all have websites. If you see the name of an orchestra that might be of interest but has no website, please contact the office for more details. More information: http://www.orchestrasaustralia.org.au/

Pipe Bands Victoria

Represents pipe bands from around the state. The Association runs the Australian Pipe Band College, which comprise music syllabi and adjucator's rules. Tuition on the instruments is normally conducted within each band. More information: http://www.pipebandsvic.com/

Victorian Bands League

A good list of concert and brass bands. The VBL is currently developing websites for every one of their member bands. More information: http://www.vbl.org.au/

Individual Ensembles

Hyde Street Youth Band

Formed in 1928, this band has been responsible for starting and encouraging many young brass/percussion players, some of whom have continued on to become top professionals or leaders in the field of music education. Based in the Melbourne’s inner western suburbs.  A training band is also offered for new starters or players with little experience. Age range for participants: up to 18 years

Style of music: Brass band

Nature of program: Plays regularly at community festivals and functions incl. Western Bulldogs and Seddon Festival in the Park See www.seddonmusic.com

Led by: Musical Director John Collinson (RAAF band)

More information: www.hydestreet.8m.net

Squawkestra

An orchestra for the rest of us!  Squawkestra is for adult beginners/rusty players.  So drag out that neglected instrument and come and join us.  Rehearsals are every second Thursday 7-9 pm at Northcote Uniting Church, 251 High st Northcote.
Style of music: Orchestra (classical)
Nature of program: Fornightly rehearsals, public and in-house performances held every year.
Led by: Musical Director & Conductor Andrea Simpson B.Mus A.Mus
For more information: www.squawkestra.com or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it