State and Nationwide Ensemble Organisations

Amateur Chamber Music Society

Meets regularly for chamber music concerts in Kirribilli and other locations - also regular playing days and an annual music camp in Wollongong in January. More information: http://www.acms-sydney.org/

Australian Band and Orchestra Directors' Association

List mainly of concert bands, and an orchestra.  A good level of information is given in most of the listings. Of course, there are many more bands than are shown here. More information: http://www.abodansw.com/index.htm

Australian National Choral Association

Nationally, a list of some hundreds of choirs, among them performing many different styles of music.  You can 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/1index.html

Australian Pipe Band Community Website

A terrific resource for pipes and drums. A large number of ensembles are listed for NSW. The information supplied by each ensemble is highly variable. Many groups do not have their own web pages. Most groups welcome learners and provide training and equipment. 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/

Band Association of NSW

Lists brass and concert bands through NSW. Many groups do not have their own web pages and must be contacted by phone. Age range for participants: not stated

Style of music: brass and concert bands

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

Beecroft Orchestra

An amateur community orchestra with about 40 members who rehearse weekly at Carlingford High School and perform at St Albans church Epping quarterly. "We are a volunteer organisation and rely solely on our box office and fundraising efforts to fund our four concerts a year. Our charter is to provide the opportunity for local amateur musicians to play classical orchestral music and to deliver well-priced concerts to the local community. There are no auditions, but we welcome new players of a standard generally of about AMEB grade 6 and above. Our orchestra includes players of all ages, from school students through to retirees!  Our present conductor is Brendan Cooper.  We are always looking for new members. We have no membership fees, but ask for a token contribution (currently $10 per concert) to cover costs."

For more information, contact Elizabeth Grey Ph: 9908-7405 (ah); E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

Website: http://www.thebeecroftorchestra.net.au/

Beethoven Society of Australia

Performs large choral works of Beethoven, especially the 9th symph, and other choral works of Beethoven and other composers.  More information: http://www.beethovensociety.org.au/

Central Coast Directory

A spinoff of the Sydney Music Web, this site with lists of performing ensembles, individual musicians, and other resources. Many of the links appear not to work too well, so it is probably in need of updating - nevertheless useful. More information: http://www.sydneymusicweb.com/central_coast.htm

Classical Guitar Society, Sydney

This society offers regular recitals with performance opportunities for members, also the CGS Guitar Orchestra. More information: http://www.classicalguitarsydney.org.au/

Conservatorium of Music, Wollongong

Offers a wide range of instrumental, vocal and music theory programs to students of all ages. There is a big emphasis on childhood music education, catering for children as young as 1 year old. Also runs a number of performing instrumental and vocal ensembles, including a symphony orchestra, wind and string ensembles, three vocal ensembles, jazz ensembles, and flute, recorder and guitar choirs. More information: http://www.wollconmusic.nsw.edu.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/

Midland Brick Brass Band

A band based in Perth, their website features a number of NSW bands.  More information: http://www.wabrass.com/index.php?area=links

Murray Conservatorium of Music, Albury - Wodonga

Has stated aims of providing quality music education to persons of all ages, and fostering music-making in the community. The Conservatorium currently runs flute ensembles, a recorder ensemble, a stage band, and a youth choir. More information: http://www.murraycon.edu.au/home.htm

MuscUTS - the Music Society of UTS

Operates an SATB choir and a chamber orchestra with two major performances and a number of smaller ones through the year. More information: http://muscuts.org.au/

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/

Sydney Music Web

A website with lists of performing ensembles, individual musicians, and other resources. Many of the links appear not to work too well, so it is probably in need of updating - nevertheless useful.  More information: http://www.sydneymusicweb.com/

Individual Ensembles

Epping Children's Choir

This choir is an auditioned group, made up of children 6 years of age, through to 12 years of age. Based in Epping NSW, they rehearse weekly on a Wednesday afternoon. Age range of participants: 6-12 years. Style of Music: They sing mostly popular/contemporary-style repertoire, that kids enjoy singing, including songs from popular movies, theatre songs and medleys, and pop songs, as well as occasional songs, such as Christmas, etc More information: please contact FUNKEY MUSIC FACTORY on 02)9869 3144, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit the website: www.funkeymusicfactory.com.au

Mosman Orchestra

A community orchestra based in Mosman which rehearses and performs in and for the local community. Age range for participants: All ages are welcome. We have members from 14 to 75 years old. Style of music: Orchestral music from all periods, including works with soloists and choruses. Nature of program: The orchestra meets weekly to rehearse, and prepares 4-5 programmes annually. It gives 2-3 performances of each programme, including special concerts in retirement villages and for other community events. It features soloist, guest conductors and there is opportunity for members to play solos as well, subject to negotiation. Led by: The orchestra is an incorporated entity, administered by a committee. The music director is Andrew Del Riccio. More information:  www.mosmanorchestra.org.au

Wayside Chapel Chorus

An exuberant amateur choir rehearsing Wednesday nights in Kings Cross, and performing in chapel services. No audition required. All are welcome. Age range of participants: Adult

Style of Music: Gospel, Classical, Popular & Religious

Led by: Jade Tinkler

More information: www.thewaysidechapel.com