A dynamic youth concert band
Northern Youth Symphonic Wind was set up to provide talented students an opportunity to further their passion for music and develop their performance abilities. Founder Matthew Walmsley organized a small group in 2009 which grew from its original 20-some members to the band of around 60 musicians it is today.
A brief history of the NYSW
In just over ten years –with two years lost to Covid restrictions and cancellations of concerts and face-to-face rehearsals –the ensemble has earned an outstanding reputation for quality and commitment.
“When we started out in 2009, I knew the musical talent was there. We just needed ways to extend and develop each individual opportunity” says founder Matthew Walmsley. “We have been fortunate to perform in many concerts and competitions with awards to our credit.
By the end of 2019, we were set to grow even further with trips planned around Australia and even overseas. Let’s hope that’s back in our sights again.”
NYSW is run by a Committee of volunteers, mostly dedicated parents who want to see this group flourish. They encourage all manner of support or contributions and urge more volunteers from the community or band members to step forward and contact us.
“The standard at NYSW is extremely high and gave my children the opportunity to really develop as musicians to meet high expectations. They welcomed the opportunity to play challenging music and be introduced to varied pieces and composers or arrangements. As parents, to see your children perform at the Verburggan Hall at the Conservatorium of Music for the End of Year concerts was a particular highlight for me.”
Ruth, Artarmon - musician parent, 2016 – 2021
Artarmon Public School
weekly rehearsals
All NYSW Members are expected to attend weekly rehearsals for two hours on a Monday evening (6:30pm to 8:30pm). These are productive sessions to practice at true performance levels, not just warm up. Members are expected to learn and perform at a high calibre of concert proficiency.
In the 2020 and 2021 Covid lockdown situations, sub-groups continued to rehearse via ZOOM to keep up and be ready for the opportunity of coming together again in concert. The first concert took place Sunday 12 December for family and friends at Artarmon Public School to an excellent reception.
Passionate musicians are invited to audition
Ready to extend yourself? Let us know a bit about yourself and we will contact you about our next audition. Interested students should prepare a piece of their own choice as well as a scale and be prepared to do some sight-reading during the audition.
Our Committee Secretary keeps all contacts on file for audition notification. Please include all your relevant details and contact us.
Contact us
For more information about how to
be part of NYSW, get in touch!