Hi Philharmonic Orchestra members, parents, and guardians,

Welcome to Philharmonic 2023! We’re really excited for what is going to be a fun and exciting year.

The members area online is where you will find orchestra lists and WBP rostering, rehearsal schedules, and most importantly PRACTICE PARTS!!!

The members area is a general area for all members. Specific information for each group can be found using the Orchestra Resources section. Click the links under your orchestra group and you will be directed to your ensemble’s relevant documents. Please check here for regular updates.

The conductor for first semester is Dale Pointon. The conductor for second semester is Elise Chong.

FYI, we have several pieces on the repertoire list this semester. Not all of it will be performed in June (Dale will be choosing the best 30mins of music out of this list) but they are intended to be worked on to improve different types of skills and ensemble playing. So don’t worry that there is a lot of music there, Dale will be workshopping a lot with you throughout the semester.

Not every movement is going to be practiced so below is an outline of which movements will be done.

The sections you’ll be doing are:

  • Kodaly Hary Janos Suite will only be Movement 4 & 5
  • Dvorak Symphony No.9 will only be Movement 4.
  • de Falla Spanish Dance, starts at rehearsal No6 and ends at the pause before rehearsal no17 – some parts finish at the pause.
  • Berlioz Hungarian March – Whole piece
  • Marquez Conga del Fuego Nuevo – Whole piece
  • We’re still waiting for the music for the Wagner!

Percussionists, I will send you another email with rostering assignments for each piece shortly.

The first rehearsal is Saturday 11 February 9am – 12pm, at Richard Gill Auditorium, WAAPA (Building 1, 2 Bradford Street, Mt Lawley – maps attached.)

It is expected that everyone arrives by 8:45am at the latest and is warmed up and tuned before we begin at 9am.

Percussion, please aim to arrive around 8:15am to start your percussion set up. Our excellent Operation Assistant Gabby Lee is a percussionist that knows the WAAPA percussion well, so feel free to ask her for help at first rehearsal in where to find equipment if you are unsure. Please all help and share the setup and pack down requirements, depending on rostering and schedule.

Please use the seating area in the auditorium to unpack your cases and keep your bags as there is limited room on the stage floor.

If you are running late, please email, text, or call me so I can pass apologies on to the conductor and your section. If you are friends with your section, please still let me know, even if you contact them as well of your absence/late arrival.

For rehearsals, don’t forget to bring your 2B pencil and any accessories you need – double basses you will need to byo stool please. WAYO will provide music stands, music, and chairs.

If you are unable to make a rehearsal, please let me (Breanna – breanna.evangelista@wayo.com.au) know asap (even if it’s months ahead I will keep notes), with at least 24hours notice if possible. Being told early of absences helps me plan ahead to make sure we use our limited rehearsal time in the most efficient way possible.

Due to the size of the groups and limited space inside all our rehearsal rooms, we appreciate that only playing members enter the rehearsal rooms and parents farewell their rising stars at the door. We have experienced staff that can assist with tuning or setting up their instrument, so please ask for any assistance if required.

The 2 main concerts for Philharmonic this year are as follows:

  • Saturday 3 June – Newman College
  • Saturday 21 October – Perth Concert Hall

Specific rehearsal schedules for the whole year can be found online!

Philharmonic will also be performing a Babies Proms this year. Performance dates are TBC, but we’re hopeful it will be either the 1st or 2nd weekend in May. More information will be sent asap once I have more details.

All members are eligible for a FREE MEMBER TICKET to any Perth Concert Hall concert that the senior WA Youth Orchestra is performing. Their concerts dates are Sunday 28 May 5pm, Saturday 8 July 7:30pm, and Sunday 1 October 5pm. More information regarding how to access your free member ticket will be sent once the concerts go on sale, so stay tuned for details later in March.

We can’t wait to see you soon, so go online, check out the seating lists, and start practicing!!!!

Bre