Hunter Wind Ensemble
The Hunter Wind Ensemble is a regional wind band for public school students in Years 5 to 12 in the Regional North Directorate.
The ensemble provides an engaging and supportive environment for talented musicians to develop their musical skills while performing some exciting wind band repertoire.
Membership is open to all talented woodwind, brass and percussion players from local NSW government schools. Students attending NSW government primary and secondary schools from Years 5 to 12 are invited to apply for membership and audition.
A minimum of 3rd grade Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB) or equivalent is expected to audition.
2024
The Hunter Wind Ensemble rehearses for a full day generally twice a school term at Merewether High School Learning Centre. Additional rehearsals are scheduled to coincide with performance commitments.
The Hunter Wind Ensemble tours locally, interstate and internationally.
A yearly performance and rehearsal schedule is published at the commencement of each year.
As a member of the Hunter Wind Ensemble you are emailed your music with the intention of practicing prior to the ensemble rehearsal.
Auditions are conducted at each rehearsal, with prospective members encouraged to contact us for calendar dates. To apply contact the ensemble via email - hunterwindensemble@gmail.com
Follow the Hunter Wind Ensemble on Facebook.
Student application
Student applications can be made via the online Hunter Wind Ensemble 2024 application form.
Fees
- $150 per student per semester
- Payment can be made through The Arts Unit student payment portal. (Please select Program: Music, payment for Hunter Wind Ensemble, payment option HWE semester fee.)
Ensemble uniform
Ensemble uniform and accessories can be purchased through the HWE Uniform order form.
- Black performance shirt $50
To be provided by the ensemble member:
- Black dress pants, black shoes and socks,
- black tie (boys only)
Past HWE touring and performance opportunities
The ensemble has previously travelled extensively overseas with highly successful international tours, providing students with once-in-a-lifetime performance opportunities, and memorable social experiences.
In 2023, the Hunter Wind Ensemble celebrated their 20th anniversary and toured Tasmania.
In 2022, the Hunter Wind Ensemble toured Western NSW, including Dubbo, Parkes and Leeton for the Leeton Outback Band Spectacular.
In 2019, the Hunter Wind Ensemble toured Central Australia with a number of exciting performance and touring events in locations such as Alice Springs, Uluru, Kings Canyon, Cooper Pedy.
Performance opportunities include:
- Australian National Eisteddfod in Canberra
- Star Struck
- Newcastle and Hunter Combined schools ANZAC Day Service
- State Wind Band
- Festival of Instrumental Music at The Sydney Opera House
- National Band Championships
- Bandlink workshops
- school workshops.
Previous tours have included:
- workshops and performances in Spain and Portugal
- Pacific Basin Music Festival in Hawaii
- Mid West Clinic in Chicago
- concerts in New York, Los Angeles and San Diego
- performance in Ube, Japan as part of the 30th Anniversary of the Sister-City relationship between Newcastle in Ube
- participation in the Summa Cum Laude Festival in Vienna and presentation of a Command Performance at the renowned Musikverein.
- performance at Disneyland, Paris on Bastille Day.
