An ingenious orchestral initiative from UTAS

The University of Tasmania, Conservatorium of Music, has recently launched a fantastic new initiative to foment orchestral playing in Tasmania: the Tasmanian Discovery Orchestra (TDO). The orchestra is designed to increase the opportunity for musicians with advanced orchestral instrument skills, but are not able to perform regularly within their own community, to come together (from all over Australia) to perform great music. 

So how does this work with musicians coming from all over Australia?
Well it's really quite an ingenious system.  There are a total of four concerts per year. There are five rehearsals prior to each concert: two on Friday, two on Saturday and one on Sunday.  The concert itself takes place on the Sunday afternoon. This brilliant set up means that people can easily come from interstate to be invovled!

Who can apply?
Any Australian citizen or permanent resident over the age of 16.

How do I join?
The TDO is an ensemble of the Conservatorium of Music. To be eligible to perform musicians first of all must audition. This can be live or recorded (DVD). Then they are enrolled in a series of performanc units (concerts!) leading to a Diploma in Music Performance (undergraduate) or Graduate Diploma in Music Professional Music Practice (graduate).

What about cost?
The TDO will actually pay you for each rehearsal! And the associated university fees are covered by a HECS scholarship. Also, those travelling from the mainland receive a travel subsidy in addition to the rehearsal fee.

So what are you waiting for? Check out the website for more information and a downloadable flyer. You can also apply online, here. If you are still not sure you can also download the orchestral excerpts for your instrument on the right hand side of this page and/or contact the Conservatorium of Music for more specific information .