SUNSHINE PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA
Which Orchestra is right for me?
SPO Prep
SPO Prep is specially designed for young beginner string players in primary school, typically in their first years of learning up to around AMEB Grade 2 level. This ensemble provides a nurturing and inspiring introduction to orchestral playing, with a focus on ensemble fundamentals, musical listening, and joyful music-making.
Rehearsals incorporates fun and engaging activities inspired by the SPO Ensemble Methods to develop rhythm, pitch awareness, and musical coordination in a group setting.
No audition is required — places are limited and offered based on teacher recommendation and application.
SPO Prep is the perfect first step for young musicians eager to begin their orchestral journey in a supportive and encouraging environment.
SPO Junior Orchestra is designed for exceptional young string players in Year 4 and below who demonstrate strong technical ability, musicality, and ensemble potential. This group offers an ideal next step for advanced younger students who have progressed far beyond beginner level and are ready to tackle more challenging music in a structured orchestral setting.
Musicians in the Junior Orchestra develop essential performance skills through real concerts and competitions.
Rehearsals feature authentic, unarranged repertoire from master composers such as Mozart, Vivaldi, as well as specially selected original works by contemporary Australian composers.
This orchestra is a professional-level training ground for young performers, aiming to nurture the next generation of soloists, chamber musicians, and orchestral leaders through immersive, high-standard musical experiences.
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Entry is by audition
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Age Requirement: Year 4 or below
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Instrument Level: Approximately AMEB Grade 5+ or equivalent
Junior Orchestra
Senior Orchestra
Designed for advanced young musicians in Year 4 and above, this orchestra offers a rich and varied repertoire that keeps students motivated, inspired, and musically challenged over the long term.
What sets Senior Orchestra apart is its diverse programming — from authentic, unabridged classical masterpieces by composers such as Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, and Dvořák, to exciting modern arrangements of popular works from Genshin Impact, Studio Ghibli films, and other beloved game and animation soundtracks. This variety ensures that students stay passionate about music while continuing to build strong technical foundations.
Our rehearsals are structured to enhance technical control, ensemble precision, and expressive interpretation. Many of our members have successfully progressed to selective music programs at leading primary and high schools.
The orchestra has earned several winners and distinctions at Sydney Eisteddfod, affirming its status as a high-achieving and artistically driven ensemble.
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Entry is by audition.
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Age Requirement: Year 4 or above
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Instrument Level: Approximately AMEB Grade 6+ or equivalent
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Instruments accepted: Strings, Clarinet, and Flute
Premium String Ensemble
Premium String Ensemble is SPO’s elite pre-professional string group, designed for highly advanced young musicians who demonstrate exceptional technique, musical maturity, and performance readiness.
The repertoire focuses on challenging classical concerti and ensemble works, including music by Vivaldi, Mozart, Piazzolla, and other major composers. Students regularly prepare and perform full-length concertos and sophisticated string works, gaining invaluable experience in both soloistic and collaborative roles.
Through intensive rehearsals and frequent concerto performances, members receive focused guidance to develop technical excellence, interpretative depth, and stage confidence — all essential for future musical careers or conservatory study.
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Age Requirement: No fixed age (typically advanced high school students)
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Instrument Level: AMEB Grade 8+ or equivalent
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Entry: By audition only