The Pennant Hills Public School String Ensemble was founded in 2001 by a then parent, Mrs Naira Yusufova. The group is now comprised of violin and cello players from Kindergarten through to Year 6.

The ensemble performs at a number of school events such as assemblies, Music Camp, musical evenings, and at concerts outside of school when possible.

To join the String Ensemble it is assumed that your child:

  • has been learning their instrument for at least 6 months;
  • is having regular, weekly private tuition;
  • has their own instrument (hired or purchased);
  • can commit to weekly rehearsals;
  • can attend performances in and outside of school; and
  • can and will attend a weekend School Music Camp.

Intro to Strings & Junior Strings

The Intro to Strings and Junior Strings courses  was launched in 2020 to provide an opportunity for those interested in strings to hire an instrument and get started with the the basics before moving into the Main Ensemble. It is a great way to introduce kids to a string instrument.  More information here

Senior String Ensemble

Within the greater ensemble, our Senior String Ensemble is open to students of higher proficiency levels. Students in Years 3-6 are eligible to audition; typically members of the Senior Ensemble are from Year 4 or above, though this varies with enrollment. Senior Ensemble students attend a second weekly rehearsal, where they work on different and more challenging repertoire.

Some players (or all, depending on allocation) from the Senior Ensemble are selected to attend the Festival of Instrumental Music (FOIM) held by the Arts Unit each year.

Musical Direction

String Ensemble is trained and directed by Sarah Qiu. Sarah has completed her Bachelor of Music (Music Education) at Sydney Conservatorium, now seeking to combine performance skills and education skills in string pedagogy. Most recently, Sarah led performances as concertmaster in FEMUSC (Brazil), performing alongside maestros Leon Spierer, Alex Klein and Gregory Carreno. Sarah enjoys connecting with young people through working with organisations such as The Arts Unit and Sydney Youth Orchestras. She is always keen for a folk jam, having attended Stringmania and Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival.

Sarah hopes to continue to inspire youth to make music a part of their lives, and to keep exploring different genres, styles and ways of playing violin.

Registration

We look forward to 2022 after a Covid-disrupted year in 2021.

The Main Ensemble welcomes new members throughout the year, please email phpsstrings@gmail.com and our Committee will be in touch.

Intro to Strings and Junior Ensemble have two intakes each per year, please register here