Around 100 string instrument players will descend on Newington’s Wyvern House (Stanmore K–6) campus this weekend, to make beautiful music at the Australian Strings Association (AUSTA) NSW Strings Festival on Sunday 25 May.  

AUSTA, a professional organisation that unites teachers, performers, and makers of bowed string instruments, holds a range of musical events across Australia every year. The NSW Strings Festival is designed to give young players the opportunity to perform, and often play solo for the first time, within a friendly, non-competitive and supportive environment.  

It is the first time Newington has hosted the festival – a real boon for the College, says Mrs Adele Ohki, Head of Strings. 

‘Events like these elevate and inspire our students, placing the Newington music program at the forefront of music education in Sydney,’ says Mrs Ohki, who oversees the string program across three campuses with approximately 250 string players. 

‘Our involvement is great for the College’s music program as a whole, and particularly for our string program and string players.’ 

AUSTA participants are invited to play one piece, either solo or with an accompanist, to the best of their ability. They will play one by one in a small group with other players of a similar age and ability, and each will receive a certificate of participation and a trophy, as well as a panel report providing feedback on their performance. 

The festival is open to any school and tends to attract those with strong musical programs, such as Newington. This year around 100 musicians will perform, with 20 from Newington’s Preps and Senior school. 

‘I am really pleased that so many of our Newington students have chosen to perform, some of them getting up for the very first time to play for an audience as a soloist,’ adds Mrs Ohki. 

‘This helps to ensure that we are offering string performance opportunities from our most experienced players to our entry level players. 

‘Some of the students are preparing pieces they have been working on for many months, or pieces that they plan to perform for AMEB examinations or other events, so it is a fantastic opportunity for them to showcase their work in a supportive and friendly environment.’  

Newington has a busy music schedule this term, with a range of other upcoming events. At Stanmore (7–12), the Junior Concerto Competition takes place in the Music Practice Hall at 5.30pm tonight; another fantastic opportunity for junior musicians from Years 7–9 to showcase their skills for peers, College staff and families.  

The Wyvern Music Concert will be held on Tuesday 27 May from 6.00pm in Centenary Hall, with all students from Years 3–6 undertaking a variety of ensemble and choir performances. Lindfield Prep’s Music Concert follows on Thursday 29 May from 6.00pm, also in Centenary Hall and involves all students from Years K–6.  

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For more information about Newington’s Creative and Performing Arts program, please visit: https://www.newington.nsw.edu.au/co-curricular/creative-and-performing-arts/