Geelong Youth Orchestra prepare for first major performance

FIVE years on from when an idea for a Geelong Youth Orchestra (GYO) was first conceived and the group is now weeks away from its first major concert before the public.

The group of 22 musicians aged between 12 and 23 started rehearsals shortly before COVID hit, and now they’re gearing up for their first stand-alone performance at the Shenton Performing Arts Centre at Geelong High School in November.

Creation of a GYO was orginally envisaged by music teacher Joanna Latham and former Orchestra Geelong conductor Mark Shiell in 2017, who handed over to music director and chamber orchestra conductor Hayden Dinse in September.

It consists of students from Oberon and Belmont High Schools, Geelong College, Geelong Grammar, Western Heights and Deakin University playing violins, violas, cellos, French horns, trumpets and percussion.

“But we’re always looking for new players, particularly in strings, trombone and trumpet,” Mr Dinse said.
The head of music at Geelong Lutheran College’s Armstrong Creek campus, Mr Dinse is proud of the assembled players and their dedication to the craft, given rehearsals are on a Saturday afternoon between 2.30pm and 4.30pm.

“Many then go straight to work in part time jobs afterwards… they’re obviously very committed,” he said.

“One is an émigré from China, so that’s been particularly good for him, for socialising and his language.

“Not everyone is into sport… the one thing that brings them together is music, particularly after COVID.”

The group has what Mr Dinse described as a “dress rehearsal” for the seniors festival this weekend, before its November 12 concert that will feature well known pieces from Beethoven, Brahms, Dvorak and Lord of the Dance.

“Keeping the toes tapping, as most pieces are very fast and just a few slow ones for good measure,” Mr Dinse said.
“All very well-known pieces, relatively short as well… we’re catering for kids and adults.

“We’re trying to establish ourselves as a youth orchestra so playing things that younger people would be interested in, the longest is around seven minutes.”

In a nod to their surrounds the orchestra is also playing the Habanera from Carmen, the same opera the Geelong Cats theme song comes from.

The GYO play at the Shenton Performing Arts Centre, Geelong High School, on Saturday, November 12 at 7.00pm

For more information visit: gyo.org.au or facebook.com/gyorchestra.official