Burnie Stringalong Orchestra
Gallery
Stringalong in the Atrium - Burnie Shines 2019. Images by Grant Wells Photo
Burnie Stringalong Orchestra (BSO) started life as an ‘After School String Program’ to compliment the work being achieved through the Stringalong sessions being held in schools within the Burnie municipality.
For dedicated Stringalong students, BSO provides the opportunity to develop the camaraderie required for playing in an ensemble. Students are encouraged not only in their musical skills, but also their social and teamwork capabilities. This mentoring is facilitated by their teacher – Josie Riches – and the more advanced students.
In 2015 the Tasmanian Community Fund allocated $10,000 to establish BSO. It has since developed substantially to the point where, in February 2017, the Department of Education allocated $5,000 to support the ensemble for the upcoming school year. In April 2017 the BSO performed for the board of the Tasmanian Community Fund at its Burnie Forum.
June 2016 saw the first real performance of the ensemble at the Burnie City Eisteddfod. It proved to be a very significant event with many members of the Burnie musical community expressing considerable praise for what they heard.
At the 2018 Eisteddfod BSO won 2nd place out of seven entrants with a score of 85 points.
The BSO is also extremely fortunate to have received training from members of the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra. The TSO provides these outreach opportunities free-of-charge, and they are an inspiration for the students. Article re Summer String Camp HERE
Contact: Lynne Price – 0409 361 940
Feedback from the City of Burnie Eistedfod:
CITY OF BURNIE EISTEDDFOD 2016
Congratulations everyone on your commitment in so many different classes last week.
In particular I must mention our BSO performance – the first one ever under that name – which received many complements from community members. Looking resplendent in the new uniform shirts and conducting yourselves impeccably: I was enormously proud of you. Thanks to Mrs. Perry and Josie for all their hard work on Thursday afternoons to prepare you for the challenge of performing in such a public event. It is possible to enjoy this experience when you are well practised and can play confidently : I believe you had reached that stage.
These are the adjudicators comments: 76 Points
Butterfly Ballet
A lively work which you brought to life! Keep focussing on intonation which is an indication of ensemble ability as well. Practise individually with a drone for tuning reference.
Tomorrow
What a fun piece to do. Enjoy having sectional rehearsals so each section is confident with their important role in the group.
BSO MEDIA
http://www.theadvocate.com.au/story/4300056/stringalong-orchestra-in-high-demand/
Burnie Stringalong Orchestra string workshops with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra - Ten Days on The Island, Burnie, 2021. Images by Nadeena Beck
Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra training session - 2022
In October 2022, viola player William Newberry from the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra visited Burnie to run tutoring sessions with the BSO. William worked with both the junior and senior ensembles on current programme repertoire. There was also a short session with everyone involved.
The TSO fully sponsored this workshop. We are very grateful for this support. Players from the senior BSO are featured in the photo along with Will (centre back).