Students must have private music tuition on an instrument to be eligible to play in the co-curricular instrumental ensembles and commit to rehearsals and performances. There are numerous performance opportunities throughout the year including our String Soirees, String Festivals and Junior School Co-Curricular Concert, in addition to our bi-annual Sydney Opera House Concert and alternating Town Hall Concert. There are also opportunities to compete in String Eisteddfods.
Kindergarten to Year 6 Co-Curricular String Ensembles
Allegro Strings (Kindergarten to Year 3)
This is an ensemble for our youngest string players. We welcome all string players from Kindergarten to Year 3 in this un-auditioned group.
Program Details
Coordinator: James Larsen
Places Available: 30 places
Day and Time: Thursday 7.15am–8.15am
Location: Junior School Music Studio 1
Cost: There is no cost associated with this activity
Enrolment: Contact the coordinator
Presto Strings (Year 2 to Year 4)
This group is for our advancing string players in Year 2 to Year 4. Entry is by audition.
Program Details
Coordinator: James Larsen
Places Available: 30 places
Day and Time: Thursday 7.15am–8.15am
Location: Junior School Music Studio 2
Cost: There is no cost associated with this activity
Enrolment: By audition. Contact the coordinator for more information.
Vivace Strings (Year 3 to Year 6)
For students looking for a greater level of challenge, Vivace Strings aims to provide an ensemble experience that is aligned with the musical and technical content of our curriculum string classes. In this group, students from Year 3 to Year 6 will perform repertoire in positions one through five, use a wide variety of bow strokes, and explore music in more complex time signatures. Entry is by audition.
Program Details
Coordinator: James Larsen
Places Available: 30 places
Day and Time: Thursday 7am–8am
Location: Junior School – Year 5 Central
Cost: There is no cost associated with this activity
Enrolment: By audition. Contact the coordinator for more information.
Junior Chamber Strings (Year 3 to Year 6)
Students in this group are looking to be challenged at a high level of music making. Learning and performing core string ensemble repertoire for high school students, presented in a way still appropriate for Junior School students, this ensemble regularly represents MLC School at competitions, as well as internal and external events. Entry is by audition.
Program Details
Coordinator: James Larsen
Places Available: 30 places
Day and Time: Thursday 7am–8am
Location: Music Centre
Cost: There is no cost associated with this activity
Enrolment: By audition. Contact the coordinator for more information.
Year 6 to Year 12 Co-Curricular String Ensembles
Sinfonia (Year 7 to Year 10)
Sinfonia is an intermediate level string orchestra for girls in Year 7 to Year 10.
Program Details
Coordinator: James Larsen
Places Available: 40 places
Day and Time: Monday 3.30pm–4.30pm
Location: Senior Music Centre – Classroom 3
Cost: There is no cost associated with this activity
Enrolment: Contact the coordinator
Symphony Orchestra (Year 7 to Year 12)
Symphony Orchestra is for advanced string players and selected woodwind, brass and percussionists. Students must play in Symphony Orchestra to be eligible to play in the Chamber Orchestra and any chamber ensembles.
Program Details
Coordinator: James Larsen
Places Available: 60 places
Day and Time: Monday 7.15am–8am, Monday 3.30pm–4.30pm
Location: Music Centre Auditorium
Cost: There is no cost associated with this activity
Enrolment: By audition. Contact the coordinator for more information.
Chamber Orchestra (Year 7 to Year 12)
The MLC School Chamber Orchestra is composed of girls from Year 7 to Year 12 and is an auditioned ensemble for the most advanced string players who are also members of the Symphony Orchestra.
Program Details
Coordinator: James Larsen
Places Available: 30 places
Day and Time: Tuesday 7am–8am
Location: Music Centre Auditorium
Cost: There is no cost associated with this activity
Enrolment: By audition. Contact the coordinator for more information
Chamber Music (Year 6 to Year 12)
This is an extensive part of the music program giving students the opportunity to experience the joy of being in a small group where they are required to hold an individual part. There are a variety of string quartets and quintets that meet at lunchtime in the Music Centre classrooms. Entry is by invitation once the required standard has been achieved. Year 9 to Year 12 Elective Music students are encouraged to be involved. There may be a charge to participate in 2026.
Program Details
Coordinator: James Larsen
Day and Time: To be arranged between staff and students
Location: Music Centre
Cost: $135 per term
Enrolment: By invitation. Contact the coordinator for more information.
Recommended String Instrument Retailers
KG Instruments
18/2 Bishop Street, St Peters
https://kginstruments.com/
Logans Pianos
250 Burwood Road, Burwood
https://www.loganspianos.com.au/
Sydney String Centre
159 Parramatta Road, Annandale
314 High Street, Chatswood
https://www.violins.com.au/
Holzmann Fine Stringed Instruments
1/135 Burwood Road, Burwood
02 9745 5798
The Violinery
Suite 101, Level 1, 302-304 Pacific Highway, Lindfield
http://theviolinery.com.au/