Philippa attends the Australian Youth Orchestra Young Symphonists program in Mt Eliza

On the first week of the April holidays I flew to Victoria to attend the Australian Youth Orchestra Young Symphonists program held at Toorak College in Mt Eliza. I was one of five viola players and 60 musicians aged 13-18 from around Australia invited to take part in the week-long residential program.

During the week, there were many different activities, aside from the orchestral and chamber rehearsals. Highlights included professional development sessions, a seminar on musical career pathways, numerous concerts and a trivia night.

I was lucky enough to work with professional musicians from around Australia, including the principal violist of the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, to improve my playing and technique. The week culminated with a performance in the fantastic concert space of Deakin Edge, Federation Square in Melbourne.

The program was lots of fun, although it was very tiring with up to eight and a half hours of rehearsals every day! It was certainly a privilege to work with other young musicians during the week and overall it was a very rewarding and worthwhile experience. I would highly recommend anyone studying an orchestral instrument to apply for an AYO program in the future.

Philippa Newman