Click here for more details and to register/audition for the 2023/2024 season.
New Zealand Youth Symphonic Winds is the premiere youth concert band in Aotearoa and is part of NZCBA’s National Bands Programme.
Along with other national representative youth projects, the NZYSW plays a critical role in the development of young Kiwis. This ensemble brings the best secondary school wind, brass, and percussion students together in the ultimate show of musical collaboration and development. NZYSW meets twice a year in an intensive rehearsal/coaching/concert schedule, with tutoring and mentoring from some of the music industry’s leading educators and performers.
New Zealand Youth Symphonic Winds aims to foster youth music making, and is centred around core aims of enabling, developing and empowering youth musical development in Aotearoa. NZYSW provides the opportunity for players from all backgrounds, and corners of the country, to flourish, engage with other outstanding young players, and to gain access to top professionals in the field. NZYSW is committed to being a diverse, safe and inclusive environment, to which players are encouraged to bring their complete selves. All participants are required to agree to our Code of Conduct.
Now in its 11th year, New Zealand Youth Symphonic Winds, an initiative of New Zealand Concert Bands Association, is Aotearoa’s national representative ensemble for young concert band players.
Our Music Director is Dr Kevin Cameron and we are very pleased to announce that he will continue to hold this position through to 2023.
Membership is for one season and entry is by competitive audition. Each season includes 2 week-long intensive courses, one in winter (July) and one in the following summer (January).
“Coming from a smaller town, being in the NZYSW was an opportunity to see a wider world of music at a higher level, and the experience was everything I wanted it to be and more.”
Bella Anderson, NZYSW alumna
Artistic Director – Dr. Kevin Cameron
Kevin Cameron is an enthusiastic and experienced leader in education, where a passion for teaching and the nurturing of positive relationships are central to his practice. As an exemplary conductor, professional musician and teaching artist Kevin brings a unique perspective to leadership, stakeholder relationships, team building and high-performance outcomes through his diverse experience in schools, universities and professional industry groups. He is Director of Performing Arts at Gippsland Grammar in Sale (Vic), Australia.
NZYSW gratefully acknowledges Pub Charity Ltd., Southern Trust Ltd., Bethlehem Coachlines Ltd., as well as the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and Christchurch Symphony Orchestra for past sponsorship and support.
Please see highlights below from the 2022 winter intensive in Christchurch. The 2022/2023 season’s Summer intensive will take place from 11-15 January in Tauranga. This group has already been selected, however if you are interested in joining the band for the 2023/2024 season, please sign up via this form: https://forms.office.com/r/fJZ3ZJU0s9
