PLAYERLINK

Ever heard of the 'Playerlink Effect'?

It's a condition affecting young musicians throughout regional NSW, most apparent during the annual three-day intensive Playerlink workshops. 

Typical indications include: increased appetite for music-making; improved instrument facility combined with heightened listening, ensemble and concentration skills; frequent moments of delight; waves of parental pride at seeing children demonstrate new-found abilities in, and enthusiasms for, orchestral music.

Long-term side-affects of exposure to Playerlink can include: stronger friendship-bonds with other like-minded young musicians in the region; increased (and possibly permanent) desire to learn and perform classical music; increase in desire to attend future musical events in your community; likely increase in average distances travelled by parents to satisfy aforementioned desires of offspring.

Treatment: Further encouragement of newly learnt orchestral skills is crucial to any long-term benefit from the Playerlink experience. 

PLAYERLINK VISITS WOLLONGONG IN 2010!
FOR MORE INFORMATION & PHOTOS OF PLAYERLINK 2010

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Playerlink: The facts
The Playerlink program, directed by percussionist Colin Piper since its inception and now in its 15th year, takes SSO musicians to regional areas of NSW to share the experience and joy of playing in a symphony orchestra with music students aged 8 - 18.

In September this year, Colin and his merry band of 14 musicians travelled to the Orange Conservatorium. They were greeted by 76 students and teachers who hailed from the central-west and tablelands regions, the Blue Mountains, Armidale and Young. Together they formed an orchestra; professionals side-by-side with young musicians, leading them through full orchestral rehearsals, sectionals and smaller group tutorials. 

For many it was their first experience of playing in a full symphony orchestra, and their enthusiasm was obvious: 
'Playerlink was an amazing opportunity to meet others with the same passion for music.'

Playerlink is focused on country and regional areas, and gives the Sydney Symphony a rare opportunity to identify and nurture promising young musicians who might otherwise remain undiscovered. Some past participants have been inspired to audition for our Sinfonia and Fellowship programs, later to return to their home towns as Playerlink tutors themselves! 

'My son so enjoyed the challenges of Playerlink; he certainly found a new enthusiasm for the bassoon - he's already asked if he can book in again for next time!'