Interested in learning an instrument, playing with a group or singing in a choir? This coming Wednesday the Orange Regional Conservatorium (ORC) is opening its doors to the community giving everyone a chance to meet with expert local teachers, try out a variety of instruments and learn just what the Con has to offer.

Spots are filling fast but there is still a selection of free introductory classes for kids on offer, including Early Childhood Music, Singing for Kids, Beginner Violin, Djembe Drumming and pBuzz,” said ORC Open Day organiser James Buchanan.

“The pBuzz is a new instrument in the brass family, perfect for beginners as 5 years who may be a bit young for trumpet or trombone, said James.

“It’s basically a tuned plastic tube that is really easy to play. Kids also learn the basics of music reading while playing pBuzz, so it’s a great first instrument to take up.”

But the open day is not just about encouraging young musicians, said James, with more and more adults taking up instruments and joining groups at the Con each year.

“Adult learners are a big thing for us. Especially in the last few years we’ve has more adults joining choirs, or some of our orchestras or bands and things like that. So we don't want it to seem like it is just for kids anyone who is interested in learning an instrument should come along and check it all out,” he said.

With all the disruptions of 2020 (hopefully) behind us, the ORC is keen to build back up their choirs, bands, orchestras and groups who have been able to gather together for much of the past year.

“That’s why we are really trying to push it this year because a lot of these groups spent almost twelve months not being able to meet together and so we are trying to hopefully build them back up and get people having that social music experience again,” said James.

“It’s well established that rehearsing and performing music in a group improves well-being and mental health and it is also a great social activity. The ORC prides itself on the inclusive and welcoming culture within its groups, no matter skill level, background or age. There is something for everyone, be it the 100-member-strong Come Together Choir, or the ever-growing Big Phat Jazz band with members ranging in age from early teens to mid-seventies.

“We will have a couple of our choir directors here on the day who can talk to people about what's involved and how to join the choir and things like that

 “We also have a symphonic wind ensemble, we have our Encore adult orchestra, which is a community orchestra mainly made up of older people who come along one night a week and play through some pretty classic classical music and there are a couple other choirs to like a chamber choir and that kind of thing that are largely adult groups.”

 Anyone interested should come along to the Orange Regional Conservatorium 2021 Open Day at 73a Hill Street on Wednesday 20 January between 10am – 2pm.

For more information and class registrations visit: orangecon.org.au/event/2021-open-day-free-classes-for-kids