The Northern Sydney Symphonic Wind Ensemble (NSSWE) is a band extension program designed for student musicians who play woodwind, brass or percussion instruments.
More about us …

Play With Us

NSSWE features a tiered program of 4 wind ensembles

Our Ensembles & how to join

Perform with us

2026  NSSWE Concert dates announced!

Spring Music Festival @ The Concourse, Chatswood, Thursday 17 – Sunday 20 September 2026

Autumn Community Concerts @ Greenhalgh Theatre, Lindfield Learning Village, Monday 23 – Thursday 26 March

Winter Community Concerts @ Greenhalgh Theatre, Lindfield Learning Village, Monday 22 – Thursday 25 June

More Information

Join Us

If you love playing music and would like to join an extension band program then apply for NSSWE today.

Applications to audition for our 2026 program are now OPEN!

Find out more about our auditions here!

More about Auditions

The NSSWE Plus Program

Are you a school leaver who would like to develop your skills as a professional musician whilst continuing to play in a high level ensemble? Our unique Plus program is designed to take your musical skills to the next level and covers a wide range of topics. Interested? Read more

Spring Music Festival 2026

17-20 September 2026

Upcoming Events

For your Diary

There are no upcoming events at this time.

Professional Ensemble Conductors

Patrick Brennan
Patrick BrennanNSSWE’s Artistic Director & Senior Wind Ensemble Conductor & NSSWE Plus teacher
A highly regarded professional conductor, Patrick Brennan has studied music at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and was selected to participate in the prestigious Symphony Australia Conductor Development Program.
> Read Patrick’s bio
Ben Perche
Ben PercheIntermediate Wind Ensemble Conductor
Ben has a degree in music and engineering from the University of Sydney and the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, where he has studied oboe, conducting and mechatronic engineering.
> Read Ben’s bio
Derek Barg
Derek BargJunior Wind Ensemble Conductor
Derek Barg brings 30 years of experience in instrumental music education to NSSWE, with expertise in concert band conducting, stage band directing and private percussion tuition.
> Read Derek’s bio
Jenny Ridgway
Jenny RidgwayPrimary Wind Ensemble Conductor
Jennifer is an accomplished performer, music educator and conductor with a wealth of experience in the industry. She holds a Bachelor of Music Education from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, specialising in Performance and Elective Conducting Units, which she completed in 2021.
> Read Jenny’s bio

Our Students Say

I love going to band because you get to play beautiful pieces and collaborate with everyone

Kaylee (Primary Wind Ensemble)

Its fun.. it teaches me to play better and I meet new people and speak to other musicians

Brody (Primary Wind Ensemble)

The music is really interesting and challenges me

Bella (Junior Wind Ensemble)

I love our conductor Kylie, she makes rehearsal really fun and interesting

Sienna (Junior Wind Ensemble)
I love NSSWE because it’s fun, you get to meet new people and it’s great to play music outside of school.
Josh (Intermediate Wind Ensemble)

I love making new friends at NSSWE, particularly with those who play the same instrument.

Scarlett (Primary Wind Ensemble)
I love that at NSSWE everyone loves music and wants to play together.  We play new music all the time.
Poppy (Primary Wind Ensemble)

I love NSSWE because you meet new friends and get to extend your skills.

Alice (Primary Wind Ensemble)

NSSWE is a great opportunity to extend beyond my school music program – and I’ve made lots of new friends

Zoe (Junior Wind Ensemble)

I love playing new, challenging and exciting pieces in NSSWE. It is a great way to meet new people who love to play music.

Oliver (Primary Wind Ensemble)

Any Questions?

Need more information ? … Contact us!