Join NSSWE in 2025

Applications Now Open

NSSWE is an extension band program for talented student musicians who play woodwind brass and percussion across the Northern Sydney region. NSSWE is a community based not-for-profit organisation. We embrace a philosophy of inclusion and are open to students from public, private and independent schools who share a passion for music making.

We have a tiered program of ensembles ranging from primary through to senior high school and tertiary students who are continuing their music studies. Our ensembles rehearse weekly at The Forest High School under the expert guidance of our highly skilled conductors.

We invite you to join NSSWE in 2025 and connect with other talented musicians and conductors to enhance your musical education.

Click Here for the Application Form

Audition Process

Audition FAQs

Our Ensembles

Join NSSWE in 2025

Applications Now Open

Musical experience

The following table is a guide to the level of experience for each of our current ensembles.

Primary Wind Ensemble

School years 4 – 6

AMEB Grade 2-3 or equivalent

Junior Wind Ensemble

School years 6 – 8

AMEB Grade 3-4 or equivalent

Intermediate Wind Ensemble

School years 8 – 10

AMEB Grade 5-7 or equivalent

Senior Wind Ensemble

School years 10 – 12 and tertiary students to age 23

AMEB Grade 7 and above or equivalent

2025 Audition requirements:

All wind and bass players will be required to perform the following:

  • One major and minor scale (student’s choice)
  • One major and minor arpeggio (student’s choice)
  • One solo piece no more than 3 minutes in duration, unaccompanied (student’s choice)

All percussion players will be required to perform the following unaccompanied:

  • Rudiments – paradiddles, single and double stroke rolls, flam and drag (repeat each 4 times starting with the right hand and 4 times starting with the left hand)
  • Drum kit rhythm patterns including fill – Latin, rock and swing (play each for 8 bars)
  • One untuned or tuned percussion piece (student’s choice)

Audition steps:

Click Here for Application Form