Presented by ABODA SA and AUSTA SA

Session 1 with Fiona Portway:

Directing string ensembles is challenging! How do we choose the right repertoire, make sure students are engaged, developing technical and musical skills and ready to perform at the next concert, all in a short rehearsal time with interruptions like exams, school camps and absences? It can feel overwhelming at times but with thoughtful planning and preparation rehearsals and performances can become a joy. This workshop will help ensemble directors to support the inclusion of a wider range of composers and musical styles as well as consider why we choose the music we do and what skill-based learning is important to include for our students. With effective and efficient planning, it is possible to have time to enjoy making music while developing the knowledge and abilities of our young musicians.

Fiona Portway has been a string educator for 30 years and is a past president of AUSTA SA. Fiona is currently the Strings Coordinator at Seymour College, in Adelaide, where she directs a range of string ensembles from beginner to advanced, runs the String Immersion program and has developed a mentorship program within the strings community. As a string specialist, she is sought after for mentorship and professional development for string teachers both in SA and interstate. Fiona has had a long and varied playing career in chamber ensembles, music theatre productions and as a violinist in a range of performing bands. Her belief in the importance of setting a strong foundation for violinists and love of teaching young beginners has led to her specialisation in teaching beginner violin for three to five year olds. Fiona is passionate about creating a learning environment that supports all students to engage in music making and develop their own passion for music.

Session 2 with Julian Ferraretto:

Strings can swing! More and more string ensembles are choosing contemporary works in their repertoire. Accessing modern scores serve as an effective tool in keeping string orchestras relevant in the ever-changing music landscape.  Whether exploring jazz-related material from swing to latin or more contemporary genres like rock and funk it can be difficult knowing how to stylistically connect with the genre and shake that classical neo-romantic sound. This workshop offers approaches to expressing jazz and contemporary music with a string ensemble in an enjoyable hands-on practical session. The session will include adjustments to vibrato, articulation, bow techniques and answering the question, how much swing is too much?

Dr. Julian Ferraretto is a multi-style violinist and composer renowned for his virtuosic improvisation and melodically rich performances. After moving to London in 2002, Julian quickly established himself within the UK's contemporary jazz and world music scenes, collaborating with notable artists such as the Neil Cowley Trio, Natacha Atlas, and Wigmore Hall Learning’s Ignite Ensemble. As a bandleader, sideman, and string arranger/director, he has performed at festivals across Europe, including the North Sea Jazz Festival, Montreux, and London Jazz Festival. Now based in Australia, Julian continues to connect with the global music scene through international collaborations, string arranging, recording, and education. In 2016, he curated the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra's first "Gigs at Grainger" series, where he served as soloist, arranger, orchestrator, and composer. His compositions, including the suite "Have Violin, Will Travel" have been broadcast on ABC Classic FM. In addition to his performance career, Julian is a dedicated educator, leading creative music workshops and residencies with institutions like the University of Adelaide, Nexus Arts and Goldsmiths University of London. His extensive work as an arranger and composer includes credits with John Schumann, the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

Bookings are essential!

Tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/DAHYL $20 for non members, includes a drink upon arrival. Join us at 6:30pm for a 7:00pm start.