South-East Qld

• Symphonic Winds

South-East Queensland Symphonic Winds is the result of several name and concept changes since the formation, in the 1980s, of a new musical ensemble, by a group of dedicated musicians hoping to provide a base for mainly young musicians in the South-East Queensland region.

Since then, the concept has grown and developed into its current form, and now comprises 25 - 30 musicians of all ages.

The current Musical Director has moulded the Symphonic Winds into a unit of A Grade standard, with a rapidly growing reputation in the general community.

The beginning of 2000 saw the formation of the Logan City Big Band. This ensemble is comprised mostly of members of the Symphonic Winds, who put in additional rehearsal time each week to develop the Big Band sound in a smaller group.

2002 saw the formation of the Logan City Wind Quintet, comprised of five members of the Symphonic Winds (flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon and French Horn), under the direction of French Horn player Ray.

In addition to these ensembles, the Logan City Concert Band is also affiliated with SEQSW. For further information regarding this ensemble, please visit their Website (link will open a new Window).

The CloudBusters Concert Band, an Adult Starters' group formed in October 2000 and based on Mount Tamborine, has also become affiliated with SEQSW.

The Symphonic Winds is open to skilled musicians of all ages, preferably of AMEB Grade 5 (or equivalent) standard and above.While there is currently no formal audition process in place, applicants will be judged by the Musical Director on a probationary basis over a period of 4 weeks.

The Big Band is open by invitation only. While members of the Big Band are generally also members of the Symphonic Winds, some specialist positions (such as Bass Guitar, Keyboard, etc) are open to all interested applicants.

The Big Band is open by invitation only. While members of the Big Band are generally also members of the Symphonic Winds, some specialist positions (such as Bass Guitar, Keyboard, etc) are open to all interested applicants.

Musical Director

We are fortunate indeed to have Ian as our Musical Director.

Ian began his musical career as a young man, auditioning successfully to enter the Royal Australian Navy Band School of Music as a cornet player, transferring to Oboe upon commencing his studies.

In 1985, he applied and was accepted for entry to the Newcastle University and Conservatorium of Music, completing his studies in 1989 with a Bachelor of Music Education degree. Ian then worked as a Secondary School teacher in New South Wales, until he moved to Queensland with his family in 1996, where he now works as an Instrumental Music Teacher with Education Queensland.

He applied for and won the position of Musical Director with South-East Queensland Symphonic Winds in 1997.