Chamber Music I Gospel Choir I Big Band I Orchestra

Contemporary Ensemble I Vocal Ensemble

Conservatorium Southern Gospel Choir - Dr Andrew. Legg
The Southern Gospel Choir is unique in Australia. Their very contemporary sound draws on the grooves and harmonic structures of jazz, funk, soul, house and hip-hop and yet maintains the heart and soul of traditional gospel through beautiful and powerful melodies and vocal arrangements, and the irrepressible, uncontainable joy that is gospel music.

The choir is highly experienced in performance for corporate events, having performed at numerous functions and conventions and this powerful choir are at home singing in outdoor venues, wineries, the Federation Concert Hall, the Theatre Royal or community halls and theatres. The Southern Gospel Choir is one of the most flexible music ensembles in Australia, able to provide a stylish sextet or a huge, roof-raising gospel sound, and boasts some of the best up-and-coming contemporary singers in Australia.

The choir is supported by a six-piece band drawn from the elite of Tasmania’s musicians, featuring saxophone, drums, bass, piano, keyboards and the inimitable sound of the Hammond organ. The choir can also be ably supported by the brilliant solo piano accompaniment of Andrew Legg.

Big Band - Alistair Dobson
This unique Tasmanian ensemble exposes students to Big Band repertoire and sound as they are mentored by some of Hobart’s hottest musicians. The Band plays a wide range of styles, from the classic sounds of Count Basie to the modern sounds of Australian composer Mike Nock. It explores all the influences of Big Band formation: saxophones, trumpets, trombones and a rhythm section of guitar, keyboard, bass, drums and guest vocalists.

Big Band music is synonymous with the Swing Era of the 1930s and 1940s, and such legendary artists as Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Glen Miller and Benny Goodman. The dance halls that flourished during the Second World War declined rapidly with the rise of the ‘be-bop’ movement, but not before a culture was established that is still alive and well today.

Although original Swing is still being heard all over the world, there is much more to today’s Big Band or ‘jazz orchestra’. Beyond the smooth sound of the ‘Cotton Club’ style is a world of new colours and angles, introduced from the work of funk, pop, classical and Latin. The Conservatorium Big Band brings experience and youthful verve to them all.

The Con Orchestra - Associate Professor Edwin Paling

In 2004 the Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra was reformed and is now into its fifth year. The orchestra provides an opportunity for UTAS Conservatorium students to play in orchestral environment alongside experienced musicians who provide a mentoring role.

Chamber Music - Associate Professor Edwin Paling
Chamber Music allows students to explore interpretive and collaborative skills in a small and relatively independent ensemble setting. Students assigned to Chamber Music will be required to attend a weekly tutorial and are expected to maintain a regular rehearsal schedule.

Contemporary Ensemble - Dr Andrew. Legg
Contemporary ensemble provides students with practical experience in the study, rehearsal, arranging and performance of contemporary music. Students gain performance experience in a wide variety of styles, and emphasis is placed on progressive development of performance skills within a group setting including band/ensemble techniques, musical arranging/composition, management skills, PA management and OH&S issues.

Vocal Ensemble - Gina Bashford
The Conservatorium’s Vocal Ensemble is dedicated to vocal chamber music of the highest calibre, offering challenging performance opportunities to its members. Focusing on style and interpretation of text and with an emphasis on mostly a cappella vocal works the ensemble’s repertoire ranges from Early Baroque through to Broadway and beyond.

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