15/07/2025
We've all got to start somewhere! So excited to formally launch GSYO tomorrow! Join us for a concert 4pm Wesley of Warragul and presentation of our weekly program on Thursday afternoons!
Over the past few years Fiddlesticks Performing Arts and others have been developing young string players—bright-eyed and full of potential, but standing at the very beginning of a long and demanding journey. There is no magical gift that allows a child to simply pick up a violin and play. What followed were months of daily effort: learning how to hold the bow, how to draw a steady tone from open strings, how to coordinate both hands. Then came left-hand placement—without markings—training the ear, the eyes, and the muscle memory. Learning to read notes. Learning to listen. Learning to persevere.
And there have been many tears along the way.
Frustration. Breakdowns. Moments when the challenge felt too great. But each time, with patient guidance and steady encouragement, our young musicians were reminded: growth comes through persistence. That difficulties aren’t dead-ends, but part of the road. They have discovered that discipline and determination—applied over time—can lead to progress that once seemed out of reach.
Now, after years of preparation, we are proud our community will now have its own local Youth Orchestra—a group of remarkable young string players who have helped us achieve this goal through sheer hard work.
This term, they begin rehearsing regularly together as an ensemble Gippsland Symphony Youth Orchestra for the first time, developing not only their musical skills but also teamwork, humility, and shared purpose. These are qualities that will serve them far beyond the concert hall.
This is just the beginning. We look forward to seeing what will grow from the strong foundation they have built—together, and with the support of our whole community.
Here’s to the future of music in our region—and to the power of perseverance.
