ANBOC 2026

Both the Castle Hill RSL Youth Wind Orchestra (YWO) and North West Wind Ensemble share a proud tradition of being regarded as two of Australia’s finest and most successful symphonic wind bands, united under the one umbrella organisation, the Castle Hill RSL Wind Orchestras, with a combined membership of 140 members.
With a shared vision, ethos and objective of providing local musicians with opportunities to perform a diverse and extensive range of quality wind band repertoire, at the highest possible level, our bands proudly and regularly present performances at State and Nationals Championship events, embracing the opportunity to present performances on the world stage, having attained an impressive 58 Australian National and NSW State titles since 2003.
Having led the Castle Hill RSL Youth Wind Orchestra and North West Wind Ensemble for 21 years (2005-2026), I am excited and delighted to share my experience, skills and insights of how successful community musical organisations are formed and nurtured.
In addition to the music making, recruitment and programming, ethos, mission and vision, I will share my insights into additional areas such as ‘youth & senior programs’, longevity, governance and collaborative teams inclusive of committees, members, supporters, the importance of budgeting, scheduling, vision, performance calendar, creating and protecting culture, defining what this looks like, membership and motivation!
Music for life, and we never stop learning!

Many young performers engage deeply with the notes on the page, yet have limited awareness of the creative forces that brought that music to life. This disconnect diminishes opportunities for artistic growth. As a student, encountering the “story behind the music” during an honour band clinic was transformative: discovering the composer’s intent and hearing their lived experience was the catalyst that propelled my own development as a musician and ultimately inspired me to become an educator. When we bring living composers into our educational spaces, we do more than host a guest—we create dynamic, communal experiences that energise students, directors, and composers alike, fostering a shared commitment to the music of tomorrow.

This presentation invites educators to enrich the learning environment by engaging directly with living composers. Featuring a Q&A with Ukrainian-Australian composer Cathy Likhuta, our clinician team will share approaches for integrating composers’ perspectives into rehearsals and classroom discussions, deepening artistic understanding and expanding students’ musical identities.

Composer residencies have the potential to reshape students’ relationships with music and performance. Drawing on extensive experience in Australia and internationally, composer Cathy Likhuta and conductors Nick Williams (University of Georgia) and Jackie Hartenberger (Melbourne Conservatorium of Music) will present evidence-based strategies for hosting composers in rehearsal settings. Attendees will learn practical frameworks for residency planning, rehearsal sequencing, and implementation; explore three distinct models of composer engagement; review sample itineraries; and gain actionable advice tailored to both conductors and composers. Ultimately, this session seeks to empower educators to envision ambitious collaborations with living composers and cultivate a culture that champions new musical voices - nurturing performers who will carry forward a vibrant musical future.

When most people think of military discipline, they picture the stereotypical “gung-ho” individual drilled to perform under extreme conditions—a far cry from the band room… or is it? Musicians, like service members, are highly driven individuals who thrive on structure to achieve excellence and artistry. This creates a surprising and powerful nexus between military discipline and ensemble leadership.


This presentation explores how principles of military discipline—distinct from militant rigidity—can elevate the art of conducting and ensemble management. Precision, coordination, and adaptability are qualities shared by both worlds. Drawing on experiences from initial entry into the Defence Force through operations and command, we will examine concepts such as chain of command, clear communication protocols, ethics, and situational awareness, and how they translate into effective rehearsal strategies and performance leadership.
Key themes include:

• Discipline as a Foundation for Creativity – How structure enables artistic freedom.
• Command Presence and Authority – Leading with confidence without authoritarianism.
• Decision-Making Under Pressure – Applying military models to live performance challenges.
• Building Cohesion – Lessons from unit dynamics to foster trust and responsiveness in ensembles.
  
  

By understanding and applying these principles, conductors can create environments where discipline and artistry coexist harmoniously, resulting in stronger, more resilient musical teams.

School music programs are at the heart of student engagement, creativity, and community. Yet, many educators face persistent challenges: retention drops after Year 7, uneven instrument distribution, and limited time to interpret what students are really telling us. This presentation explores how AI-assisted analytics can help us listen more deeply and act more strategically.Drawing on a real beginner band exit survey, we demonstrate how AI can uncover patterns and sentiment that often go unnoticed in manual review. From identifying why students leave, to suggesting instrument-specific issues to predicting which instruments are most at risk of dropout, AI offers insights that empower teachers to make informed decisions — not replace their expertise. These findings can shape recruitment strategies, balance ensembles, and strengthen advocacy for staffing and resources.


Importantly, this session situates AI within the realities of Australian education: curriculum links, privacy expectations, and the unique structures of instrumental music services across states. Participants will see practical examples of how data-driven insights can support program planning while respecting the artistry and human connection at the core of music education.


Attendees will leave with a clear sense of how AI can become part of our toolkit in sustaining vibrant, equitable music programs — helping us move from guesswork to confidence, and from data to meaningful action.


This presentation fills a gap in current Australian music education discourse by focusing on AI‑driven analytics rather than creative AI tools or productivity hacks. While AI workshops are increasingly common, few address how data insights can directly improve ensemble‑based programs — a core component of Australian school music. By grounding the session in a real beginner band exit survey and linking findings to Australian curriculum, staffing structures, and participation trends, the presentation offers both relevance and originality. Attendees will gain practical, immediately applicable strategies for program evaluation and advocacy, framed within ethical and pedagogical considerations appropriate for Australian schools.