About Us

Our Mission

South Burnett Community Orchestra Association Inc (SBCO) is a dynamic organisation of enthusiastic, regional musicians. We are dedicated to developing the musical skills and talents of our members to perform all styles of orchestral music throughout the South Burnett Region for our rural community’s enjoyment.

How We Got Started

Music Director, Jo Kennedy had a vision – to bring orchestral music to the region and to develop the musical talents and experience of local musicians.

With some urging from her students, initial meetings with interested parties were held on the balcony of the Carrollee Hotel in Kingaroy. After a few planning sessions, the SBCO was born. SBCO was formed on 8th February 2006 with only 14 musicians.

SBCO now has around 50 regional musicians and support volunteers. SBCO has enjoyed opportunities to play for and with the community, continuing its commitment to inspire and nurture musicians of all ages and all abilities.

Music Director

SBCO’s Music Director and Conductor, Jo Kennedy, moved with her family to the South Burnett in 2003. She had trained at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music and played with leading Australian orchestras.

Jo began to provide private instrumental (strings) tuition and developed a Strings Program at St Mary’s Catholic College.

Jo’s dedication and inspirational leadership have been the driving force behind the Orchestra since its outset in 2006 when Jo first had the vision to bring orchestral music to the people of the South Burnett.

Jo has held positions with leading Australian Orchestras, has developed and directed instrumental programmes and gives private instrumental tuition. In 2009, Jo received the Australia Day Cultural Award from the South Burnett Regional Council and in 2010 was a finalist in the national Music in Communities Leadership Awards.

Our Programs

SBCO are committed to developing musicians of all ages and skill levels through our instrumental music programs. Opportunities exist for beginners right through to experienced professional instrumentalists involved with the orchestra with regular workshops, rehearsals, performances.

POP Orchestra

The Pop Orchestra was launched in 2021 and was developed from SBC-YO (Young Orchestra) which was formed in 2019. This ensemble is the gateway for musicians to join the orchestra and provides an opportunity for SBCO members to play a second instrument. SBC Pop Orchestra plays a variety of popular classics, 20th century and other contemporary music, to allow less confident musicians to develop their skills and experience. SBC Pop Orchestra rehearses at Kingaroy Uniting Church Hall on Wednesday afternoon from 3.45pm to 5.30pm.

POP Membership

Community Orchestra

The South Burnett Community Orchestra is our flagship ensemble, providing opportunities for musicians of intermediate level and above to further develop their musical talents while playing music from a wide variety of different genres. The SBCO often performs large concerts and fundraising dinners supporting worthy charities. The Community Orchestra rehearses at Kingaroy Uniting Church Hall on Wednesday evenings during school terms, from 6pm to 8pm. Saturday workshops are held about once a month

SBCO Membership

Public Workshops

The SBCO also holds occasional special weekend workshops with visiting tutors and conductors. These might be for the full orchestra or for individual sections, for example, percussion or strings. For these special events, we invite other local musicians who are not currently orchestra members to join in. More information will be added to our Events page and on the SBCO Facebook Page.

Workshop Dates

Great Concerts

Everyone should come along

Daisy

Get In Touch

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