Senior Strings
Students in Senior Strings will be exposed to a more challenging repertoire and be playing with more experienced students. This is our largest ensemble and is comprised of children in years 4-6.
CONDUCTOR
Our Senior Strings Conductor is Rowena Macneish.
Rowena studied at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music with Susan Blake and the Australian National Academy of Music in Melbourne with Nelson Cooke and Michael Goldschlager. Â She then travelled to London on full scholarship to complete postgraduate studies at the Royal Academy of Music with David Strange. During her time in London she was also a member of Southbank Sinfonia and performed at Covent Garden, Queen Elizabeth Hall and in festivals throughout Europe.
On her return to Sydney Rowena established herself as a versatile musician and has played and toured with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, the Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra and the Australian Chamber Orchestra. She is also a founding member of the Sydney Omega Ensemble and the Musica Viva Artists the Enigma Quartet.Â
Rowena enjoys taking her campervan out with her young family and is a bit addicted to extreme sporting challenges. Think torturous events like the Spartan races and ultra marathon and you get the picture!
REHEARSALS
Senior Strings rehearsals take place in the school hall on:
Wednesday mornings 7:45am – 8:45am
Students are expected to arrive on time so they can set up the hall ready for rehearsal. Every rehearsal requires a parent/ carer volunteer to supervise. Their role is to assist in the running of the rehearsal under the direction of the conductor.
It is requested that notice be given for any missed rehearsals. A musical ensemble is like any other team – it needs all its members in order to function successfully. Children joining the program are asked to commit for the full year, and to attend all rehearsals and performances.
FEES 2024
Invoices for Senior Strings are sent out at the beginning of the year via email. The cost is:
Senior Strings Fee - $460 (non-refundable)
Sibling Discount - $20/student (only on full program fee)
Double Bass Discount - $100 off program fees for the year
Instrument Rental with FPS Rental Program 2024
For more information on the FPS Rental Program please visit:
We accept the NSW Creative Kids Voucher.
TUTORS
Students are required to continue tutoring each week with a teacher specific to their instrument. We will release a list of tutors at the start of each year. If you need assistance with tutors please contact fps.strings@gmail.com
WHAT TO BRING TO REHEARSAL
Instrument and accessories (shoulder rest, rosin, cleaning cloth etc)
Music Folder
Sharp pencil
SENIOR STRINGS PARENT CO-ORDINATOR
We need one parent to volunteer as the Senior Strings Parent Co-ordinator. This parent will:
Liaise with the conductor, committee and teachers.
Communicate with parents about upcoming events and general information as well as organise a roster for parent/carer helpers during rehearsals.
This is not an intensive role and the amount of work is mainly focussed around setting up a roster at the beginning of each term. In addition, your help may be required when organising performances throughout the year.
COMMUNICATION
TeamApp is our main form of contact and is downloadable via app on your phone. All essential and timely information will be sent through here.
Email – In addition to TeamApp you may receive emails from your parent coordinator. Please ensure your email address is always up to date.
Newsletter - We also have a section in the school newsletter.
Please feel free to contact fps.strings@gmail.com should you have any other questions.