The Northern Sydney Symphonic Wind Ensemble (NSSWE) is a band extension program designed for student musicians who play woodwind, brass or percussion instruments.
More about us …

Play With Us

NSSWE features a tiered program of 4 wind ensembles

Primary Wind Ensemble – for year 4-6 students
Junior Wind Ensemble – for year 6-8 students
Intermediate Wind Ensemble – for year 8-10 students
Senior Wind Ensemble – for year 10-12 students and school leavers

Our Ensembles & how to join

Perform with us

2023 NSSWE Spring Music Festival dates announced

Thursday 7 – Sunday 10 September 2023

The Concourse, Chatswood.

More Information

Join Us

If you love playing music and would like to join an extension band program then apply for NSSWE today.

Applications to audition for our 2023 program are now open.

Find out more about our auditions…

More about our 2023 Auditions

The NSSWE Plus Program

Are you a school leaver who would like to develop your skills as a professional musician whilst continuing to play in a high level ensemble? Our unique Plus program is designed to take your musical skills to the next level and covers a wide range of topics. Interested? Read more

Spring Music Festival 2022

8 – 11 September 2022

Upcoming Events

Latest News

NSSWE are seeking applications for an experienced manager to oversee administration and operations.

Find out more here

Professional Ensemble Conductors

Patrick BrennanNSSWE’s Artistic Director & Senior Wind Ensemble Conductor & NSSWE Plus teacher

A highly regarded professional conductor, Patrick Brennan has studied music at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and was selected to participate in the prestigious Symphony Australia Conductor Development Program.
> Read Patrick’s bio

Kylie TysonIntermediate Wind Ensemble Conductor

Kylie graduated from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music in 1994 with a degree in Education majoring in Trumpet and Voice. Since graduating, Kylie has worked extensively as a primary, secondary and tertiary music educator in the classroom and on the podium, as an instrumental and vocal director.
> Read Kylie’s bio

Derek BargJunior Wind Ensemble Conductor

Derek Barg brings 30 years of experience in instrumental music education to NSSWE, with expertise in concert band conducting, stage band directing and private percussion tuition.
> Read Derek’s bio

Ben PerchePrimary Wind Ensemble Conductor

Ben has a degree in music and engineering from the University of Sydney and the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, where he has studied oboe, conducting and mechatronic engineering.
> Read Ben’s bio

Stephen SmithNSSWE Mentor

Stephen attended the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, graduating in 2004 with a Bachelor of Music in performance on Classical Trombone. In 2008 Stephen took an opportunity to gain experience in regional NSW, accepting a role at the Macquarie Conservatorium in Dubbo.
> Read Stephen’s bio

Our Students Say

I love going to band because you get to play beautiful pieces and collaborate with everyone

Kaylee (Primary Wind Ensemble)

Its fun.. it teaches me to play better and I meet new people and speak to other musicians

Brody (Primary Wind Ensemble)

The music is really interesting and challenges me

Bella (Junior Wind Ensemble)

I love our conductor Kylie, she makes rehearsal really fun and interesting

Sienna (Junior Wind Ensemble)

I love NSSWE because it’s fun, you get to meet new people and it’s great to play music outside of school.

Josh (Intermediate Wind Ensemble)

I love making new friends at NSSWE, particularly with those who play the same instrument.

Scarlett (Primary Wind Ensemble)

I love that at NSSWE everyone loves music and wants to play together. We play new music all the time.

Poppy (Primary Wind Ensemble)

I love NSSWE because you meet new friends and get to extend your skills.

Alice (Primary Wind Ensemble)

NSSWE is a great opportunity to extend beyond my school music program – and I’ve made lots of new friends

Zoe (Junior Wind Ensemble)

I love playing new, challenging and exciting pieces in NSSWE. It is a great way to meet new people who love to play music.

Oliver (Primary Wind Ensemble)

Any Questions?

Need more information ? … Contact us!