Teacher alert! TSO for Schools in 2027

The TSO’s 2027 schools program brings together free concerts, interactive workshops, open rehearsals, teacher training and a growing library of free classroom resources.

Whether students are meeting an orchestra for the first time, exploring the science of sound or watching professional musicians rehearse, the aim is to foster a lifelong love of music.

‘Our musicians take great delight in introducing students to music through our schools concerts and education program,’ the TSO’s education director Kim Waldock says.

‘Because it’s fun and because it’s interactive and engaging, the orchestra members get right into it.’

Free resources for anyone, anywhere

Teachers, parents and others can access the TSO’s new free online Resource Library of classroom activities, teaching notes, demonstrations and play-along videos.

The library is searchable by topic, activity type and age group and there are resources specific to next year’s education concerts and workshops, so students can get ready for the show.

‘Students will have a ball at our events even if they haven’t done the activities, but our resources allow them to get more out of it,’ Kim says.

‘They can learn about a piece of music beforehand or discover how to perform it themselves afterwards.’

Meet the Orchestra

Our new schools concert, Meet the Orchestra, will travel to school halls and community venues across regional and metro areas of Tasmania throughout 2027.

As the name suggests, it’s a chance for students to meet the musicians of the TSO and learn about the instruments they play, all while hearing familiar classical hit songs.

These interactive one-hour concerts are hosted by educator, musician and conductor Jack Machin, who is the TSO’s Head of Schools and Community Projects.

Students are encouraged to sing, dance and clap along.

Teacher Hannah Krishnan says the excitement of attending a TSO schools performance helps students engage enthusiastically with music once they’re back in the classroom.

‘We have these real experiences to draw on and to excite them,’ Hannah says.

‘The students are also so inspired to take up musical instruments for themselves.’

These events are free thanks to the support of our generous partners and Business Collective members.

Links to the Australian curriculum

Our popular Science and Sound program returns in 2027, with two TSO musicians visiting schools to explore how sound works through instruments, vibration, pitch and volume.

For secondary students, Open Rehearsals offer the chance to watch a professional orchestra prepare for a big concert.

Students see how conductors and musicians work collaboratively to shape a performance and they also get an insight into what it’s like to work behind the scenes in the TSO’s production team.

Professional development for teachers

Teacher training in 2027 includes Conducting 101 with conductor, musician and teacher Gary Wain.

Gary has held the role of TSO Principal Percussion for nearly 40 years and has taught percussion all over Australia.

As a conductor he often leads TSO family concerts and ensembles including the Hobart Chamber Orchestra.

Gary’s full-day workshop helps music educators and choir and ensemble leaders build confidence on the podium.

‘Conducting need not be something to be scared of – it’s both a means of communicating musical ideas and of organising everybody to work in the same manner to the same end. You may even learn some tips on crowd management!’ Gary says.