About the Festival
The Australian School Band and Orchestra Festival is open to all school wind, brass, and big bands, string ensembles and orchestras from across the planet and is held annually throughout July and August.
We cater for ensembles of all ability levels and, with over 10,000 students performing at our event each year, we are one of the most significant music education events in Australia.
So, whether your ensemble is newly formed or has been playing for years, get on board and join the fun of the Festival. Read about us on this site or contact us for further information to find out how you can be involved in the most inspirational event on the Australian school music calendar.
Festival News, Views and Events
Australia Sounds the Last Post
ANZAC Day, 2020, in driveways and on balconies across the nation, Australia's musicians came together in an act of solidarity and respect. ASBOF General Manager, Pat Devery, shares his thoughts on the important role musicians play in Australian cultural life.
Music Educators Now Working Remotely
Things are moving pretty quickly in the age of Covid 19. ASBOF General Manager, Pat Devery, looks at tips some of our leading music educators have for MDs as they prepare for working in the online 'remote' environment.
Schools Working to Support Music Educators
As schools around the country prepare for inevitable closures, ASBOF General Manager, Pat Devery, takes a look at what schools are currently doing to support their Music Directors and tutors and explores some practical advice for when we do enter the remote teaching space.
Sydney Music Educators Conference 2020
Dr Anita Collins heads a stellar lineup of presenters at this year's SYDNEY MUSIC EDUCATORS CONFERENCE. ASBOF, in association with ABODA NSW, present the most practical PD program a Music Director could hope to attend. DATES: WED 15 - Fri 17 July. Presenters will also include: Dr Peter Boonshaft, Dr John Lynch, Steve Williams, Paul Vickers, John Morrison, Mandy Boonshaft, and more - REGISTER NOW
Festival Background
Festival Background
The first School Band Festival was organised by the Band Association of NSW in 1962. Held at Chatswood Oval, eight brass bands initially took part and marching was compulsory.
Our Patron
Our Patron
Dr Anita Collins is an award-winning educator and researcher in music education and its impact on brain development and is known for her role as onscreen expert in the ABC documentary Don’t Stop the Music.
Board of Directors
Board of Directors
The Australian School Band and Orchestra Festival (NSW School Band Festival Ltd) is company limited by guarantee and is registered as a tax deductible entity on the Register of Cultural Organisations
Festival Venues
The Conservatorium of Music
Close to the Sydney Opera House and surrounded by the Royal Botanic Gardens, the Sydney Conservatorium of Music is located at the heart of Sydney’s cultural precinct.
Sir John Clancy Auditorium
The Sir John Clancy Auditorium is the eastern suburbs’ largest public auditorium and is ideally suited for our Festival. Click to find all you need to know about the Clancy.
Festival Supporters
Jupiter Instruments
Advanced Life
ABODA NSW
Thorp Music
Brolga Music Publishing Company
Wilson Publishing
Northeastern Music Publications
Sydney Youth Orchestra
Bondi Brass
Middle C
In Tune Music
Student Horizons
Lachlan Hamilton
Sticks and Staves
Can’t find the venue?
Click on the links below and Google Maps will direct you from your current location.
What’s Happening
