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
ANNOUNCING: The Australian School Band and Orchestra Festival
The Directors of the NSW School Band Festival and the Australian School Orchestra Festival are proud to announce the two entities have merged to become the AUSTRALIAN SCHOOL BAND AND ORCHESTRA FESTIVAL.
Vale Richard Gill
In October 2018 Australia lost one of its national treasures with the passing of Richard Gill.
Hands off our Defence Force Musos!
SBF General Manager responds to a SMH article criticising expenditure on Army musicians.
Sensational ABODA Membership Offer
SBF offering ABODA Membership Discount for schools entering this year's Festival.
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
