TYO PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE
Conductor: Tracey Patten
An advanced ensemble and a regular revelation for concert audiences, the TYO Percussion Ensemble showcases the full range of percussion instruments and offers advanced technique development and repertoire extension for senior players. There is an expectation that TYO Percussion Ensemble players will also be involved in the TYO core orchestral program within each year.
ABOUT THIS ENSEMBLE
ELIGIBILITY
Level: AMEB (or equivalent) GR6+
Age range: 15-25
The TYO Percussion Ensemble performs advanced percussion repertoire: a high level of technical proficiency and musicianship across a range of percussion instruments is required. Audition rounds are held annually, with late auditions for vacant positions only.
REHEARSALS
Wednesdays, 4.30-6.30pm
Hobart
TYO Percussion Ensemble rehearses and performs between February and November each year. There are no rehearsals during Tasmanian school holidays.
INSTRUMENTS
TYO Percussion Ensemble auditions across the following instruments
Timpani | Snare Drum | Xylophone | Marimba Auxiliary Percussion
Note other percussion may be used in programs, depending on repertoire.
FEES
2023 fees for this ensemble are $745.00 Fees assistance is available for eligible applicants; and payment plan options are also available.
All TYO ensembles have fees. However, they should never be a barrier to participating.
We offer a financial bursary program and fees assistance options. Payment arrangements are also available for those who wish to spread payments across the course of the year. Annual ensemble fees do not include entry to TYO concerts: concert tickets for family and friends need to be purchased separately.
PROTOCOLS
Expectations
COVIDSafe Protocols
TYO works to a culture of mutual respect and collegiality, aligned to TYO's values. Program and performance dates are confirmed at the start of each year. Musicians are required to be available for all scheduled performance dates. At least 90% rehearsal attendance is expected and there is an expectation that TYO Percussion Ensemble players will also be involved in at least one TYO core orchestral program within each year. COVIDSafe protocols are in place and must be observed at all times.
LEADERSHIP ROLES
Rotation Policy
Concertmaster
TYO believes strongly in promoting and supporting broad development of musical and leadership skills. For this reason, TYO operates to a rotation policy in which a.) principal chairs are not assigned and b.) section leadership roles and parts are allocated per program. Allocations are entirely at the conductor's discretion.
TRACEY PATTEN
Conductor: TYO Percussion Ensemble
After completing an Honours Degree in Arts in Music from the Victorian College of the Arts, Tracey used her Willem Van Otterloo Orchestral Prize to study at the Sweelinck Conservatorium of Music in Amsterdam, studying with Principals from the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and various leading European freelance players. Tracey has since been a freelance orchestral percussionist, augmenting with the Adelaide and Melbourne Symphony Orchestras, Orchestra Victoria and playing in many music theatre productions. She is currently a regular casual percussionist and timpanist and guest Principal Percussionist with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra.
Chamber music has always been a passion and she spent 10 happy years playing in the Melbourne-based, Aria nominated percussion quartet “Woof!” and still plays in the duo “Mattra” with her husband, Principal Timpanist with the Tasmanian Symphony, Matthew Goddard.
Tracey has taught in various schools in Melbourne, and at Melbourne University and the Victorian College of the Arts. She currently teaches at The Friends’ School and for the Tasmanian Education Department. She also presents workshops and tutorials for various schools and groups in Hobart and has adjudicated the percussion solos for the Australian Band Championships.
As an Australian Youth Orchestra alumnae, Tracey is committed to supporting youth music and has been involved with the TYO for many years as Percussion Ensemble director, tutor, board member and Artistic Adviser. She has also tutored at AYO’s Young Symphonists Camp and been a panel member for various AYO programs.