MISSION STATEMENT
Access – Programs available to all members of the community
Education – All activities have quality educational content
Artistry – All activities have quality artistic content
Inclusion – Programs inclusive of (and at times targeted to) various groups – disadvantaged, diverse cultural backgrounds etc.
Excellence – Striving for the highest levels of artistic and educational excellence in every program
Enjoyment
WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN
The Young Music Society is a Canberra-based, self-funded, not-for-profit society, which musically inspires young Canberrans through Holiday Programs, Weekly Programs, special events and Instrument Hire. Any family can become a Member of the Society for an Annual fee of $30, which provides access to the following programs:
HOLIDAY PROGRAMS
The Society offers School Holiday programs throughout the year. Each program is designed to give students musical experience and opportunity in a supportive environment, guided by Canberra’s premier musicians and teachers.
Every January 400 students converge to the annual YMS Summer School, with a Junior Program for Years K-1; a Primary Music Program Years 2 – 4, a Senior Program for Years 5-12; and an Advanced Program for AMEB Grade 5+, 14 up to 21 years. Each year focuses on a different theme, with over 30 of Canberra’s most inspiring music tutors teaching classes ranging from Beginner Flute, Foley Art, Gymslapsticks, Hip Hop, the Science of Music and just about anything else you can imagine! Applications for Summer School open in late August the preceding year.
In the Autumn and Winter School Holidays, YMS offers additional one week programs. Each Program features a different project focus, such as drum-making or witches and wizards.
WEEKLY PROGRAMS
The Society runs a series of Weekly Programs which give students the opportunity to perform in group environments with expert tuition and conducting. Programs have include Voices Out Loud Choir Program, New Music/New Ideas Composition Program and Concert Band. More info
MUSICAL INSTRUMENT HIRE
The Society owns a large range of musical instruments – woodwinds, brass, percussion, bowed strings and plucked strings! Our collection is regularly maintained, and instruments are available for hire on a term by term basis. Hire rates are kept to a minimum, to the benefit of our Members. More info.
GOVERNANCE
The Society is governed by a Committee, currently chaired by our President Joan Dunn, with an Annual General Meeting at early in each Financial Year. The Committee plays an essential role within the Society and relies on its membership to volunteer to assist in its programs. If you are interested in finding out more about the Committee, please contact us.
YMS Committee 2018 / 2019
Joan Dunn – President
Lisa Gill – Vice President
Anna Johnstone – Secretary
David Smith – Treasurer
Kate Champion – Committee member
Alexia Bannikoff – Committee member
Patron
Graham Abbott
Life Members
Judith Clingan AM – Founder
Margaret Bellchambers
MANAGEMENT
The Society is managed by a small part-time team:
Stephen Leek – Artistic Director / Manager
Charles Miller – Office Administrator
The Society also employs Creative Directors and teams of Teaching Staff for Holiday Programs, as well as Tutors/Conductors for Weekly Programs and volunteers.
vacant – Belconnen Childrens Choir Conductor
Beth Way – YMS Concert Band Conductor
OFFICE
The YMS office is situated in the Flynn Community Hub, Bingle Street, Flynn. The Office is typically open Tuesday – Thursday 10am – 4pm. It is necessary to ring to make an appointment before you visit as the office may not always be manned during these hours.
Appointments 6258 0200
HISTORY
YMS was established by Judith Clingan AO in 1969 as a non-residential music school for children, it has now grown into a not-for-profit organisation that supports the Canberra community through instrument hire, weekly ensembles, holiday programs and other music based arts activities and events.