About the Orchestral Music Fund
The Bendigo Symphony Orchestra (BSO) seeks to assist musicians—particularly, but not exclusively, younginstrumentalists—to develop the skills and confidence to participate in orchestral music, while also building BSO’s own playing capacity.
By providing financial support for tuition, music camps, youth orchestras, and BSO membership fees, the Fund aims
to increase access to high-quality learning experiences for players of string and other orchestral instruments, enriching the musical ecosystem of central Victoria.
BSO will support aspiring orchestral musicians through:
- Financial support to attend programs such as Bendigo Youth Music (BYM), Border Music Camp, or Resonance Strings.
- Performance experiences, including invitations to join BSO for 1–2 concerts per season (requiring attendance at two Saturday and at least four of six Tuesday rehearsals).
- Community engagement, such as writing or recording reviews of BSO concerts and assisting with front-of-house, stage management, or backstage operations.
- Mentorship, including help finding appropriate instrumental teachers and opportunities for informal coaching.
Who is Eligible?
Anyone who is currently learning an orchestral instrument (strings, woodwind, brass, percussion) and has shown a dedication to improving their musicianship. Age is no barrier but expected lower age of 10 upwards. Learning does not have to be with an individual tutor but could be through participation in a community or school ensemble.What Might Be Expected Of Me?
Successful recipients of the scholarship will be required to engage with the Bendigo Symphony Orchestra in some way during the year they receive the funds. This could include• Attending some rehearsals for at least one program, sitting in within appropriate section. Whether you played in the concert or not would be up to a discussion with the section leader.
• Helping backstage or front -of-house for a concert as deemed age and ability appropriate
• Participating in publicity including photography and/or video. This would be especially useful as a follow-up to how the funds enabled your progress.
• Attend at least one BSO concert (a complementary ticket will be provided)
All recipients will be required to provide some reflections as either a 250 word essay or a 3 minute video on the activity they undertook and how it has impacted their musicianship.
When Will I Know If I Have Been Successful?
Your application will be assessed by a small team of musicians from the orchestra and the community during the month of January. You will then be contacted by us in an official capacity where you will be asked for banking details. All information will remain confidential and secure.What Information is Required on the Application Form?
Here is the infomation that we require for your application form:- Full Name, Phone, Email, Address
- If under 18 - Parent/Guardian contact details
- Instrument, playing standard and ensembles you play with (either in or out of school, if applicable)
- Current (or most recent) Teacher details.
• Tuition and coaching
• Attendance at music camps (eg Border Music Camp)
• Membership of orchestras (eg BYM; BSO)
• Equipment upgrade (eg bows, mouthpieces, mutes etc)
2. Who could support your application and provide a reference regarding your musicality and commitment, such as a teacher or present member of BSO. Please provide contact details if different from those listed above.
3. When would you require the funds to be available to you?
