QUEENSLAND YOUTH ORCHESTRA 3

 

Queensland Youth Orchestra 3 (QYO3) is where your orchestral adventure begins. Whether you’re an aspiring virtuoso or a newcomer to the symphonic stage, this ensemble will show you the power of Band and Strings combined (no doubling of wind and brass parts). Educator and conductor Rachel Howley will help you stand out from the crowd as you build your solo performance skills and experience one of the most spectacular sound worlds ever invented – the Symphony Orchestra.

 

    • Conductor: Rachel Howley 

    • 90+ member symphony orchestra 

    • A wide range of orchestral music from traditional core repertoire through to film scores and the music of local composers  

    • Concerto opportunities 

    • 3 Concerts (Old Museum Concert Hall), Finale (QPAC) 

    • Rehearsals/tutorials: Saturdays 2.00 - 4.45pm  

    • Weekend music camp 13-15 February, 2026 at Luther Heights Coolum

    • Violin, cello, trumpet AMEB Grade 6 minimum or equivalent 

    • Flute, clarinet AMEB Grade 7 minimum or equivalent  

    • Viola, oboe, bassoon, French horn, trombone, tuba AMEB Grade 5 minimum or equivalent  

    • Double bass AMEB Grade 3 minimum or equivalent  

    • Maximum age 23 years (at 31 December 2026) 

    • Primary school students (in 2026) are not eligible to audition for wind, brass and percussion instruments for QYO3 

    • Violin 1 (18), Violin 2 (18), Viola (16), Cello (14), Double Bass (12), Flute (2), Piccolo (1), Oboe (2), Clarinet Bb and A (2), Bassoon (2), French Horn (6), Trumpet (4), Trombone (2), Bass Trombone (1), Tuba (1), Percussion (3), Harp (1) 

    • All positions are offered ‘within the section’ and seating orders will be arranged and rotated by the conductor. 

Rachel Howley

QYO3 CONDUCTOR

  • I'd be a Paediatrician.

  • I love that this is the first step into a full symphony orchestra experience for many of the players, and I also really love the group's vibe - fun and very much about working together to make excellent music! 

  • Someone who understands that being in an ensemble is about making everyone else sound great, as much as it is about doing the best they can as an individual player. 

  • Fixing instruments when they break.

  • All my Australian composer friends? I would want them to hear how incredible this group of young musicians are, and be inspired to write more music for this level orchestra!