ABOUT US
The Second-Wind Ensemble is a concert band with about 45 members, with a broad range of musical experience. It has a full complement of wind and brass instruments, drums/percussion and bass guitar.
The main aim of the Ensemble is to meet a need among adults who have an interest in playing music. The repertoire is varied and includes different musical styles such as classical, Latin, jazz, popular as well as music from films and musical productions.
We like to support various community groups and organisations through our playing and present up to six public performances per year. Support is provided for young musicians to attend the South Australian Music Camp in Adelaide through an annual scholarship.
Annual performances have included:
· Adelaide Festival Fringe
· Mitcham Band Festival
· Strathalbyn Band Festival
· Hahndorf Band Festival
· St Columba Fete
· City-Bay Fun Run
Second-Wind Ensemble Inc. is registered with the ACNC as a non-profit charitable organisation under the category of Advancing culture. We aim to achieve this by promoting participation by individuals in development of their musical competence and musicianship within a group setting, with opportunities to support other community organisations through performances.
OUR MUSIC DIRECTOR
Josie graduated from the University of Adelaide with an Honours Degree in Performance Bassoon, a Diploma of Education and a Graduate Diploma in Performance from Griffith University. She has had a wealth of experience as a professional bassoonist, working in many Festival Centre productions of musicals, many years of casual playing with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and the Adelaide Art Orchestra.
Josie has a great interest in music education, having worked for the Education Department as a bassoon teacher for 24 years before becoming a permanent member of the classroom music teaching team at Marryatville High School.
An experienced ensemble director, Josie has been the conductor of Concert Band 1 (senior ensemble) at Marryatville High School for more than ten years, having conducted the band in many different types of performances.
As well as her other teaching duties she continues to manage a private teaching practice that encompasses players of all ages, and takes great delight in helping players of a more mature age achieve their musical goals and join an ensemble.
As a passionate bassoon player, Josie is also the editor of Reeding Matter - the journal of the Australasian Double Reed Society – and is a member of the local committee that organises events and actively promotes the playing of double reed instruments.
In January 2018 Josie was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the community through music.
Josie has now moved from her 20-year position at the drum kit at the back of the Second-Wind Ensemble to the front as Music Director!
Josie Hawkes OAM
REHEARSALS
The Ensemble meets on Thursday nights in the Music Suite at Pembroke School on Norwood Parade. Rehearsals are from 7pm to 9pm. Players are asked to arrive by 6.45pm to help set up the rehearsal room.
The Music Suite is located at the back of the grandstand of Kensington Oval, past the YMCA, with plenty of parking available in the adjacent car park.
We welcome visitors to sit in on rehearsals.
Rehearsals may be impacted by extreme heat or school events.
Please contact our Secretary for current times.