ABODA SA
Australian Band and Orchestra Directors' Association (South Australian branch)
Scaffolding in Ensemble Rehearsals
Friday 29 May 2026
Led by Rick Keenan (Eltham High School, VIC), this workshop presented with a live beginner band explores band curriculum in a practical application.
Westminster School (Worthley Foyer, Michael Murray Centre)
The Collaborative Conductor
Friday 29 May 2026
Rick Keenan (Eltham High School, VIC), leads a focused conversation on repertoire, curriculum and pathways.
Westminster School (Forder Centre - Level 2)
Persuasive Percussion
Wednesday 18 February 2026
Led by Simon Varga and Andrew Chan, Persuasive Percussion dives into the techniques, instruments and essential skills required of the percussion section in a school band. Gain practical insights, build confidence in teaching percussion and be persuaded that it really is the best section in the band.
St Andrew's School (Performing Arts Centre)
ABODA SA Membership 2025
Monday 20 January 2025
WHO CAN JOIN ABODA ?
Anyone with an interest in ensemble music making, whether professional, amateur, school or community based. You do not have to be an ensemble director to join ABODA. Students with an interest in improving their level and understanding of music making and ensemble direction and conducting are encouraged to join.
WHY BELONG TO ABODA ?
Receive priority information about State and National Conferences, clinics, and conducting schools
Access professional development opportunities around the country as part of the ABODA National network
Discounts to members apply
String Sessions
Thursday 22 May 2025
Presented by ABODA SA and AUSTA SA
String Sessions with Fiona Portway and Julian Ferraretto
See full event program here: https://www.abodasa.com.au/professional-learning
Prince Alfred College - UPDATE
Big Band Brilliance with Peter Foley
Wednesday 19 February 2025
Are you looking to improve your school big band? Look no further!
Here you will find outstanding resources, created and assembled by Peter Foley, one of Australia’s most highly recognised and awarded school big band directors.
Peter covers the following topics:
Preparing for competition/events
Setting up a new program
Upskilling for newer directors
Elevating your existing program
Why every player matters!
This is a professional learning opportunity not to be missed. Bookings are essential! Join us at 6:30pm for a drink upon arrival, before the session commences at 7:00pm
Pulteney Grammar School (Nicholls Performing Arts Centre)
ABODA SA Membership 2024
Wednesday 3 April 2024
ABODA SA Membership
Click 'Book Now' to join ABODA SA or renew your membership (memberships are valid for 12 months, starting from your date of purchase)
Please note that there are no institutional memberships. However, memberships for multiple individuals paid by an organisation can be accomodated via invoice. Please add your memberships to cart, and use the discount code 'INVOICE' to be issued with a tax invoice for your institution. Please contact ABODA SA for more information if required.
CONTACT DETAILS: Secretary: Cassie Pope. Email: info@abodasa.com.au
Movement Fundamentals
Saturday 21 September 2024
When: Saturday September 21st, 2:30-5:00pm
Where: Pembroke School (Music Centre access via Kensington Community Leisure Centre gate from the Parade)
For beginner conductors or those looking to refresh their baton skills, Bryan Griffiths will lead this interactive workshop where you can master the basics of musical communication through gesture.
Exercises will include stance, movement, baton grips, basic beating patterns, developing left hand interdependence and cueing.
Bring your baton!
Pembroke School (Music Centre)
Wind Band Wonders
Thursday 9 May 2024
Join panellists Bryan Griffiths and Darryl Pope as they discuss repertoire selections and program development for Concert Bands of all levels.
This event is open to all! Please come along, feel free to ask a question of the panel and stick around for a complimentary drink at the end of the evening for some informal networking.
Bookings are essential.
Pulteney Grammar School (Nicholls Performing Arts Centre)
Swingin' Selections
Thursday 15 February 2024
Join panellists Rob Chenoweth, Vashti Tyrrell and Thomas Voss as they discuss effective Big Band repertoire programming for bands of all levels.
This event is open to all! Please come along, feel free to ask a question of the panel and stick around for a complimentary drink at the end of the evening for some informal networking.
Bookings are essential.
Pulteney Grammar School (Nicholls Performing Arts Centre)
Principles of Advanced Conducting
Sunday 3 September 2023
The purpose of this course is to provide established secondary school and community conductors with an
introduction to the insights, skills and experience of conducting at an advanced level. The practical and
theoretical knowledge presented will sophisticate participants’ conducting practices and sufficiently prepare
those planning to pursue formal study.
Two canonical works from the wind band repertory will be examined in a theoretical seminar, with a view to preparing these works for professional-grade rehearsal and performance.
Participants will be exposed to in-depth score study techniques; learn how to shape their interpretative vision of the work; and develop and enlarge their gestural vocabulary and practical conducting skills. Full participants will have the opportunity to rehearse two selected works of their choice with the Adelaide Wind Orchestra.
Further information can be found at www.abodasa.com.au
TBC (Seminars) & St Peter's Girls' School (Conducting Workshops)
Adelaide Wind Band Festival 2023
Between Saturday 3 June 2023 and Sunday 4 June 2023
In partnership with the Elder Conservatorium of Music and ABODA SA we are proud to present the inaugural Adelaide Wind Band Festival.
Bringing together amateur, emerging, and professional musicians, composers, conductors, music educators and enthusiasts, the Festival will, through a broad events program, stimulate community engagement with, social connectedness through, and historical recognition of SA’s pioneering wind band movement.
Central to the Festival will be four public concerts, each anchored by one of four participating bands: the Australian Army Band, the Adelaide Wind Orchestra, the Elder Conservatorium Wind Orchestra, and local community group the Unley Concert Band. Four auditioned secondary school or youth bands will also feature in these concerts, offering them public exposure on the shoulders of role models, and fostering a sense of cross-generational continuity.
www.adelaidewindbandfestival.com.au
Elder Conservatorium of Music (University of Adelaide)
Foundations of Conducting with Bryan Griffiths
Sunday 24 July 2022
ABODA SA is proud to present this conducting workshop series led by Bryan Griffiths. This participant-focussed series will cater for community and school ensemble conductors who would like to further their conducting ability in a supportive environment. This course will focus on the fundamentals of conducting and will conclude with two live conducting sessions with the Adelaide Wind Orchestra.
Madley Rehearsal Studio - University of Adelaide
Gender Inclusion in Jazz Education (online seminar)
Thursday 17 February 2022
Presented by Ellie Lamb and Darcie Foley (VIC)
This session will provide insight into systemic underrepresentation of female and gender diverse students in secondary jazz ensembles. Participants will be presented with frameworks and strategies to improve the inclusion and experiences of these students within their music programs. The session is aimed at all educators who are involved in band programs, particularly those who run jazz ensembles within their schools.
SA SCHOOLS JAZZ FESTIVAL Awards Concert
Saturday 1 May 2021
The 2021 SA SCHOOLS JAZZ FESTIVAL Awards Concert will feature the Mulder/Pulford Nonet as directed by Nick Mulder and Tom Pulford, along with the Latin Ensemble from the Elder Conservatorium of Music, as directed by Mark Ferguson. Awards for Divisions 2, 3, and 4 will be announced throughout the evening.
ELDER HALL
SA SCHOOLS JAZZ FESTIVAL
Friday 30 April 2021
Presented by ABODA SA, AHOMINGS and The University of Adelaide, the 2021 SA SCHOOLS JAZZ FESTIVAL will host over 50 school big bands competing in 5 divisions on Friday April 30 and Saturday May 1.
Elder Conservatorium of Music
