Invitation Only • 2026
Hansen Grindrod
String Orchestra

An exclusive ensemble inspiring musical growth, collaboration,
and performance excellence.

Academy Strings 🕘 Mondays 4:30-5:30pm 📍Cornubia 💰 $125 per term

Consevatory Strings 🕘 Sundays 9–10am 📍Cornubia 💰 $125 per term

Request an invitation

ABOUT HGSO

An Elite String Orchestra

The Hansen Grindrod String Orchestra (HGSO) is proud to launch its 2026 ensembles for developing and advanced string players, offering structured, engaging, and inspiring group-learning experiences. Both Academy and Conservatory ensembles focus on ensemble skills, musical communication, and performance confidence.
Through yearly enrolment, students grow together as a connected orchestra, developing technical mastery, expressive musicianship, and a lifelong love of performance. HGSO nurtures confident, collaborative musicians ready to explore challenging repertoire and shine on stage.

Cassandra Hansen

Orchestra Director

Cassandra Hansen is an award-winning orchestra director and string educator, known for her nurturing, structured approach and high musical standards. She specialises in violin, viola, and cello, and is passionate about developing confident, collaborative musicians through ensemble-based learning.

ABOUT

OUR ORCHESTRAS

Academy Strings

AMEB Levels: 3–5

Academy Strings is designed for developing string players. Rehearsals build ensemble skills in rhythm, tuning, music reading, and group awareness, while nurturing confidence and musical expression in a collaborative environment. This ensemble provides a strong foundation for students progressing into advanced string orchestra repertoire.Rehearsals: Mondays 4:30–5:30 pm
Location: Cornubia
Term Fee: $125 per term

Conservatory Strings

AMEB Levels: 5–6

Conservatory Strings is our advanced ensemble for committed musicians ready to explore more challenging repertoire and refined ensemble skills. Rehearsals focus on tone quality, balance, phrasing, and expressive musicianship, supporting AMEB performance standards and deeper musical growth.Rehearsals: Sundays 9:00am - 10:00am
Location: Cornubia
Term Fee: $125 per term

REHEARSAL FOCUS

Musical Development

Weekly rehearsals are thoughtfully structured to support musical growth and develop confident, well-rounded musicians.

Ensemble Technique

Tone production, bow control, precise articulation, ensemble balance, and harmonious blend

Aural Training

Strengthened listening, tuning, internal pulse, and harmonic awareness

Ensemble Awareness

Developing the ability to follow a conductor and respond musically as a collaborative ensemble

Sight Reading

Improved fluency, rhythmic security, and confidence with new repertoire

Applied Theory

Practical music theory taught through repertoire to make learning meaningful and enjoyable.

Community & Culture

Respectful teamwork, collaboration, and musical games to build connection

Repertoire spans classical, romantic, and popular music, selected to support technical growth while remaining musically engaging.

PERFORMANCES

Semester Concerts

Students participate in two semester concerts per year, providing valuable performance experience and clear musical goals.

Concert Boys' Attire

Black dress pants
White long-sleeve button-up shirt
Black bow tie

Concert Girls' Attire

All black concert attire
White bow worn in the hair

These concerts support confidence, stage presence, and a strong sense of achievement within a supportive environment.

ORCHESTRA INFO

2026 Calendar

Academy Strings

Mondays 4:30-5:30pm

Term 1

2 Feb · 9 Feb · 16 Feb · 23 Feb · 2 Mar · 9 Mar · 16 Mar · 23 Mar · 30 Mar

Term 2

20 Apr · 27 Apr · 11 May · 18 May · 25 May · 1 Jun · 8 Jun · 15 Jun🚫 No rehearsal: 4 May — Labour Day (Public Holiday)

Term 3

20 Jul · 27 Jul · 3 Aug · 10 Aug · 17 Aug · 24 Aug · 31 Aug · 7 Sep · 14 Sep

Term 4

12 Oct · 19 Oct · 26 Oct · 2 Nov · 9 Nov · 16 Nov · 23 Nov

Conservatory Strings

Sundays 9:00-10:00am

Term 1

1 Feb · 8 Feb · 15 Feb · 22 Feb · 1 Mar · 8 Mar · 15 Mar · 22 Mar · 29 Mar

Term 2

26 Apr · 3 May · 10 May · 17 May · 24 May · 31 May · 7 Jun · 14 Jun

Term 3

19 Jul · 26 Jul · 2 Aug · 9 Aug · 16 Aug · 23 Aug · 30 Aug · 6 Sep · 13 Sep

Term 4

11 Oct · 18 Oct · 25 Oct · 1 Nov · 8 Nov · 15 Nov · 22 Nov

Rehearsal Requirements

🎻 Bring your instrument
📄 Bring your own sheet music & folder
⏰ Arrive 5 minutes early to unpack and tune

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this orchestra suitable for?
Students working at approximately Grades 3–6 AMEB who have a secure foundation on their instrument and are ready for ensemble-based learning.

Is this suitable for students new to orchestra?
Yes. Support is provided for students transitioning into ensemble playing for the first time, with clear guidance and a nurturing rehearsal structure.

Why is enrolment yearly?
A full-year commitment allows students to develop ensemble trust, progress musically together, and work towards meaningful semester concerts.

How are invitations offered?
Invitations are extended through private teachers, existing studio recommendations, or consultation with the director.

Are concerts compulsory?
Participation in semester concerts is strongly encouraged, as performances are an important part of musical development and confidence-building.

CONTACT

Request an Invitation

Membership in the Hansen Grindrod String Orchestra is by invitation only. To express interest or request an invitation, please get in touch.

hansengrindrod@gmail.com

Invitations are extended through private teachers, existing studio recommendations, or consultation with the director.

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Invitation Only • 2026Hansen GrindrodString Orchestra

ABOUT HGSO

An Elite String Orchestra

Cassandra Hansen

ABOUT

OUR ORCHESTRAS

Academy Strings

AMEB Levels: 3–5

Conservatory Strings

AMEB Levels: 5–6

REHEARSAL FOCUS

Musical Development

Ensemble Technique

Aural Training

Ensemble Awareness

Sight Reading

Applied Theory

Community & Culture

Repertoire spans classical, romantic, and popular music, selected to support technical growth while remaining musically engaging.

PERFORMANCES

Semester Concerts

Students participate in two semester concerts per year, providing valuable performance experience and clear musical goals.

Concert Boys' Attire

Concert Girls' Attire

ORCHESTRA INFO

2026 Calendar

Academy Strings

Mondays 4:30-5:30pm

Term 1

Term 2

Term 3

Term 4

Conservatory Strings

Sundays 9:00-10:00am

Term 1

Term 2

Term 3

Term 4

Rehearsal Requirements

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this orchestra suitable for?Students working at approximately Grades 3–6 AMEB who have a secure foundation on their instrument and are ready for ensemble-based learning.

Is this suitable for students new to orchestra?Yes. Support is provided for students transitioning into ensemble playing for the first time, with clear guidance and a nurturing rehearsal structure.

Why is enrolment yearly?A full-year commitment allows students to develop ensemble trust, progress musically together, and work towards meaningful semester concerts.

How are invitations offered?Invitations are extended through private teachers, existing studio recommendations, or consultation with the director.

Are concerts compulsory?Participation in semester concerts is strongly encouraged, as performances are an important part of musical development and confidence-building.

CONTACT

Request an Invitation

Hansen Grindrod School of Music

Invitation Only • 2026
Hansen Grindrod
String Orchestra

Who is this orchestra suitable for?
Students working at approximately Grades 3–6 AMEB who have a secure foundation on their instrument and are ready for ensemble-based learning.

Is this suitable for students new to orchestra?
Yes. Support is provided for students transitioning into ensemble playing for the first time, with clear guidance and a nurturing rehearsal structure.

Why is enrolment yearly?
A full-year commitment allows students to develop ensemble trust, progress musically together, and work towards meaningful semester concerts.

How are invitations offered?
Invitations are extended through private teachers, existing studio recommendations, or consultation with the director.

Are concerts compulsory?
Participation in semester concerts is strongly encouraged, as performances are an important part of musical development and confidence-building.