Invitation Only • 2026
Hansen Grindrod
String Orchestra
An exclusive ensemble inspiring musical growth, collaboration, and performance excellence.
🕘 Sundays 9–10am 📍Cornubia 💰 $125 per term
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ABOUT HGSO
ABOUT HGSO
An Elite String Ensemble
An Elite String Ensemble
The Hansen Grindrod String Orchestra (HGSO) is an invitation-only ensemble for talented string players at approximately Grades 5–6 AMEB level. Launching in 2026, the orchestra provides a nurturing, inspiring, and musically rigorous environment, where students are encouraged to develop both their technical skill and expressive artistry.Through yearly enrolment, students grow together as a connected, confident orchestra, cultivating ensemble mastery, musical sensitivity, and a love for performance.
Cassandra Hansen
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.
REHEARSAL FOCUS
REHEARSAL FOCUS
Musical Development
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 blendEnsemble Technique
Aural Training
Strengthened listening, tuning, internal pulse, and harmonic awarenessAural Training
Ensemble Awareness
Developing the ability to follow a conductor and respond musically as a collaborative ensembleEnsemble Awareness
Sight Reading
Improved fluency, rhythmic security, and confidence with new repertoireSight Reading
Applied Theory
Practical music theory taught through repertoire to make learning meaningful and enjoyable.Applied Theory
Community & Culture
Respectful teamwork, collaboration, and musical games to build connectionCommunity & Culture
Repertoire spans classical, romantic, and popular music, selected to support technical growth while remaining musically engaging.
Repertoire spans classical, romantic, and popular music, selected to support technical growth while remaining musically engaging.
PERFORMANCES
PERFORMANCES
Semester Concerts
Semester Concerts
Students participate in two semester concerts per year, providing valuable performance experience and clear musical goals.
Students participate in two semester concerts per year, providing valuable performance experience and clear musical goals.
Concert Boys' Attire
Concert Boys' Attire
- Black dress pants
- White long-sleeve button-up shirt
- Black bow tie
Concert Girls' Attire
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
ORCHESTRA INFO
2026 Calendar
🕘 Sundays 9–10am2026 Calendar
📍Cornubia 💰 $125 per term
Term 1
1 Feb · 8 Feb · 15 Feb · 22 Feb · 1 Mar · 8 Mar · 15 Mar · 22 Mar · 29 MarTerm 1
Term 3
19 Jul · 26 Jul · 2 Aug · 9 Aug · 16 Aug · 23 Aug · 30 Aug · 6 Sep · 13 SepTerm 3
Term 2
26 Apr · 3 May · 10 May · 17 May · 24 May · 31 May · 7 Jun · 14 JunTerm 2
Term 4
11 Oct · 18 Oct · 25 Oct · 1 Nov · 8 Nov · 15 Nov · 22 NovTerm 4
Rehearsal Requirements
Rehearsal Requirements
🎻 Bring your instrument
📄 Bring your own sheet music & folder
⏰ Arrive 5 minutes early to unpack and tune
FAQ
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this orchestra suitable for?
Students working at approximately Grades 5–6 AMEB who have a secure foundation on their instrument and are ready for ensemble-based learning.
Who is this orchestra suitable for?
Students working at approximately Grades 5–6 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.
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.
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.
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.
Are concerts compulsory?
Participation in semester concerts is strongly encouraged, as performances are an important part of musical development and confidence-building.
CONTACT
CONTACT
Request an Invitation
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.
Invitations are extended through private teachers, existing studio recommendations, or consultation with the director.
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