Regional Residencies 2025

Mini intensives for regional students

The Strike A Chord Regional Residencies paired professional musicians with regional schools for short, targeted bursts of coaching, workshops and performance. The aim was simple: to support committed regional music programs facing distance and resource barriers, and build skills and confidence where they are needed most.

Where and when

• Maryborough Education Centre, VIC: 19–20 May 2025
• Spinifex State College, Mount Isa, QLD: 18–19 September 2025

What happened

 • Tailored tutorials, workshops and side by side performance opportunities designed in consultation with local teachers.

• In Maryborough, the Partridge String Quartet worked students across 4 chamber groups and a 1 large ensemble.

• In Mount Isa, Arcadia Winds worked with 21 students in 9 chamber groups.

Impact

Teachers reported stronger ensemble skills, higher confidence and clearer pathways for students to continue chamber music locally. The residencies provided access that distance and cost often prevent, and encouraged students to see chamber music as viable and exciting in their own communities.

Sarina Walter, Performing Arts and Music Coordinator at Maryborough Education Centre, talks about having the Partridge String Quartet in residence.