The real triple threat in Music Education: playing – singing – classroom
What happens when you bring the three most powerful tools in primary music education together and add a full Sydney Youth Orchestras string orchestra?
Join us for an inspiring, practical workshop exploring how to integrate instrumental playing, singing and classroom learning into one cohesive approach that boosts musical skills, engagement and confidence for every child. You’ll walk away with clear strategies and adaptable activities designed to deliver the best outcomes in the Primary classroom, no matter your school context, instrument or level of experience.
Featuring live demonstrations with afull SYO Strings Orchestra, this session brings pedagogy to life in the most unforgettable way.
One workshop. Three pillars. Big impact.
Recommended for teachers 🟣 Music specialist
Recommended for teachers of learning stages ✅ K-2 / Early Stage 1, Stage 1 ✅ 3-4 / Stage 2 ✅ 5-6 / Stage 3
James Pensini is one of the leading conductors of youth instrumental music in Australia. Alongside his work at Sydney Youth Orchestras, he is also Head of Music Performance P-12 at Santa Sabina College.
James studied Trumpet and Conducting at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and has performed and toured extensively with many orchestras and ensembles. Performance highlights include: performing as Principal Trumpet with The Sydney Youth Orchestra including a tour of Spain and Portugal; performing as Principal Trumpet with the Australian Youth Orchestra including a tour of France, Germany and the Netherlands with pianist Jean Yves Thibaudet; performing as a member of the Sydney Symphony Training Orchestra and performing as Lead Trumpet with the Australian Youth All-Star Big Band including a tour to the Monterey Jazz Festival. James has also taught a significant number of trumpet students, some of whom hold down senior leadership positions in major Australian symphony orchestras.
As a conductor, James has worked in and run many of the finest instrumental music programs for young people at a school and representative level in Australia and has lead numerous international tours to the United States and Europe. James is a former State and National Board member of the Australian Band and Orchestra Directors Association, and is regularly called upon as an adjudicator and guest conductor.
In 2017, James conducted The Sydney Youth Orchestra on a European Tour including workshops with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra and Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. In 2020, James was the conductor of “Encounter” an original site specific orchestral and dance work as part of the Sydney Festival. James is the founding conductor of the Western Sydney Youth Orchestra, conducts the Peter Seymour Orchestra, and assists Stanley Dodds with the Sydney Youth Orchestra. James is SYO’s Head of Orchestral Training and Artistic Programming.
Since completing her Bachelor of Music/Bachelor of Education with distinction at UNSW, Alina has been Strings Coordinator at several Sydney schools, including SCEGGS Redlands and St Catherine’s School, Waverley. With a strong focus on primary music education, she previously served as Head of Music – Wyvern House at Newington College and is now Head of Preparatory School Music at Shore School.
Alina injects enjoyment and energy into all things musical, inspiring students to engage and thrive in their musical journeys. She is Kodály and Orff trained, integrating these approaches into her lessons and rehearsals. Alina also serves on the committee for the NSW Orff Schulwerk Association, regularly presenting at workshops and conferences focused on early childhood, primary classroom, and instrumental music education.
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About Sydney Youth Orchestras
SYO stands as one of Australia’s premier youth music organisations, transforming young musicians’ lives through exceptional orchestral music education and performance opportunities. For over 50 years SYO has committed to youth-led programming and inclusive access, creating pathways for aspiring young musicians across New South Wales guiding them from beginner to pre-professional.
