admin@nrcac.edu.au

Northern Rivers Conservatorium

The Northern Rivers Youth Jazz Orchestra (YJO) is set to finish 2025 on a high note, with two major concerts showcasing the region’s finest young jazz talent.

First up, the orchestra will take to the stage at the Lismore Jazz Club on Sunday 2 November, 2pm at the Lismore City Bowling Club. Audiences can expect two hours of dynamic big band sound from swinging classics to contemporary favourites performed by the full 24-piece ensemble under the direction of Nic Campbell.

Then, on Thursday 12 December at 6pm, YJO will return to The Quad for their End of Year Concert a community celebration of music, learning, and local talent under the summer evening sky.

For Campbell, 2025 has been a standout year. “It’s the first time in three years we’ve had a full ensemble, and that’s opened the door to classic big band charts and more ambitious repertoire,” he says. “The students have grown so much in confidence, particularly in their improvisation. It’s been wonderful to see them support each other and really find their own voices.”

The orchestra has performed across the region this year, from the Lismore Lantern Parade and LOLA Festival to the Clunes Public School Music in Schools Showcase. Each performance has built both skill and camaraderie among the players.

YJO’s concerts are full of energy, empathy, and musicianship – a reflection of the inclusive culture that has become its hallmark. “It’s an environment where everyone feels welcome,” Campbell says. “Jazz teaches you to listen, to see things from another point of view. That’s what makes this group special.”

The Lismore Jazz Club performance promises an afternoon of high-energy big band music, while The Quad concert offers the perfect way to wrap up a vibrant year.

Lismore Jazz Club – Sunday 2 November, 2pm
Lismore City Bowling Club – tickets at the door

End of Year Concert – Thursday 12 December, 6pm
The Quad, Lismore. Free community event.

Don't miss a beat – sign up to our mailing list!

Be the first to know about upcoming concerts, workshops, and special events. Join our community and stay connected to the power of music!

Subscribe

Conditions of Enrolment

Enrolment

An enrolment becomes valid and lessons can commence upon confirmation of lesson placement by the Northern Rivers Conservatorium (NRC) Administration.
Enrolment is continuing for the whole calendar year until notice of withdrawal (see Student Withdrawal).
Term dates for Community Music are as published by the NSW Department of Education, with Music in Schools term dates advised by your participating school.
Music in School schedules of lessons are available online at our website and it is the responsibility of parents, carers, and students to ensure that they have the latest timetable.

Fees

A registration fee is payable once a year by every student enrolled.
An invoice for fees will be raised at the beginning of each term for all enrolled students.
Fees are on a term basis and payable within seven days of the date of invoice, unless NRC has agreed to a regular payment arrangement.
In the event of financial hardship, please contact the office to discuss payment plans and/or apply for fee assistance through our bursary programme.
Any student with outstanding fees from a previous term will be automatically withdrawn. Students may only re-enrol if accounts are paid in full or an approved payment schedule implemented; in this case it may not be possible to provide the student with the same lesson time, day or teacher.

Delivery of Lessons

Lessons begin and end promptly at the designated time.
It is the student’s responsibility to attend their lessons on time. For Music In Schools students, our families are asked to check the schedules prior to their child’s day and remind their child prior to leaving home.

Missed Lessons / Refunds

NRC must be informed of all absences, with 24 hours’ notice where possible, by phone (6621 2266), SMS (0448 026 211), or email admin@nrcac.edu.au
Credits or refunds are not given for missed lessons, unless due to tutor absence.

Make-up Lessons

Make-up lessons are only available to Community Music students, with a maximum of one make-up lesson per term.
Tutors can deliver make-up lessons only if they have available time and have received more than 24 hours’ notice of the absence.
In the event that a make-up lesson is not available, one of the following options may be chosen instead: one free attendance to one of the holiday make-up workshops offered each year that is equivalent to two hours’ music education activity, OR one free ticket to an NRC visiting artist’s concert/workshop event.

Change of Teacher

NRC reserves the right to supply a substitute tutor if the original tutor is unavailable.

Student Withdrawal

Two weeks’ notification is required for any withdrawal and must be given in writing to the NRC office.

Disclaimer

NRC reserves the right to review and implement changes to fees at any time.
Our tutors reserve the right to discontinue lessons where student behaviour is deemed inappropriate.