Things to Know

No audition is necessary to enrol with the Melbourne Community Cellists but it is recommended that participants are having regular weekly cello lessons with a cello teacher in order to participate in the ensembles. Approximately 12-18 months of prior learning is recommended before joining the Beginner Cello Ensembles.

Seating arrangements of the ensembles will be at the discretion of the music director based on information received at the time of registration. Things that may also be taken into consideration may include your teacher recommendation, your prior playing experience or your competence of playing demonstrated during rehearsals. Experienced players will be placed on the more difficult or solo parts. There may also be rotation of player’s parts from time to time.

Players are encouraged to practice their parts at home with their teacher if necessary, so that they are confident to play in rehearsals.

We learn new repertoire every term. Cellists can join us any term of the year.

Our End of the Year Concert is in Term 4 and features selected repertoire played and rehearsed throughout the year.

  • Weekly 1.5 hour rehearsals for adult/teen groups.

    Weekly 60 minute rehearsals for junior cello group

    Eight weeks per term.

    End of year concert for all ensembles in Term 4

    Piatti Intermediate/Advanced Cello Ensemble - All Ages

    Saturdays 2 - 3.30pm in Hawksburn

    Prelude Cello Ensemble - Adults & Teens

    Saturdays 3.45 - 5.15pm in Hawksburn

    Little Bows and Strings Junior Cello Ensemble - Kids 12 yo and under

    Sundays 3 - 4pm in Elsternwick

  • Term 1

    Saturday 7/2/26 - Saturday 28/3/26 (Juniors Sunday 8/2/26 - Sunday 29/3/26)

    Term 2

    Saturday 2/5/26 - Saturday 20/6/26 (Juniors Sunday 3/5/26 - Sunday 21/6/26)

    Term 3

    Saturday 25/7/26 - Saturday 12/9/26 (Juniors Sunday 26/7/26 - Sunday 13/9/26)

    Term 4

    Saturday 17/10/26 - SUNDAY 6/12/26 concert day TBC. No rehearsal on Saturday 5th December.

    (Juniors Sunday 18/10/26 - Sunday 6/12/26 (concert day)

    End of Year Concert is SATURDAY 5th December (final details and time TBC).

  • Saturday Rehearsals:

    St. Martin’s Anglican Church Hawksburn. 27 Cromwell Rd, South Yarra.

    Approximately 1 minute brisk walk from the Hawksburn train station (Frankston line).

    Note: we may also occasionally rehearse and perform at our old venue: Armadale Baptist Church throughout the year. Details to be advised.

    Sunday Rehearsals (Juniors):

    St John’s Uniting Church

    567 Glen Huntly Rd, Elsternwick 3188, Melbourne

    • Cello

    • Music Stand

    • End pin stopper

    • Pencil/Rubber

    • Music/Music Folder

    • Water Bottle

  • Please arrive 15-20 minutes before your rehearsal time.

    Cellists will be able to unpack their instruments in the corridor/waiting area or inside the auditorium during rehearsal.

    Always be respectful of keeping the noise down while others are rehearsing in the hall.

    Parents and friends are welcome to watch the ensembles rehearse on our Open Rehearsal Days.

    Children who are not in an ensemble are not to be left on their own at the rehearsal venue at any time.

    Participants should aim to arrive 15 minutes before their rehearsal time. Please be mindful that there will be a quick turnover time of 15 minutes between ensembles, so prompt set-up and pack up in the hall is appreciated.

  • Rehearsals are scheduled for 90 minutes (60 minutes for juniors). Longer rehearsals will have a 15 minute break scheduled into their rehearsal time. There will be a quick 15 minute changeover time allocated between rehearsal groups.

    Please aim to arrive 15 minutes before your rehearsal time in order to set up and be tuned.

    Once your rehearsal has finished please pack up and leave the rehearsal space promptly so that the next group can set up. Cellists are welcome to congregate in the social area after their rehearsal finishes or before their rehearsal starts.

    Rehearsals and lessons will start on time so latecomers will need to be quiet on their arrival.

  • Family and friends are warmly invited to sit in and listen quietly to the Open Rehearsals during Terms 1, 2 and 3. Open Rehearsals will take place in the Seventh Week of these terms.

    2026 Dates are:

    Term 1

    Saturday 21st March, 2026

    (Juniors Sunday 22nd March 2026)

    Term 2

    Saturday 13th June, 2026

    (Juniors Sunday 14th June 2026)

    Term 3

    Saturday 5th August 2026

    (Juniors Sunday 6th August 2026)

  • Individual music parts will sent to players prior to the first rehearsal for the term and/or upon payment of fees, Players should keep their music in a folder and bring it to every rehearsal.

  • We will have our annual concert at the end of the year for all ensembles. This will take place on the last session for the year

    Occasionally, other performing opportunities may arise throughout the year. 

  • The ensembles will take place at every scheduled rehearsal day so individual absences cannot be refunded.

    Please send prior notice if you are to be away for any rehearsal or concert.

    In the event of the music director being sick rehearsals will either be rescheduled if possible, or fees for that week will be credited back to students towards the following term.

  • Fees are paid prior to each term. Renewals must be paid before the new term has started to secure your spot. Players are enrolled into the ensemble once term fees have been paid and the term has commenced.

    Fees for 2026:

    For adult/teen ensembles

    8 × 90 minute rehearsals per term.

    $315 per term.

    For junior ensembles

    8 × 60 minute rehearsals per term.

    $293 per term.

    (Fees are subject to change annually).

  • Cello Ensembles are encouraged to join their ensemble WhatsApp group to discuss all things cello, practice ideas, and to share any relevant information between members.

  • Ensemble allocation and seating placement is based on the player’s musical experience and their level of playing. This can be discussed, liaised and confirmed with Sharon prior to commencing your ensemble.

  • Click here to view the Melbourne Community Cellists’ registration policy.

    Before joining the Melbourne Community Cellists you must read and accept our policies.