ASO Jam Sessions & the impact on kids in our community

Launched for the first time in 2025 and delivered by workshop facilitators Julian Ferraretto and Dave McEvoy, these free, welcoming sessions were shaped by the creativity, spontaneity and stories of the participants.

We caught up with some of the younger participants at the September 2025 ASO Jam Sessions to hear what they thought.

Alexander, 11, plays a few instruments and sings in a choir. When we arrived at the session he was conducting the group in an improvisatory swirl of sound, standing in the middle of it all.

“I’ve loved being able to get up in front of the group and do a bit of conducting,” said Alexander later. “It’s cool to make the music happen. It makes me feel a little powerful!”

Chloe, 10, already has a family connection with orchestral music – her older sister Amanda is the ASO’s Principal Bass Trombone. Chloe also plays the trumpet and trombone at school, and the Beulah Road Brass band.

“I love hearing how different instruments come together in different ways,” she enthused. “I enjoy how confident everyone is, and how they’re not scared to bring their music to share. They all have their own sound, and it’s cool to hear them all playing together.”

The ASO’s Learning & Community Programs Manager, Rachel Pitson, shared her enthusiasm for the sessions. “It’s such a valuable experience for the community to come together in this way. Each Jam Session brings together people of all ages, backgrounds, and musical abilities – everyone is welcome. There’s something really special about seeing complete strangers connect through the shared language of music.

Over the course of the sessions, you can watch participants grow in confidence and creativity; every voice is heard, every sound matters. It’s a joyful reminder that music belongs to everyone, and the fact that these sessions are free means that truly anyone can take part.”

The ASO acknowledges the generous support of Dr Sing Ping Ting in making this program possible.