We're inviting French Horn players of all ages and abilities to come experience a day at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music! This jam-packed day will provide participants with the opportunity to engage in masterclasses, rehearsals, panel discussions, meet with like-minded musicians and perform some incredible music with the Mass Horn Ensemble.

French Horn Mega Day 2025 will be a truly unforgettable experience, as we bring some of Australia’s best French Horn players together for an exciting series of events that will culminate in a showcase concert.

Schedule

9.00AM - 9.30AM – Registrations Open
9.30AM – 10.45 AM – Mass Horn Ensemble - Group Warm Up
10.45AM – 11.00AM – Morning Tea Break
11.00AM – 1.00PM - Workshops and Masterclasses Session 1
1.00PM – 2.00PM - Lunch Break and Open Stage Performances
2.00PM – 3.00PM – Workshops and Masterclasses Session 2
3.00PM –3.45PM – Mass Horn Ensemble - Rehearsal, Soundcheck
3.45PM - 4.00PM - Afternoon Tea Break
4.00PM - 6.00PM - French Horn Showcase Concert

Rehearsals, Workshops and Masterclasses

Mass Horn Ensemble
Group Warm Up: Bring your instrument and join in the morning warm up session with Katy Woolley & Carla Blackwood as a great kick start to your Mega Day.

Concert Rehearsal + Soundcheck: All attendees are invited to come together to rehearse works with the Mass Horn Ensemble, before performing together in the Showcase Concert. Sheet music will be provided prior to the event. All experience levels are welcome

Workshops and Masterclasses
During the day, participants will be able to participate in workshops and masterclasses with the French Horn Mega Day Artists. For those wishing to participate in a masterclass, you will be able to express your interest through the ticket booking form. All other attendees will be welcome to attend and observe the masterclasses.

Masterclass with Kate Woolley
11.00AM - 1.00PM in Kenneth Myer Auditorium (Ground Floor)

VCE + Future Students Masterclass/Q&A with Carla Blackwood
12.00PM - 1.00PM in Prudence Myer Studio (Level 5)

Making the French Horn Australian with Carla Blackwood
2.00PM - 3.00PM in Hanson Dyer Hall (Level 3)

Concerts and Performances

Open Concert Stage
Performances will be held in the Hanson Dyer Hall Foyer during lunchtime. This is open to all participants of the French Horn Mega Day.This is a great opportunity to perform a piece you have been working on.

French Horn Showcase Concert
A showcase concert featuring the staff and students of the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, French Horn Mega Day participants and guest artists. All attendees will be invited to come together to rehearse and perform works with the Mass Horn Ensemble. Get tickets to attend the concert here:

Event Information

Observer/Parent/Guardian Passes

Observer passes are available to those who wish to attend the day without participating in the rehearsals and concert performance.

Parent/Guardian passes are available for those who wish to attend the day alongside a participant aged 17 years and younger. Attendees aged 14 and under are required to have a parent/guardian or teacher attend with them.

PARKING

The City of Melbourne has recently changed the parking restrictions around the Southbank Campus. Parking control hours are now expanded to 7am–10pm, seven days per week, and are capped at three hours. A $2-per-hour fee after 7pm is also now in place. There is no change to the $4-per-hour peak rate between 7am–7pm. Parking inspectors are regularly in the area fining drivers who overstay their meter, so we encourage everyone to be aware and avoid an expensive fine. More information.

ACCESSIBILITY

All venues at the Southbank campus are wheelchair accessible. To read more about access services available at our venues, please visit: https://finearts-music.unimelb.edu.au/access-our-events.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Please stay home if you feel unwell, even with mild symptoms. Face masks are welcome in all settings for community and personal safety.
In order to account for drop-off in attendance, we overbook a select number of free events at the Faculty. If you have not arrived by the start of the performance, your ticket may be released to any waiting patrons at the door. Please arrive at the venue at least 15 minutes before the performance to secure your seat.
Admission to any of our concerts and events is strictly at the discretion of Front of House. We have zero tolerance for any disrespectful behaviour.