Band Concert & Stage
Friday 31st July, 2026
* Only TWO entries per school allowed in this discipline.
* String Orchestras may qualify for the AUSTA SA Strings Award.
VENUE – All sections will be held at Horizon Centre – See Eisteddfod Venues page
CONVENOR: Kathy Niejalke
ADJUDICATOR: Cassie Pope
Cassie Pope is a bass trombonist, conductor and teacher based in Adelaide, South Australia, where she freelances through the Adelaide music scene in various big bands and commercial orchestras. Cassie is a graduate of the Elder Conservatorium of Music, where she completed an honours degree in Classical Performance. She has performed with artists including Lisa Simone, Don Burrows, James Morrison, Emma Pask, Human Nature, Daniel Johns, the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and The Australian Ballet, with recent engagements including studio album recordings for a whole host of Adelaide based ensembles.
Outside of performing, Cassie works as the recently appointed Head of Music at Westminster School, where she is passionate about the development of young musicians, and particularly enjoys working with the students in the co-curricular band program. Cassie also works with the Australian Band and Orchestra Directors Association (SA), where she coordinates the annual SA School Band and Orchestra Festival which sees over 3000 school students from around the state perform over a jam-packed 5-day event.
Cassie Pope is a bass trombonist, conductor and teacher based in Adelaide, South Australia, where she freelances through the Adelaide music scene in various big bands and commercial orchestras. Cassie is a graduate of the Elder Conservatorium of Music, where she completed an honours degree in Classical Performance. She has performed with artists including Lisa Simone, Don Burrows, James Morrison, Emma Pask, Human Nature, Daniel Johns, the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and The Australian Ballet, with recent engagements including studio album recordings for a whole host of Adelaide based ensembles.
Outside of performing, Cassie works as the recently appointed Head of Music at Westminster School, where she is passionate about the development of young musicians, and particularly enjoys working with the students in the co-curricular band program. Cassie also works with the Australian Band and Orchestra Directors Association (SA), where she coordinates the annual SA School Band and Orchestra Festival which sees over 3000 school students from around the state perform over a jam-packed 5-day event.
GENERAL DISCIPLINE INFORMATION
Entrants MUST read the Syllabus Notes for Friday 31st July 2026 for detailed information and the Rules & Conditions of Entry
Band Set Up Sheet may be filled in and brought on the day to save time at booking in.
Bands consist of 10 or more members
SEE SYLLABUS page for details on how to enter.
Band Sections Start times
Depending on number of entries, some SECTIONS may be divided, combined, cancelled or have entries CLOSED EARLY when capacity is reached
n/a – Junior Band – Year 6 & under (None in 2026)
9.00am – Senior Concert Band – Year 12 & under
11.40am – Open Band (concert or stage) – Any group that includes adults
1.20pm – Senior Stage Band – Year 12 & under
ANNOUNCE BAND CHAMPION
ANNOUNCE AUSTA AWARD FOR MOST OUTSTANDING STRING ORCHESTRA
For full Friday details click HERE (updated 07/07/2026)
(See the Program page for full program)