Australian Band Reading Session

Ingrid Martin transforms lives through music. Her life-long mission: to make art music relevant, interesting and engaging for everyone. Whether she’s leading a beginner band or a professional orchestra, she empowers musicians of all ages and abilities to uncover and share their unique artistic voices.

Distinctive in her ability to provide experiences that combine inspiring artistry and exceptional learning design, Ingrid is in demand internationally as a presenter and guest conductor for ensembles from primary schools to professional orchestras. 2024 sees Ingrid lead the Sydney Conservatorium Wind Symphony and return to lead TSO, QSO and MSO.

Passionate about professional development for music teachers, Ingrid curates learning experiences for organisations including the Midwest International Band & Orchestra Clinic (USA), AUSTA, ANBOC, ASME, Musica Viva, AMEB, MSO and QSO.

Modelling her advocacy for lifelong learning, Ingrid is one of five members of the 2023-2024 Australian Conducting Academy, participating in 16 masterclasses with all Australian professional orchestras.

Ingrid shares her unique approach to leadership through Conducting Artistry, her online learning platform for conductor development. In December 2022 she launched her first book “Planning Effective Rehearsals: Tools to Boost Learning & Engagement”, which is now used as a textbook in universities across the USA and Australia.

Knox Wind Symphony (KWS) was established in 2017 by Artistic Director, Daniel van

Bergen, who recognised the need for a community ensemble in the Knox City Council area. The group’s full symphonic wind band instrumentation is chaired by school leavers, teachers, and music enthusiasts of all ages. KWS performs a wide range of music from light entertainment pieces to advanced wind band repertoire.

KWS regularly share concerts with Wantirna College, Vermont Secondary College and Bairnsdale Secondary College to strengthen the pathways from high school music programs into the community. Collaboration with groups such as Chime Choir, Whitehorse Orchestra, Grainger Wind Symphony, Glenferrie Brass and Melbourne Rainbow Band have broadened the band’s musical scope and connections. Performances in the community have included Knox Fest, Knox Stringybark Festival, and Bandstand Sunday held each year at Federation Square.

The group also enjoys the challenge of competing in the Yamaha Australian

National Concert Band Championships and the Victorian Bands League State Band

Championships.

The band is always looking for opportunities to perform and share their love of music with the

community.