Guy Ross

Guy Ross was Sydney Youth Orchestras Artistic Operations Manager up until November 2009. He is now the General Manager of Darwin Symphony Orchestra. Guy provides ongoing support to Sydney Youth Orchestras in tbe form of the Guy Ross Scholarship for Community Engagement.

What years were you involved with SYO and what ensemble were you part of?
I loved my two years with the Philharmonic orchestra and then later as a ring-in for SYO. As any 15 year old can relate, the social side of orchestra was really where it was really at – so many great friends with common passions. Being from a single sex school, sitting next to girls really helped me maintain my attendance! But seriously, to have the chance to play quality orchestral music of a much grander scale than I had at school made Saturday’s the highlight of my week. We are all very fortunate to have an association with SYO and we should all find a way to contribute to its ongoing legacy of giving young people the chance to be extraordinary.

Did you pursue a professional career in music after leaving SYO?
Leaving school I undertook 7 years of torture as an architecture student. Many, many sleepless nights of getting models and drawings completed whilst grappling with my passion for music – ‘what to do with your life??!!’ It’s always tricky finding a way for your passion to meet a means for employment but I was most fortunate to land some great teaching and conducting jobs in high schools. I would classify myself as a mad keen amateur clarinet player who was fortunate to have a path of music as a hobby not a day job.

What are your favorite memories of your time with SYO, both as a musician and staff member?
Over 3 years of working at SYO – 120 concerts, 6 tours and many moments getting to know students, parents, conductors and tutors there are many, many memories. I think of the 3 years at SYO as the most rewarding time of my life to date – both personally and as a great kick-start to a career path which I am passionate about.

The 2007 Philharmonic’s performance at the Mungindi Music Festival will always stand out as a way in which orchestral music made a remarkable contribution to a community. The Verdi, Force of Destiny nearly took the roof off the marquee constructed in the drought-stricken paddock – the standing ovation will mark a significant turning point for those musicians performing.

My last concert with SYO in 2009 was with Richard Gill and Liisa Pallandi performing the Tchaikovsky concerto and Beethoven 5 – that was an incredible achievement for an inspired orchestra and the pinnacle of 3 years hard work developing the organisation to provide the opportunity to undertake such an inspiring training experience.

What’s the best piece of advice you were ever given?
Work hard and be good to your mother. My dad still says that to me on a daily basis!

Tell us three of your musical heroes and what makes them so special to you.
1. My mum and dad – it’s corny, but those thousands of dollars for instruments and lessons and billions of hours listening and supporting me with my passion for music. My dad played cymbals in primary school and my mum could rule the karaoke world with 80’s pop. They were, and still are, extremely supportive of me in my passion for music.

2. Brian Buggy was and continues to be an inspiration in music education – probably the greatest musical and educational influence I’ve ever experienced as a high school student then as a colleague. Great to see I’m still in contact with Brian and see him working with the Philharmonic – lucky kids!!

3. Mark Walton is someone with enormous energy and passion for music as a tool for community growth. Mark is a pied piper – literally through his incredible ability with the clarinet, but more as someone who understands how to bring the best out of someone and not to linger on a weakness. What a remarkable human.

You are happiest when…
These days I’m happiest when riding my bike home at sunset along the beachfront in Darwin after a very satisfying day at work. My iPod oscillates between Wagner, Mahler, Beethoven and Sigur Ros, Mumford and Sons or Cold Play. The prelude to Tristan has got to be the best music to get your legs pumping, not Kylie!!! I’m pretty happy up here in Darwin with my partner Ell. Good times and Classical hits.