The Monash University Philharmonic Society is a student run non-profit Society based at Monash University’s Clayton campus. While most of our members are Monash students who relish the opportunity to continue playing their instrument (or to take up a new one) while studying at university, we also welcome all Monash staff, students from other campuses and universities, and members of the wider community who are looking for an opportunity to undertake challenging repertoire in a fun and relaxed setting.
Don’t play an instrument, but still want to be involved with one of the most socially active societies at Monash? You can join as one of many non-playing members!
We have three main ensembles – an orchestra, a wind symphony, and a big band, and each of them make regular performances of well known pieces to the wider community. We also have a number of small ensembles, which can often be seen performing at various festivals and events around Melbourne.
In addition to our regular concerts, we also hold a variety of social events for our members – band camp, trivia nights, laser tag, and movie trips are all regular occurrences!
Come say hi at our next public event, or sign up now!
The society began in 1982, as a humble string quartet which soon grew to become a string orchestra, then continued to expand into a full orchestra.
The Monash University Orchestra, as it was then known, was renamed the “Monash Philharmonic Orchestra” after Monash University’s faculty-run School of Music orchestra started in the early 1990’s.
In 2003, a symphonic wind band and a stage band was included and the Monash University Philharmonic Society was born. The addition of these two ensembles introduced a new dynamic to the society.
At the beginning of 2006, the idea of starting up small chamber ensembles became a reality. They are now an integral part of the society.
Today, the Phil strongly promotes music within Monash University and the Monash area, regularly giving concerts on campus and in other venues nearby. We collaborate with other local music organizations, with the aim of establishing and strengthening ties within the local music community.