Australian Youth Orchestra
AYO Musician: Rachel Howie
Rachel Howie is a Sydney-based flautist who completed her Bachelor of Music (Honours) at the Australian National University in Canberra. She has participated in AYO’s programs since 2007, and in 2015 had the chance to play alongside members of the AWO on the Sydney Opera House Stage in a very special collaboration. Read more about her experiences below.
What are your musical aspirations?
I would love to play professionally in a full time orchestra. I enjoy orchestral playing because of the fantastic repertoire and the musical variety that is possible with so many instruments.
What do you love most about your instrument?
I love the flute because it is so versatile, and has so many colours. We are often depicted as the ‘birds’, but are equally capable of playing powerful, stirring passages.
How are your experiences with AYO helping you work towards your goals?
The majority of my orchestral experience to date has happened through AYO. Each time, the intensity of the programs has pushed me to aspire to a new level of music-making.
What are some of the best experiences that you’ve had with AYO?
My most memorable AYO experience was my first AYO experience, the inaugural ‘wind, brass and percussion’ Young Symphonists. Coming from Hobart, it was very exciting meeting passionate musicians my age from around the country, some of whom I still am in touch with. The camp opened my eyes to the opportunities and possibilities in ensemble playing.
What does an invitation to play with the AWO mean for a young musician?
The invitation to play with AWO and Sir Simon Rattle was a bit surreal, albeit nerve wracking! His presence in the music is incredible. Playing with the AWO made the music feel extra powerful and intense to me.
What have you learnt from this collaboration?
I admire the AWO musicians’ generosity and adventurous spirit. I really enjoyed hearing about their career journeys – they were all so diverse and inspiring!