Awkwardstra Geelong Incorporated

14/02/2026

The Bluebird Foundation Inc. are looking for music stands, have you got one tucked away in the cupboard you no longer need?

We’re putting a little call out to our lovely community 🎶

Does anyone have a music stand in good condition that’s no longer being used and could find a new home with NORTH Children’s Choir?

As we grow, so does our need for practical bits and pieces to support our young singers. A sturdy stand (or two!) would make rehearsals smoother and help our choristers feel like the real-deal musicians they are.

If you’ve got one tucked away in a cupboard or garage, we’d be so grateful to give it a second life. Send us a message or comment below 💙

02/02/2026

"Awkwardstra rehearsals are my bucket-filling island of joy every week. As a performing arts teacher, setting aside the facilitator role and being able to give myself wholly to exploring music as a band member has been a gift. Revisiting the trombone, my old school band instrument, challenging myself to improve, learning from more experienced players, being in the flow of the music and just having fun with lovely people - it's certainly my happy place."

Photo 1 (entering the concert)- "I'm ready to party! I just love the playful vibe of Awkwardstra and the way we value people as much as the music. Our concert was such a great exchange of energy between performers and audience - everyone just happy and excited to be there."

Photo 2 (with Cat) - "As fellow Performing Arts teachers, Cat and I often debrief about our weeks at work and share stories and ideas. She's definitely one of the people I love catching up with each week!"

~ Robyn

Photography by Leiko Photography

01/02/2026

Such a great initiative City of Greater Geelong!!

Your Thursday lunch break = upgraded ☀️

This February, get a group together and soak up the summer vibes at Lunch on the Lawn – Summer Series.

Every Thursday, the lawns outside Wurriki Nyal come alive with live music, free summer-themed sweet treats and a relaxed space to enjoy your lunch. Pick something up from a local trader or bring your own, and enjoy the atmosphere with friends, colleagues and the wider community.

Live music kicks off with Matt Baird at our first session! 🎶

📅 Thursdays – 5, 12, 19 & 26 February 2026
⏰ 12PM – 2PM
📍Wurriki Nyal, 137–149 Mercer Street, Geelong

Everyone’s welcome – let’s come together, support local and enjoy summer in central Geelong.

👉 Find out more: geelong.link/LunchOnTheLawn

29/01/2026

“Our third year at Awkwardstra Geelong was amazing - we had collaborations, guest conductors, and two sold‑out concerts. But more than that, it’s still my weekly boost of joy and positivity. It’s where I get to enjoy the thrill of making music with a wonderful group of people. My kind of therapy!”

~ Scott

Photography by Leiko Photography

26/01/2026

"Being new to Geelong, Awkwardstra quickly became a place where I felt welcomed and genuinely part of a community. After giving up the viola when I was younger, I never imagined I’d have the chance to play again, especially in such a supportive, relaxed, and joyful environment.

The people in Awakwardstra are some of the most kind, interesting and encouraging individuals I've met. Weekly rehearsals give me motivation to practice and I truly look forward to them each week. There is no doubt that my playing and confidence has improved this year.

Thank you Awkwardstra for all you have given me. I can't wait for another high energy, zany, joyous year of playing next year, and many years to come!"

~ Niamh

Photography by Leiko Photography

26/01/2026

22/01/2026

"I took viola lessons for a couple of years in high school.

Why viola ? Like my father who played it before me - it was because we had one. It was given to my great grandparents by a friend of the family who made it in 1906.

Years later, the matching violin made in 1908 came to us from an aunt with the ceder case which could house both instruments. My eldest daughter now plays that violin.

I was a reluctant learner at school, and never practiced enough to get much joy from playing.

The viola and violin were stored in my parents back room until my daughters started to learn violin at school after which I found pleasure in playing the viola with them. My wife gave me a voucher for four lessions with a local string teacher as a birthday present.

My daughters' skill level overtook mine a long time ago.

I had heard of a community orchestra practicing weekly in Vines Road. I looked it up and came along to Awkwardstra for the first time in September 2023 just as some pieces were being perfected for a concert. The music seemed fast, my sight-reading was virtually non-existant and I felt well out of my depth. I sat at the back with the viola on my lap for much of that first evening, but it wasn't resting. The music resonated through my instrument causing a vibration in my legs telling me quite clearly that it wanted me to play it.

Following that concert, Awkwardstra was starting on a whole selection of new pieces so I was now surrounded by a room full of players who were less familiar with the music.

I have been been part of this music community for over two years now. We have made some great music and some great friendships.

~ Tim

Photography by Leiko Photography

17/01/2026

Nearly back to music-making for 2026!

Curious about whether Awkwardstra Geelong might be for you?

You’re very welcome to pop in and see what we’re about - come and watch us in action, or bring your instrument and have a go.

The start of the year is a great time to join, as we’ll all be learning new pieces together from the beginning.

15/01/2026

"Awkwardstra has given me a sense of achievement, lots of laughs, new friends and inspiration from what can be created by individuals working together with goodwill and common purpose.

The moment captured in the first photo represents the fun, joy and sense of inclusion and lack of judgement that I have being part of Awkwardstra."

~ Mary

Photography by Leikography

12/01/2026

One week to go and we'll be back!