President pushes for classical

Flautist Jarrod Schindler is looking forward to taking the joys of classical music to the general public.

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A YOUNG man from Ipswich wants more people to know the joy of classical music as he steps into his new role as president of the Brisbane Philharmonic Orchestra.

Jarrod Schindler, due to celebrate his 25th birthday tomorrow, is also principal flute player in the community orchestra he joined four years ago.

It was at St Brigid’s Primary School in Rosewood that his passion for music stirred.

“My grade two teacher at St Brigid’s played the flute,” Mr Schindler said.

“I thought ‘crikey, I need to play that’.

“I had to get a special flute that curved around because I was too small to play a normal one.”

As the son of Rosewood vet Ivan Schindler, Jarrod keeps in touch with his hometown of Ipswich.

“I went to school at Ipswich Grammar School and then I went back there for two years teaching instrumental music,” he said.

“My ambition for the students I teach is to give them the confidence and ability to express themselves musically.

“Becoming responsible for the success of future musicians could not be more rewarding.

“I’m making music almost every minute of the day, and nothing could challenge my musicianship more, technically or emotionally.”

The 75 members of the Brisbane Philharmonic (BPO), with an average age of 30, are volunteers.

“It’s like a community service group,” Mr Schindler said.

“You do it because you love the people.

“The highlight is being able to communicate with people without using words.”

In his presidential year, Mr Schindler’s main aim is to make classical music more accessible.

“My ultimate goal is to always challenge myself,” he said.

The musical achiever is an alumnus of Australian and Queensland youth orchestras, and has held the position of principal piccolo with the Queensland Youth Symphony.

Mr Schindler is also a conductor and chorister.

He gained first class honours in his music performance degree and holds a graduate diploma in education from the University of Queensland.

BPO will perform Tantalising Tchaikovsky on September 5 at the Old Museum Building, Bowen Hills, and Classics at the Conservatory at Blackbutt on September 11.