QYO’s youngest ensemble is Junior String Ensemble 2 (JSE2) which has 55 positions available for string players aged up to 12 years. JSE2 will perform string repertoire arrangements and will perform in the Concerts at Twilight Series at The Old Museum Concert Hall and the QYO Finale Concert at QPAC. Positions are offered ‘within the section’ and seating orders are arranged by the conductor within the first few rehearsals.

JSE2 INFORMATION
• 55-member string orchestra
• Standard string repertoire and arrangements
• Conductor: Cherie Deacon (since inception 2023)
• Rehearsals: Saturdays 10.30am-12.30pm at The Old Museum
• There is no music camp

ELIGIBILITY
• Violin minimum AMEB Grade 4 (guide only)
• Viola, Cello minimum AMEB Grade 3 (guide only)
• Double Bass minimum AMEB Grade 1 (guide only)
• Maximum age limit as at 31 December 2024: 12 years

INSTRUMENTS
• Violin 1 (14), Violin 2 (14), Viola (10), Cello (12), Double Bass (5)

Cherie Deacon began teaching the violin and viola in Brisbane while studying at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music under Elizabeth Morgan and John Curro.  While still studying at the Conservatorium, she was invited to play with the Queensland Philharmonic Orchestra as a casual member.  At this time, Cherie was the Principal Viola with the Queensland Youth Symphony.  She was also awarded the AMEB Sydney May Memorial Scholarship and the Inaugural John Curro Viola Prize. 

Marrying fellow viola player, David Deacon in 1998, she moved to Sydney whilst David was a member of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. During this time, Cherie taught at many schools including Barker College, St Andrews Cathedral School, Tara Anglican School and the International Grammar School before having her two daughters, Heather and Alyssa. 

Returning to Brisbane in 2006, Cherie taught at various private schools in Brisbane before becoming the Lower Primary Strings Coordinator at St Peters Lutheran College in 2008.  During her tenure at St Peters, Cherie has taken great joy in her role of starting the musical journey for many students who pursue their musical studies to Year 12 and beyond.