PSO is proud to introduce the talented and charismatic Bronwyn Ife as our Education and Community Coordinator. Bronwyn joined the team in July and has fit in perfectly – enthusiastically embracing the role and the work PSO does.

Bronwyn’s role will encourage schools and the community to engage and experience the magic of live music. Through initiatives such as ‘Share The Chair’ (part of our ‘PLAY WITH US’ education program) and Hawaiian Presents ‘PSO on the Streets’, PSO want to work with anyone that wants brilliant music in their world.

Q & A with Bronwyn

I know this is standard, but tell us about yourself?

I was born and raised in Perth into a musical family where music was either being played or listened to pretty much all the time. As a family we went to lots of musical events and concerts. The Festival of Perth was an important annual event for us as we took advantage of fantastic music and theatre groups visiting our city.

In 1997 I graduated from the University of Western Australia with an arts degree and a diploma of education. From there I began to work in the state public service.

Then in 2007 I had a beautiful boy and with the focus now on my children, I decided to leave my job in public service. I started teaching Kindermusik – group music classes for 0-7 year olds and set up my own business “Kindermusik with Bronwyn”.  In 2010 we welcomed our daughter into our lives and my Kindermusik program continued to bring music into the lives of the very youngest children in my neighbourhood.

I played the flute in high school and have always sung in choirs – from large student choirs at university and WASO chorus to smaller groups at St Georges Cathedral. I am currently singing with Rhythmos, a vibrant, fun a capella group based at Curtin University.

Having been influenced by a rich arts background, is there any genre in particular which you tend to like more?

I like to be entertained by anything from Mozart to burlesque to drum and bass. I am always drawn especially to choral music, probably because of my own history in singing with choirs. If I can sing along to it, I will!
What attracted you to PSO?

When I was thinking about returning to the workforce I decided I would only apply for a job that I would genuinely enjoy and that was meaningful. I was also looking for part-time hours, as my kids are still quite young. I thought that with those strict criteria I might be looking for quite some time.

I couldn’t quite believe my eyes when I saw that PSO, a vibrant, valuable organisation with a great vision were looking for someone part-time with music, education and administrative experience. My immediate thought was “I could do that!” I’m so pleased I did. I love the fast-pace of the office, I love working with musicians, schools and the community and I love that the work I do matters.
Do you have any other interests that are not arts related?

My husband and I do the Oxfam Trailwalker, a 100km bushwalk through the Perth Hills that must be completed within 48 hours. In 2014 and 2015 we completed it in just over 25 hours. So yes, I like bush walking and can often be seen on weekends in the beautiful Perth Hills with my friends, a backpack, hiking poles and a big supply of chocolate.

Bronwyn has taken the Community and Education arms of Perth Symphony in her stride.  If you want to get in touch, she can be reached on