16 Strings String Quartet Brisbane Region

Laurelie Wall - Viola

Laurelie Wall (viola) was introduced to her first set of strings at age 8, and has since had the privilege to perform in Italy, Austria, Singapore and more recently with the Richmond orchestra in London. Closer to home, Laurelie received her AMus A (Violin) in 2008, played both violin and viola prolifically within the Somerville House music programme, and was principal 2nd violinist in the Queensland Youth Orchestra 2. She currently plays viola in the Queensland Youth Symphony whilst completing her Bachelor of Speech Pathology degree at the University of Queensland. Laurelie loves the rich mellowness her viola contributes to the sound of the string quartet and is delighted that through 16 Strings she can share her music with others.

Kelly Simmers – Violin

Kelly Simmers (violin) started studying the violin at a young age. She has performed in many weddings, functions, concerts and competitions for a number of years and is currently completing her final year of a bachelor of music at the university of Queensland with Patricia Pollett. She has been in many groups including the Queensland Youth Orchestra, the symphony orchestra academy of the pacific, the University Of Queensland Symphony Orchestra, and the Pandora String Quartet. She has also spent time in Canada studying music with professionals from Canada, the USA, and the Netherlands. Also a keen teacher, Kelly has many violin students to which she passes on her knowledge.

Jai Schelbach – Violin/Viola

Jai (violin) is the Director of Strings for Hillcrest Christian College Gold Coast. He moved to the land of surf and sun after completing his Bachelor of Music/Bachelor of Education at the University of New South Wales. His performance experience includes playing for the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, the Propeller Fashion Show, Northern Rivers Symphony Orchestra, Mercy Ministry Gala Ball and various wedding functions in both Sydney and the Gold Coast. Jai is currently completing his Masters of Music at the University of Queensland in Brisbane. Playing in the Brisbane and Gold Coast groups as the Director of 16 Strings String Quartet he is excited to be a part of a string quartet that offers a fresh, elegant and exciting sound.

Tom Witten – Cello / Group Leader

Tom Witten (cello) has been playing the cello since the age of six and has performed with ensembles in Australia, New Zealand and Canada. In 2007 Tom was the winner of the Rick Farbach Jazz Scholarship presented by the Noosa Federation of the Arts. Tom is currently completing a Bachelor of Music (Performance) on cello, studying with Gwyn Roberts at the University of Queensland with his third year to commence in 2010. Tom has played with various groups including the Watergate String Quartet as well as being principal cellist with the Vivace String Ensemble and the Brisbane Nazerene Concert Orchestra. Tom has also played piano, guitar and electric bass with various popular music groups and church bands, as well as playing electric bass with Symphonic Band and Symphony Orchestra.