The combined conservatorium and planetarium, planned for the northeastern corner of Orange Civic Centre, was subject to confusion over federal funding after a delegation met with Minister for the Arts Mitch Fifield and no funding came.

Board member Essie Sullivan was part of the delegation and said when Mr Fifield suggested an application be made another fund, it was assumed the application made to his department would be passed on.

"That didn't happen and I don't know why, but these things happen," she said. 

"As a board, we have to take up a bit more responsibility to really push [member for Calare] Andrew Gee and the state member [Phil Donato] to help us."

Mrs Sullivan said a membership drive had already begun to double its existing 100 members and corporate sponsors were encouraged to back the conservatorium's ensembles. 

"That will help keep us going," she said. 

She said the existing conservatorium building was already on the verge of being unsustainable, with holes in ceilings and below-par toilets.

"The majority of classes are in demountables."

Mrs Sullivan said the concert hall was in reasonable condition, but the seating was not.

"The actual acoustics are quite good, but we have quite a number of senior citizens coming for concerts and we can't get them in," she said. 

She said the organisation would continue to work with the council and state and federal governments to ensure the millions of dollars sought were delivered. 

The Hill Street site will be sold to fund the new building, but can't be sold until construction starts.

"We're really ready to go, we just need money," she said. 

"I don't think either the council or the conservatorium are in a position to take out a loan."

She disputed any perception the conservatorium was not a facility for younger people, with most students children and many programs run in schools.

"People aged 30-50 when they move from Sydney with their families are interested to know there's a conservatorium in Orange," she said.

Membership and sponsorship enquiries should be directed to the office by calling 6361 7974.

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