Music program for Indigenous students taking ofi

Volume 18, April 2010
Music program for
Indigenous students
taking off
NECOM NEWS APRIL 2010 1
REPORT
Director’s Report
2010 has opened at NECOM with unusually frenzied activity. Enrolments in instrumental tuition have increased with
full teaching loads in strings and wouldbe woodwind students on waiting lists.
We welcome Wendy Champion as a full
time NECOM teacher in Inverell. Wendy
teaches flute, clarinet and saxophone in
schools in Warialda and Inverell as well
as at the NECOM Inverell campus. She
brings a wealth of orchestral, ensemble
and teaching experience. We also welcome Melodie Glass as
part time Early Childhood Music Education coordinator. There
is great potential to expand this program into New England
communities and provide professional development in music
education for early childhood educators. With her rich background in early childhood education Melodie will be bringing
these opportunities to fruition.
The orchestral program continues to be strengthened with
The Armidale Youth Orchestras (TAYO, their new collective
name) moving into new repertoire under the expert tutelage
of April Kelson (Armidale Youth String Orchestra) and Warrick
Dunham (Armidale Youth Orchestra). TAYO fans are wondering what delights are ahead after the orchestras’ first performance of the year at the Garden Party.
The Year 10 and HSC workshops have become a term 1 tradition and this year they attracted in total 206 participants from
far and wide to sharpen their skills with seasoned educators in
support of quality music curriculum implementation.
NECOM welcomed good friends of the New England music
fraternity, Andrew and Wendy Lorenz who, along with David
Pereira held highly beneficial masterclasses, and professional
development workshops in addition to their Trio Empyrean
concert. Other masterclasses also challenged students who
are still talking about the inspirational Peter Cousins’ vocal
masterclass and David Griffith’s clarinet masterclass.
An Arts NSW funded project - Closing the Music Gap – for Indigenous students at Ross Hill Public School has commenced
strongly with all students in the four Kindergarten classes receiving the NECOM Mini Minstrels program and all Indigenous
students in years 1 to 4 engaging in an ongoing sequential
music education program. Indigenous opera singer Deborah
Cheetham will be working with the students in week one term
2 and performing for the public in Inverell on Friday 23 (Ross
Hill Public School 6 pm) and in Armidale Saturday 24 April with
her show ‘til the Black Lady Sings in Company. I encourage you
to attend this exciting event.
Applications are now in schools for New England Sings! a
thrilling massed choral event for both primary and secondary
students. Don’t miss out on this once in a life time experience.
2 NECOM NEWS
APRIL 2010
If you haven’t received an application please contact our office.
What has made the term ‘unusually frenzied’ however is the
development of NECOM’s Strategic Plan 2010-2013 along with
a business plan and an application to the NSW Department of
Education and Training (DET) for triennial funding under the
Regional Conservatorium Grants Program. This new funding
arrangement is critical as around 30 percent of NECOM’s income is from DET.
The Strategic Plan outlines how NECOM will deliver a broad
range of quality music education programs and performance
opportunities to meet the identified musical needs, interests
and aspirations of people of all ages and backgrounds in targeted New England communities. Over the life of the Strategic
Plan 2010-2013 the number of communities serviced will increase to include those in Armidale and Inverell districts in the
first year, Glen Innes and district in the second year and Tenterfield and district in the third year. So we’re gearing up for an
exciting few years ahead. I welcome you onboard this journey
to support NECOM in achieving its mission to provide quality,
best practice music education and performance opportunities
to New England communities.
Julie Croft, Director
MASTERCLASS
Peter Cousens Masterclass
I was fortunate enough to attend an afternoon masterclass
in Armidale at the New England Conservatorium of Music on
March 7, 2010 conducted by Peter Cousens, the renowned
singer/actor with Anne-Maree McDonald accompanying
beautifully and expertly on piano. I have attended numerous
master classes over the years from renowned teachers and
master performers in the capital cities- and this was one of
the best I have been to - not because of the expert singing
(they were mainly very inexperienced singers), but because
of Peter’s excellent communication skills and superb ability
to hone in on what needed to be said and what could be left
unsaid. It meant every singer learnt important things in a very
short time. Peter‘s focus was entirely on each performer and
he seemed to know instinctively how far he could push each
student in terms of going deeper emotionally in a short time.
There was a small and very varied group of singers (aged from
10 to 75) who had prepared music theatre songs. Before they
started, Peter talked passionately about the intrinsic value
of singing- whether it be on the Opera House stage or at a
friend’s wedding- that it was an act with purpose and never
about the performer himself. That singing and sharing our
feelings in this way brings out the humanity in us and that it
was something to be valued highly in the community. So before anyone stood up to perform he had put singing itself into
a wider context that was most inspiring to everyone there.
Peter started by describing the aim of the class as ” discovering things” – a lovely way of putting the singers more at ease
and setting the scene for a shared learning journey for all the
attendees. He said he looked for honest singers rather than
those who wanted to impress. This is what he displayed himself in his teaching too- there was no effort to impress, but he
was nevertheless very impressive in his unerring ability to get
each singer to take responsibility to bring their unique interpretation of the song to life and also in his technical interventions. Anne-Maree offered some excellent advice here too. He
suggested performers firstly ask themselves: what is the purpose for this character to sing this particular song, and then
explore how the ideas in the text connected with their own
life experiences. In other words, each performer was encouraged to relate fully emotionally to the text – and to take the
necessary risks to do so. He used various acting techniques
to enable this to take place. The performers were gently made
aware of any superfluous mannerisms. For some, technical
interventions were suggested as deficiencies in vocal technique were preventing the connection between feelings and
the voice. For others it was becoming aware of little habits
in performance that detracted from an honest and simpler
rendition. Peter’s vast experience showed in the adept way
he handled the very differing levels of experience and all the
singers felt supported as they tried new things. Some performances were transformed and were very moving. I am sure
we all left inspired and with a stronger sense of who we were
as singers, and what it was performing was all about.
Dr. Inge Southcott,
NECOM Music Educator Member
…each performer was encouraged to relate fully emotionally to the text…
Caroline King and Nigel Bell
Paul McNeill…going deeper emotionally
Peter’s focus was entirely on each performer …here with Amy McClenaghan
NECOM NEWS APRIL 2010 3
wORkShOP
Year 10 Music Day
On Wednesday 10th March, one hundred and twenty Year 10 students from around
the New England region converged on NECOM for a day of performance, aural
and composition activities designed to take them completely out of their comfort
zones.
The morning sessions were taken by the ever energetic Phil Oxley. In no time Phil
had the students dancing and improvising to In Praise of the Han from the Korean
film The Host. This was no easy feat considering the work featured mixed metre and
rhythmic diminution so the students had to co-ordinate different beat groupings and
dance double time half way through! Each activity led to discussions on structure,
harmony, melodic material and duration.
In the afternoon, students were split into groups of twenty and alternated between
sessions in African drumming and dance, Indonesian gamelan, Latin-American percussion, African acapella singing and didjeridu.
Victoria Jackson getting into the Gamelan groove
Tell us what you really thought George!
In no time Phil had the students dancing
Catherine Botha playing with precision
…drumming up an African storm…
The Latin American classes were well received
4 NECOM NEWS
APRIL 2010
Nick Glass helping to get those Latin American
rhythms right
….mixed metre and rhythmic diminution….err….
looks too hard to me Phil
The didjeridu classes were led by the inspirational
Shane Nelson
wORkShOP
HSC Music Day
On Thursday 11th and Friday 12th March, one hundred Year 11
& 12 students and their teachers attended the NECOM HSC Music workshop. The first day started with a lively choral session
conducted by George Torbay where the students worked on
an SATB arrangement of Bohemian Rhapsody. They were ably
accompanied by Deidre Rickards, who surprised us all with
her interpretation of the electric guitar solo on piano (which
sounded remarkably like the Hallelujah Chorus).
Following the choral session, students were split into their chosen courses of Music 1 or Music 2 to head off for intensive work
on the aural and musicology areas of the course. Sessions were
conducted by two experienced Senior Markers for the HSC, Kim
Waldock (Sydney Symphony Orchestra Education Manager) and
Brad Merrick (Barker College). Kim worked specifically with Music
2 students on a wide range of score reading activities from baroque to contemporary Australian works. Students and teachers
were thrilled to receive an overview of the Mandatory Topic: Australian (Instrumental) Music in the Last 25 Years as there is very
little information available which succinctly sums up this topic.
Year 11 and 12 students were then split to work developmentally
on melodic dictation and sight singing skills. Sight singing guru
Deidre Rickards worked with the Year 11’s whilst Kim drilled the
Year 12 students.
Brad worked with the Music 1 students on developing their
aural skills in preparation for the HSC paper. The focus was on
contemporary styles of music which is Brad’s particular area of
expertise.
Students were offered advice on how to improve their performances
Heather Pavel providing for the teachers’ lunch her usual delectable culinary
delights
On the Friday, individual musicology and composition sessions
were offered to enable students to work intensively on their
compositions, essays and vivas in preparation for submission in
September. Year 12 students then strutted their stuff and were
offered advice on how to improve their performances in preparation for the big day. Afternoon sessions focused on composition and students were able to see examples of past HSC compositions to get an idea of the standard and also to gain ideas for
their own compositions.
Comments included:
“I found the composition workshop to be the best because we
were taken through examples and had to find the good and bad
aspects as if marking them. That was really helpful.”
Kim worked specifically with Music
2 students
Edward Ryan responding brilliantly
to the advice given
Hannah Thiele travelled from Mullumbimby High School to attend
Ben Sindel playing with passion
“I was not particularly looking forward to this, but it turned out
to be great! There was a good atmosphere and the presenters
genuinely wanted to help.”
“I was surprised at the standards expected of top students –
this was really helpful.”
“The performance workshop was the most beneficial aspect of
this course for me – this aided me to overcome performance fears
and gave me an insight as to the quality of other HSC students.”
NECOM NEWS APRIL 2010 5
MASTERCLASS
David Pereira masterclass
Violin masterclass with Andrew Lorenz
On Saturday 27th March, I performed in a masterclass with the
great David Pereira, who is one of Australia’s best cellists. He
was here for a concert that evening and we were lucky to have
a masterclass with him whilst he was here.
On Saturday 28th March Anna Moxham, Harry Wright, Eliza
Scott, Jodie Ostenfeld and myself, attended a wonderful masterclass with Andrew Lorenz. Andrew is well known to Armidale –he along with his wife Wendy were the founding members of the New England Ensemble.
Mr Pereira chose one thing to fix for each of the four cellists in the masterclass. He was extremely helpful. For me it was
my bow hold – he helped me with my hand position and said
that I shouldn’t even feel my hand when I hold the bow. This
is easier said than done!!!!! He helped Dan and Mary-Kate with
their intonation and showed them a good way to practise this
at home. Imogen’s thumb needed attention, but by the end of
the session, it was perfect.
David Pereira was an amazing player. He played each of our
pieces BY MEMORY during the masterclass and showed us just
how beautifully he can play. Although he hadn’t played Dan’s
piece before, he still played it as if he was in a concert. I was
very impressed.
Izzy Emanuel
NECOM Armidale Scholarship Holder
Andrew stressed the importance of feeling the music, using
your whole body to play the violin and to maintain a flexible
upright posture. Andrew encouraged us to “bend our legs to
the beat” in order to feel the rhythm of the music. For some of
us this was tricky! My mum was delighted as she likened the
experience to a “physio workout” -I think she now expects us
to exercise whilst doing a violin practice!
During my class, Andrew asked me to really think about how
I wanted the music to be played. “Did I want it fast, how did I
want to play my vibrato etc”. This provided an opportunity for
reflection and insight into the piece.
The Masterclass with Andrew was very beneficial and if anybody has the opportunity to have a lesson with him, I highly
recommend it.
Jessica Wright,
NECOM Armidale Scholarship Holder
NECOM teachers also benefited from lessons with Trio Empyrean members:
April Kelson with Andrew Lorenz
Announcing:
NECOM’s Annual
Report 2009 is
now available on
the NECOM
website
necom.une.edu.au
Imogen’s thumb needed attention, but by the end of the session, it was perfect
6 NECOM NEWS
APRIL 2010
MASTERCLASS
Piano masterclass with Wendy Lorenz
On Saturday 27th March, four local musicians had the great
opportunity to attend a masterclass with Canberra based pianist Wendy Lorenz. Wendy was in Armidale to perform with
her piano trio “Trio Empyrean” and she took time out of what
must be her very busy schedule to share her insights with local
musicians.
Students presented a range of works which included pieces
by Brahms, Liszt and even an original composition, all of which
Wendy was able to give useful advice on. Everybody gained
lots of useful suggestions ranging from technical aspects of
performance, to interpretation of pieces to use of tone; however, arguably most importantly, she reinforced those old
favourites that every musician knows from the birth of their
career “practice slowly, with the metronome and focus on
the melody”. Her advice was as invaluable as her knowledge
was extensive, I personally was struck by this when, playing a
piece from memory and losing my place, she was able to sing
me the next part without even having to consult a score. The
thing I’m sure that everybody will take away was her emphasis
on balance; balance between hands, between bass/melody
lines and between sections within a piece. Pianists find it very
easy to lose track of this and hearing Wendy’s unique ideas on
how to bring out the best of this in our pieces was inspiring.
Huge thanks go to Wendy Lorenz, for sharing her many
years teaching and performing experience and to NECOM for
making the event possible. It’s always a treat to have first rate
musicians come to Armidale (more than we already have, that
is) and this masterclass in particular was well worth giving up
a Saturday for.
Tim Williamson,
NECOM Armidale Scholarship Holder
Piano Repertoire and Technique class
with Wendy Lorenz
I don’t teach the piano but have always been interested in
piano performance. Like many of you, I have my favourite performers. We listen and marvel at the sound they are able to
elicit from this marvellous instrument. I am thinking of Martha
Argerich, Vladimir Ashkenazy and Maurizio Pollini, a pianist
introduced to me by Wendy Lorenz, one of Australia’s finest
piano teachers and performers.
After a wonderful concert from the ensemble Empyrean,
Wendy managed to impress us with a bright, enthusiastic two
hour session on piano technique and the associated repertoire
at 9.00am the next morning. This woman always produces the
goods. She is prepared and speaks with interest and a background knowledge which is unique.
I met Wendy when she arrived from studies in London to
work as the pianist and lecturer in piano performance at UNE
in the mid 1970s. She was part of a resident ensemble based in
the University. UNE was the first University in Australia to employ a resident chamber group and they had a significant impact on the music life in this town and the North West region.
Wendy is now working in ANU and is a senior examiner for
the AMEB. She presented a repertoire of works from the piano
programme in the current AMEB series and made helpful suggestions on approaches to the technique.
Some of the repertoire was new to many of us and quite refreshing.
It was pleasing to see teachers who had travelled from Inverell to attend and two dedicated students currently studying
for a BMus at UNE as well as local piano teachers who could
only say that they had been invigorated by this marvellous session. Teachers need sustenance and on this occasion NECOM
handed it out generously.
Deidre Rickards
NECOM Music Educator Member
Paul McNeill receiving insights from Wendy Lorenz
Professional development workshop with Wendy Lorenz
NECOM NEWS APRIL 2010 7
REPORT
Armidale Youth Orchestra
Term 1 has been a busy one for the orchestra. The weekend
at Sawtell was a great success, with 44 participants joining in
the ensemble. The weekend was conducted enthusiastically
again by Mal Hewitt, and he gave us many insights into the
pieces that were played. Three new works have been introduced into the repertoire, chosen by Musical Director Warwick
Dunham, along with Mal. These are: L’arlesienne Suite No 1, by
Bizet, and two pieces from The Planets Suite by Holst; Jupiter,
Bringer of Jolity and Mars, Bringer of War.
In March, prominent Adelaide conductor Tim Sexton conducted a workshop. Again, many new insights were gained,
with the players working hard to produce a fine sound for Mr
Sexton. Many thanks are given to Peta Blyth, who helped to
organise this valuable learning experience for the AYO.
Nigel Bell, focusing along with other Armidale Youth Orchestra members at
their first performance for 2010
New members have joined the string ensemble in all sections. We also have new players in the brass, percussion and
woodwind sections. With the growing sections we also have a
fuller sound developing, which is a wonderful thing for players
to be a part of. Our new ensemble and pieces were given an
outing at the Garden Party at the home of Rosemary Leach.
The orchestra played well and the new pieces enthusiastically
received by the large audience in attendance.
New works to rehearse in term 2 will be the Danse Macabre
by Saint-Saens, with Eliza Scott as violin soloist. We will also be
working on an orchestral suite of music from the film Pirates of
the Carribean. We will then begin work on an arrangement of
Bergamesca from Ancient Airs and Dances by Respighi. Warwick Dunham and Virginia Botha, our orchestra leader, will
transcribe this piece. Virginia will conduct the work, with Warwick playing in the ensemble.
Heralding in a new year for the Armidale Youth Orchestra
The beginning of term 2 will be a busy time in preparation
for our performance in the Armidale Eisteddfod. We look forward to the term and the performance opportunities we will
have.
Warwick Dunham
Conductor
the Armidale Youth String Orchestra also performed with class at the Garden
Party under expert direction from April Kelson
Eila Biffin , a keen AYSO member
8 NECOM NEWS
APRIL 2010
AYO Bassoonist, Brenna Fullard
MASTERCLASS
Clarinet masterclass with David Griffiths
This workshop held on the 27th March at
NECOM Armidale was GREAT. David was
very helpful and had some great tips to
improve my playing. He helped to add
more interest with dynamics and character, which I hope to carry across to my
other pieces.
By watching the other students perform
and get ideas from David, I was also able
to incorporate some of these ideas into my
own playing. David gave us some wonderful techniques to improve our breathing
and tips on how to break faster sections
down to make them clearer and better articulated.
Mikaela Mepham
NECOM Inverell scholarship holder
New England Bach Festival
The Fifth New England Bach Festival (30 August till 2 May)
brings leading performers from Australia and overseas to Armidale as well as showcasing local musicians and giving students opportunities to increase their knowledge and skills.
This is the third festival directed by Benjamin Thorn and he
has put together and exciting and varied program. Visiting artists include the Australian Baroque Brass who wowed audiences at the last two festivals, cellist Louise King, who is combining Bach solo cello works with poetry and readings, German
organist Berthold Wicke, harpsichord duo Black and White
(Monika Kornel and Diana Weston) and the Lipman Harp Duo.
Local performers include the New England Bach Players (Peta
Blyth, Sofia Debus, Eleanor Streatfeild and Warwick Dunham),
Fiori Musicali, Greg McPhan, Kylie Constantine and Phil Oxley
in the Coffee Cantata in Hanna’s Arcade with a local ensemble,
which will also feature in the festival evensong.
Expanding the appeal of the festival is very important and
the two late night improvised concerts with local and visiting musicians are part of this. On the Friday night the Bach
Jazz Jam will take some simple Bach keyboard pieces and see
where we end up and on the Saturday we’ll start with some
ground basses and as a bonus teach the audience a baroque
dance. This will be music that you’ve never heard before!
The workshop program is an important part of the festival.
For primary and junior secondary schools there are Baroque
dance workshops directed by Cecile Michels. We come to your
school in the week before the festival with two dancers and
two musicians and teach a minuet and a contredanse. Cost is
$5 per student.
Cellist Louise King who was extremely popular when she
was here four years ago and violinist Stan Kornel will be presenting masterclasses for NECOM students. John Foster and
Warwick Tyrrell from Australian Baroque Brass will present a
workshop for brass players at 10am on Saturday 1 May (cost
$10 per participant) and Harpist Sebastien Lipman will present
a hands-on introduction to the harp that afternoon at 2:30pm
(cost $10 per participant). Both of these will be at NECOM.
For more information about workshops contact Benjamin
Thorn (6772 5889).
Concert Tickets are available at all New England Credit
Union branches, The Armidale Visitor Information Centre (who
accept credit cards) or at the door.
New England Bach Festival
Workshop Program
Baroque Dance for Primary Schools with Cecile Michels
(27-30 April at your school. $5 per student)
Masterclasses for NECOM Students by Louise King (cello)
and Stan Kornel (violin).
Brass workshop with John Foster and Warwick Tyrrell of
Australian Baroque Brass (1 May 10am at NECOM. $10)
Hands on Introduction to the Harp with
Sebastien Lipman (1 May 2:30pm at NECOM. $10)
For information or bookings contact Benjamin Thorn 6772 5889
NECOM NEWS APRIL 2010 9
10 NECOM NEWS
APRIL 2010
OUTREACh PROGRAM
Music Education for Indigenous Students Takes Off
Ross Hill Public School in Inverell has this year embarked on
a new music program in collaboration with NECOM. Through
this program, all Indigenous students will receive extra music
activities. The students from grades 1 to 4, taught by Geoff
Croft, learn in groups with their Indigenous peers. The MiniMinstrels program with teacher Ros Oliver is delivered to all
Kindergarten students.
Staff at the school support the program through a desire to
improve academic outcomes and future prospects for these
students. The school has a strong tradition in the performing
arts and teachers have noted for some years the strong correlation between academic achievement and student involvement in the Performing Arts.
The school believes that as indigenous students become more
engaged in learning, self esteem and attendance will improve
and the curriculum will develop a significance which until now
it has lacked.
A key element of this initiative is the engagement by NECOM
of successful Indigenous performers to work with students
and inspire them as role models. The first of these visits will be
by singer and music educator Deborah Cheetham in April who
will work and perform with our students.
“What’s that you’ve got there Ros…does it sing too?” All Kindergarten students
are having Mini Minstrels classes with Ros Oliver as part of the program.
Students in the program will be performing at a special concert in which Deborah Cheetham will present her show ‘til the
Black Lady Sings in Company in Inverell on Friday 23 April at 6
pm at Ross Hill Public School. The performance will also feature local flautist and newly appointed NECOM teacher Wendy
Champion. All are welcome.
Geoff Croft
Teacher, Ross Hill Public School
The students from grades I to 4 …learn in groups with their Indigenous peers.
NECOM NEWS APRIL 2010 11
NEwS
New England Sings!
On 24 October 2010 NECOM will hold an exciting choral event
for students from across the New England region. A massed
primary choir will perform Australian works under the direction of highly skilled choral conductor, Rowena Tall. A secondary massed choir will be conducted by well known conductor
George Torbay who will lead the choir in a performance of Carl
Orff’s famous work Carmina Burana. This work will also feature
a huge orchestra comprising the Armidale and Tamworth
Youth Orchestras.
Participating schools will receive music and practice CDs as
well as rehearsals with the conductors. Rehearsals will provide
a professional development opportunity for teachers and will
give them strategies and tips for rehearsing the repertoire with
their choirs during the preparation period. This is a wonderful opportunity for teachers to support their classroom music
programs and/or to provide a focus for their school choir following the Eisteddfod.
Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity for your students to
engage in a quality music making experience which they will
remember for the rest of their lives
Applications have been forwarded to schools. However,
if you have not seen an application form and wish to apply please contact the NECOM office on 6772 7203 or email:
[email protected]
Jazz musician-in-residence:
Warwick Dunham
NECOM was successful in gaining grant funding from the Ian
Potter Foundation to provide a jazz musician-in-residence for
six months. We are thrilled to announce that Warwick Dunham
has accepted the position and will commence at the beginning of Term 2. Warwick is renowned as a composer, conductor
and jazz pianist, and has worked with many highly regarded
Australian artists including James Morrison, Don Burrows and
Tommy Tycho. He has composed and arranged for his own
jazz ensembles and has recorded and broadcast for the ABC.
Warwick has performed concerts at the Sydney Opera House
with his own jazz quartet, and has been an educator for jazz
programs, regularly giving workshops and lectures throughout Australia.
During the residency, Warwick will be working one day a
week in each of five schools: Duval HS, Armidale HS, PLC, NEGS
and TAS, as well as providing weekend workshops around the
region.
WORKSHOP
“Discover the harp”
Monday April 26
4pm at PLC Music Room
Next concert for
MUSICA VIVA ARMIDALE
TUESDAY APRIL 27 - 7PM
ARMIDALE TOWN HALL
Seven Harp Ensemble
Ever thought about playing the harp? Here is an
opportunity to learn about this beautiful instrument - for beginners or those who are just interested in discovering more. No need to be able to
play - just want to know more.
Please contact Faewyn Goyen on 6772 7203 if
you are interested or just come along.
New England Bach Festival
29 April - 2 May
Seven full-size concert harps, together on
stage, are a strikingly dramatic vision and
impressive sound. They bring new audiences to the harp and to classical music in
general, where most people have never
had an opportunity to see a harp up-close,
let alone seven!
Three days of the best of Baroque Music featuring:
Australian Baroque Brass
Louise King
Berthold Wicke
Black and White (harpsichord duo)
Lipman Harp Duo
New England Bach Players and more.
Tickets are available from
Dymocks Bookshop or at the door.
Tickets from all New England Credit Union branches
and Armidale Visitor Information Centre.
Info: Benjamin Thorn 6772 5880
www.nebachfestival.com
12 NECOM NEWS
APRIL 2010
PROfiLE
Music Educator Member: Madeleine Lawrence
I was absolutely mad about playing the piano from the first
moment I saw one at a neighbour’s home as a child, and did
not let up until my parents agreed to buy me one. Unfortunately, back in the early seventies teachers would not start a
child on the piano until they turned seven. So after an agonizing wait we purchased a 100 year old piano and I was off to
piano lessons on the day of my 7th birthday. I never looked
back!
At sixteen, I was preparing for my AMusA when a friend
pointed out an ad in the local paper for a young person to
teach at their piano studio on a Saturday. I got the job and
found that I loved it, and so went off to the Sydney Conservatorium to study. Twenty six years later I’m still teaching as a
result of that ad in the paper!
I was very fortunate to study first with Neta Maughan, and
then become her assistant for six months. Neta was a genius
with gifted young students, and from this experience I developed a passion for working with young musicians. After three
years with Neta I was assigned to Alexandra Vinokurov, and
am eternally grateful to her for her insights into technique
and artistry. I am happy to be able to pass on all that I learned
from these truly brilliant teachers.
After graduating from the Conservatorium with a High Distinction in performance I began performing in Sydney as a
soloist and Chamber Musician. I was accompanist for exams
and concert practice at Sydney Con, and also regularly played
for Opera competitions such as the Sun Aria (now the McDonald’s Aria). I also composed and performed for amateur theatre and initiated a monthly Soiree for professional musicians.
This ran for two years and allowed us to ‘air’ new pieces before
taking them to the public. It was a wonderful time and lots of
Champagne was consumed (after performing, of course)!
I also taught piano at MLC Girls School, Burwood, and preinstrumental music classes for Newington College. As well I
lectured in Musicianship for Sydney Conservatorium for a
couple of years before deciding to make a tree change. I spent
three years teaching piano in Glen Innes, and also did some
volunteer teaching at the Early Intervention Centre there. I really loved this as it gave the children an opportunity to experience music that they otherwise would not have had access to,
due to their learning and developmental issues. During this
time I travelled often to Sydney and Newcastle to study the
Suzuki Method of teaching as well.
In 2007 I began accompanying the Beginner String Program
classes as a volunteer, as my oldest child was studying cello. I
was delighted to be asked to come on board as accompanist,
and also give one-on-one lessons to the students in the program. It is a joy to be part of such a brilliant program and I
hope to be involved for many years to come.
Trio Empyrean Concert
Trio Empyrean was formed in 2008 and consists of Andrew
Lorenz on Violin, Wendy Lorenz on piano, and David Pereira
playing the Cello. Currently based in Canberra, the trio travelled north in the last days of march to perform concerts in
Coffs Harbour, Armidale and Toowoomba. It was something of
a homecoming for two of the members of the trio: Andrew
and Wendy Lorenz played for several years as members of
the New England Ensemble, and were staff members at the
University of Southern Queensland’s music department until
three years ago. Clearly many New England locals were glad to
see them return, as the CB Newling building auditorium held
an appreciative audience on the evening of March 27 for their
Armidale performance.
The trio presented an interesting and varied program, with
the second half consisting almost entirely of the wonderful
Piano Trio in D Minor, Op 49 by Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy.
This is a true classic of the piano trio repertoire and was performed with vigour and joy by the visiting musicians. The first
half of the program consisted of Haydn’s Piano Trio in C Major,
Hob XV, No 27, which was a delightful opening performance;
as well as pieces for violin and piano, cello and piano, and piano alone. Wendy Lorenz performed the first piece from Debussy’s Reflets dans l’eau – Images, Book 1 with a grace and
flair that quite transported her audience, and David Pereira’s
performance of Tchaikovsky’s Pezzo Capriccioso for solo cello
with piano received a very enthusiastic response. The concert
ended with a beautiful performance of a transcription of a
Faure song titled In Prayer played as an encore and it seemed
that the audience appreciated this peaceful ending to a lovely
evening of music.
April Kelson,
NECOM Teacher
NECOM NEWS APRIL 2010 13
NECOM EdUCATOR MEMbERS
ARCHER, Cathy
BMusEd (Newcastle Con.); Performers
Certificate in Voice - Trinity College;
Classroom Teacher
Ph: 6771 4886
DAVIDGE, Sharon
A.Mus.A, B.Nat.Res.(Hons)
Flute, Piccolo, Fife, Panpipes beginners to advanced
Ph: 6771 1607
HILL, Jennifer
MTA NSW Accredited
Piano/Theory/Musicianship
All Grades. Inverell only.
Ph: 6721 3888
BARFORD, Marian
B.Mus
Violin/Viola
Beginner to Advanced
Tutor – NECOM Beginner Strings
Program
Ph: 6775 1289
DEBUS, Sofia
B.Mus. (Distinction), B.Ed.
SUZUKI METHOD Violin, Cello
Parent Education Courses
Accredited, Suzuki Talent Ed. Assn.
Ph: 6772 1710
Mob.: 0428 385 824
www.suzukimusic.com.au
HARPLEY, Robert
Cert IV Assess & Wkpl Train
Beginner’s Guitar
Introduction to guitar, basic notation,
tablature. Popular styles, all ages
Ph: 6775 9282
Mob: 0404 443 879
[email protected]
DRISCOLL, Robyn
Dip.Mus.Ed., L.Mus.A. Dip.Mus.Ed
(Newcastle) (Piano)
Piano – beginner to diploma levels
Ph: 6772 1349
HUDDLESTON, Wendy
AMusA, L..Mus, FFCSME, DSME,
Accompanist Conductor, Accompanist/ Coach; Examination prep.
Ph: 6772 8514
Mob: 0411 436 194
[email protected]
BLYTH, Peta
B.Mus (Hons) BA Dip Ed L.Mus.A
(Piano) Voice, ARCM (London) (Voice)
Voice - Inverell based
Clarion Singers; concert and opera
artist; adjudicator
Ph: 6724 8248
[email protected]
BOTHA, Virginia
Gde 8 Violin
Part-time teacher NECOM Mini
Ministrel’s & Beginner Strings Programmes.
Ph: 6772 7203
BRADLEY, Robyn
LMus, BMus, MRurSc.,BVSc
Piano/Accompaniment
All grades beginner to advanced;
Accompanist (intermediate to
advanced)
Ph: 6772 6468
[email protected]
BROWN, Dave
BA(Mus), Dip.Ed(SecMus)
Brass - All instruments at all levels,
happy to teach to other regional
centres via video-conferencing.
Ph: 6779 2614
Mob: 0419 539 372
CHAMPION, Wendy
B.Mus (Hons Perf) Aust.Inst.Music
Flute/Clarinet/Saxophone
Inverell & Warialda
Mob: 0438 287 582
CLARKE, Zana
B.A (Melb), B.Mus.(Melb), Dip.Ed.(UNE),
A.Mus.A (Violin)
Recorder & Violin specialist to all
levels and ages
Ph: 6772 2205
[email protected]
CUSACK, Sister Margaret Therese
T.Mus.A; ATCL; A.MusA; MMTA, MIMT
Piano/Musicianship - (all grades)
Singing – Beginners, AMEB
Grades or AMEB ‘Singing for Leisure’
syllabus.
Moree Only
Ph: 6752 7945
[email protected]
14 NECOM NEWS
APRIL 2010
DUNHAM, Warwick
ASCM B.Mus (Syd)
Organ, Piano, Jazz Piano, Music
Theory, Composition, Music
Technology
Ph: 6775 2396
Mob: 0417 210 509
[email protected]
ELLIS, Isabella
Deg.Inst.Ped.(Austria), BLang (UNE)
Cello, Piano and Musicianship – all
levels
Ph: 6772 6659
[email protected]
GALLAGHER, Aiden
Gde 8 Clarinet
Part-time teacher NECOM Beginner
Woodwind Programme – Clarinet
only
Ph: 6772 7203
GRIFFITH, Debra
A.Mus.A, Cert MusT (USQ) MTA NSW
Accredited
Piano
Beginners to advanced; HSC requirements. All ages; Piano for leisure;
AMEB & Trinity exam preparation;
Musicianship; MusicCraft.
Ph: 6771 1019
Mob: 0421 843 398
[email protected]
GUYMER, Sheila
A.MusA, L.MusA, B.Mus (Hons), MMusSt.
(Solo Piano), MMus (Accomp).
Piano, Theory, Musicianship, Accompaniment. All ages and levels
welcome.
Ph: 6772 7013
Mob: 0422 379 044
Web: www.sheilaguymer.com
[email protected]
HAN, Woo-Hwa
Adv Dip Mus (Osaka), Piano – Young
Beginners
Ph: 6772 1275
[email protected]
KELSON, April
BA, B Mus (Hons) M, Dip Edu, Kodaly
Prim Level II
Violin/Viola
Beginner to Advanced NECOM
Beginner Strings Program
Mob: 0424 171 632
[email protected]
LARKINS, Gerard
AMusA, LMusA
Flute
Beginners to advanced students;
examination candidates
Ph: 6771 4245
Mob: 0410 444 850
[email protected]
LAWRENCE, Madeleine
L.Mus.A, A.Mus.A, ADMT (with Merit)
Piano/ Musicianship
Beginners to diploma level; Formerly
lecturer in musicianship at NSW
Conservatorium & guest lecturer for
HSC revision courses
Ph: 6772 1082
Mob: 0447 540 766
[email protected]
LEWIS, Nicole
BA
Piano, Piano Accompany- Beginners
to intermediate.
Tel: 0410 616 518
[email protected]
MARSHALL, Stephanie
BA(Hons) DipEd.
Offering drama lessons in playbuilding, improvisation, acting for camera, public speaking & performance
poetry.
Ph: 6722 3065
Mob: 0418 659 410
[email protected]
MASON, Margaret
Cert. Child Care
Guitar & Electric Bass - Beginners to
intermediate. Inverell area.
Tel: 6721 4132
[email protected]
McLACHLAN, Mary
Piano - Inverell only
Ph: 6722 3030
McLAREN, Merran
Dip.Mus(Ed), L.Mus.A, LTCL, Dip.Orff
institute Salz
Piano, Voice, Musicianship, Accompanist
Formerly Director of Music at
Pymble Ladies College; Ascham
School Edgecliff; A Professional
Music Studio Sydney
Ph: 6732 2256
[email protected]
McPHAN, Greg
BA, DipEd, PhD, AMusA & LMusA
(Piano) LMusA (Voice)
Voice
Ph: 6775 1312
[email protected]
McPHAN, Jenny
A.Mus, L.Mus, LTCL, FTCL
Piano
Specialises in intermediate to
advanced; Chamber music classes,
performances classes
Accompanist
Ph: 6775 1312
METCALFE O.A.M, Sue
L.Mus, DSME.FFCSME DSCM
Cello, Accompanist (Strings only),
Cello choir, Armidale String Quartet
Ph: 6775 1165
Mob: 0419 225 236
MICHELS-THORN, Cécile
Dip Recorder Teaching (Netherlands);
Cert. Musicianship (France)
Recorder, Carte Blanche recorder
ensemble, Musicianship (JaquesDalcroze), French music (toddlers,
children) Ocarina, School Holiday
Workshops, Exam Prep., Community
Projects
Ph: 6772 5889
[email protected]
MORRIS, Cherilyn
Gde 5 Clarinet, Gde 3 Sax – Studying
BA(Mus) UNE
Part-timel Teacher NECOM Beginner
Woodwind Programme – Clarinet
only
Mob: 0450 797 547
[email protected]
MYERS, Bruce
BMus, BTeach, FTCL, LMusA, Orff
Trained
Conductor, Arranger and Brass Specialist for all levels and ages.
Mob: 0414 294 287
[email protected]
NEGEREVICH, Nick
A.Mus.A, D.S.C.M, PGDIM(USQ)
Flute, Piccolo, Clarinet & Saxophone
- Now teaching in the New England
area. Currently AMEB Examiner in
Woodwinds – Instrumental teacher
in Woodwind
Mob: 0427 796 701
[email protected]
NIEMEYER, Belinda
Cert IV Assess&Wkpl Train, Dip Children’s Services
NECOM Early Childhood Music
Program.
Ph: 6775 1808
PARKER, Robyn
BA, Dip.Ed, Dip.Spec.Ed
Recorder - Beginners to advanced.
Fontegara and Ribatutta Recorder
Ensembles
Ph: 6772 7976
PULLEY, Laurie
OAM,BA, FFCSME, DSME, DSCM,
LMusA, Dip.Mus.Ed Violin/Viola
Beginners to advanced; instrumental ensembles, orchestra, baritone
soloist; classroom music, Armidale
String Quartet
Ph: 6772 1124
PURCELL, Chris
Guitar - Classical and Blues; Director – New England Youth Guitar
Ensemble; Director - Vocal Chords
Community Choir.
Ph: 6772 3265
[email protected]
RICKARDS, Deidre
L.Mus.A, MACE, ARCM, B.Mus.Ed
(Newcastle), B.Ed (Deakin)
Pianist/Accompanist Composition
Teacher
Ph: 6771 1440
Mob: 0439 711 444
[email protected]
ROBINSON, Helen
Dip.Mus.Ed, A.Mus.A
Piano - beginner to intermediate
levels
Inverell only
Ph: 6721 1519
ROOBOL, Leanne
B.Mus, A.Mus.A, Grad Dip.Ed,Orff
Level 2, Kodaly Sec. Level 2. Voice
Beginners to advanced,Director New England Singers.
Mob: 0427 712 548
ROWLANDS, Lindsay
B.A, Dip.Ed, MLitt
Guitar – Classical, Electric, Folk;
Ukelele; Bass – Electric; West African
Percussion – Djembe; Shakuhachi beginner
Mob: 0411 614 033
[email protected]
RUSSELL, Errol
B.Mus, Dip.Ed, L.Mus.A, LCTL
Violin / Viola
Chamber Music classes, Armidale
String Quartet, Former member SSO
Ph: 6772 5556
Mob: 0421 501 256
SCHMALZ, Jelena
Pipe Organ, Examination C for
Church Organists (Berlin)
Ph: 6772 3803
[email protected]
SIMON, Rebecca
A.Mus.A. ADMU(USQ)
Accompanist, Piano, Music Craft,
Musicianship & Theory.
Ph: 6772 2840
Mob: 0427 022 793
[email protected]
SMITH, Richard
A.Mus.A.
Piano Teaching
Mob: 0427 810 755
SMOLDERS, Sandi
Dip.Ed (Inf/Prim)
Recorder Beginner to intermediate;
TAFE Early Childhood Music interested in working with children with
special needs.
Ph: 6772 1702
SOUTHCOTT, Inge
B.Mus (Perf); M.Mus.(Vocal Pedagogy)
M.B.B.S., BFA (Hons Ceramics)
Former Member Opera Aust.
Voice
All ages, Beginners to Professionals;
All styles with healthy technique;
Musicianship; Audition & Exam
prep;. 13 yrs teaching exp.
Ph: 6772 0258 (evenings)
Mob: 0431 479 008
[email protected]
STREATFEILD, Eleanor
A.Mus.A.,B.Mus.
Cello - Beginner to Advanced; Tutor
– NECOM Beginner Strings Program
Mob: 0403 211 778
TAFRA, Stephen
B.Arts (Mus), Grad.Dip.Mus
Guitar
Specialises in Classical/ Solo guitar
to advanced level. Can teach Jazz/
Improvisation to an intermediate
level. Popular commercial styles can
also be incorporated into a productive learning method if requested;
EphenStephen guitar duo
Ph: 6771 2716
Mob: 0414 512 716
TALL, Stephen
Voice
Beginners to advanced; Ages 13
to adult; All styles including AMEB
exam preparation.
Ph: 6778 3293
Mob: 0406 953 366
[email protected]
THORN, Benjamin
PhD, BA (Hons), Dip.Ed
Recorder / Flute/ Celtic Harp/ Composition. Accompaniment on harp.
Examinations, performances
Ph: 6772 5889
[email protected]
THORNEYCROFT, Stephen
B.Mus(Hons)
Guitar / Composition
Guitar (all styles), Composition lecturer UNE, EphenStephen guitar duo
Ph: 6771 2762
[email protected]
www.ephenstephen.com
TORBAY, George
B.Mus (Distinction, Boston USA); Grad.
Dip.Ed
Voice – Beginners to adv.
Vocal Coaching, Choral Conducting
– all levels; Musicianship – all levels.
Mob: 0447 436 743
[email protected]
TREVES, Elliott
Assoc Deg in Music/2yrs teaching
percussion
Drum kit, Tupan, Djembe, Doumbek,
etc. All ages and levels. Tailored to
each student’s needs & aspirations.
Theory, Composition & Musicianship
available.
Ph: 6771 2509
Mob: 0423 080 183
[email protected]
WARNOCK, Jenny
A.Mus.A (Piano & Voice), B.Mus.Ed
(Sydney)
Voice/ Piano/ Accompanist
Beginners to advanced, all ages,
both instruments.
Mezzo Soprano soloist, accompanist
for singers and instrumentalists
Ph: 6772 6279
Mob: 0431 188 310
[email protected]
WATERS, Deirdre
A.Mus.A, T.Mus.A. LTCL(T)
Piano/ Musicianship;
Piano (Prel-Gde 8); specialising in
Musicianship Gdeds4-7; Accreditation Sydney Con. (Mus/ Theory);
New Music Craft Syllabus
Ph: 6775 3754
WIGG, Barbara
ARCM
Piano
Teaching all grades from beginners
to advanced level; Also all levels of
musicianship.
Ph: 6722 2119
[email protected]
How to contact us
New England Conservatorium of music
Office:
CB Newling building,
cnr Mossman and Faulkner Sts
Armidale NSW 2350 Australia
Postal:
PO Box 1313, Armidale 2350
Phone:
02 6772 7203
Fax:
02 6772 7511
Web: http://necom.une.edu.au
Director – Julie Croft
[email protected]
Financial Admin – Faewyn Goyen
[email protected]
Office Hours
Mon- Fri 9 – 5pm
* First 3 weeks of each term NECOM Office has extended
office hours including Saturday mornings from 9-12.30 and
Monday, Tuesday & Wed. afternoons to 5.30pm.
Inverell Campus
Sinclair Place Public School
79 Moore St, Inverell 2360
Mail:
PO Box 1242, Inverell 2360
Coordinator: Peta Blyth
Tel:
6724 8248
ABN: 161 043 294 46 ACN: 104 329 446
NECOM NEWS APRIL 2010 15
whAT’S ON
Term 2
Thu 1st Apr
Fiori Musicali, Vaughan Williams Mass in
G Minor, Ursuline Chapel, 6pm
Sun 16th May
(1.00pm) Giachino Rossini’s “Armida”
featuring Renee Fleming.
Sun 11th Apr
“The Joy of Singing”, a Brian Martin
Workshop organized by Chris Purcell and
NECOM. 2-5pm Western Common Room,
CB Newling.
Sun 16th May
“Three Romantic Treasures”
Selected music by Borodin, Schuman and
Berwald performed by The Armidale
Symphony Orchestra, Lazenby Hall, 3pm
Sat 17th Apr
(11.30am)
The Met HD presentation at the Armidale
Belgrave Cinema
Wed 19th May
Eisteddfod Band Night
Sun 18th April
Ambroise Thomas’ “Hamlet” (1.00pm)
Wed 26th May
Eisteddfod Choral Night
Sun 18th Apr
“Under the Southern Cross”
Autumn Concert with an Australian flavour
presented by The Armidale Choral Society,
Uniting Church, Armidale, 3pm
May 27th
to Jun 12th
Armidale Dramatic & Musical Society’s
Musical - Urinetown
Wed 2nd Jun
Eisteddfod Composition Night &
Composition Seminar
Thu 4th Jun
Konstantin Shamray –Winner 2008 Sydney
International Piano Competition, with
Eleanor Streatfeild, playing Beethoven,
Schumann, Prokofiev and Dvorak.
Auditorium, CB Newling Complex, Armidale,
7pm. Also at Inverell 2nd June, Bellingen
4th June.
Sun 6th Jun
Beginner Woodwind Program Concert
Beginner String Program Concert
Tue 29th Jun
New Sydney Wind Quintet
Chapel Theatre, Glen Innes, 7pm
Wed 30th Jun
New Sydney Wind Quintet
Tenterfield School of the Arts Theatre, 7pm.
Sat 26th Jun
Suzuki Method Guest Speaker and Concert
5.30pm CB Newling Auditorium
Sun 27th Jun
Fiori Musicali, Hoskins Centre, TAS, 2.30pm
Wed 30th Jun
& Thu 1st Jul
Junior Orchestra workshop
Sat 10th Jul
Jazz at the Con featuring Janet Seidel
(Jazz with Janet & the Jerseys) – Masterclass
10am & 2pm
Concert 7pm, Western Common Room,
CB Newling.
Wed 21st Jul
Musica Viva Armidale presents the ..
Pavel Haas Quartet
Armidale Town Hall, 7pm
Fri 23rd Apr
“Til the Black Lady Sings” –
Deborah Cheetham and friends
Ross Hill Public School Hall, Inverell, 6pm
Sat 24th Apr
“Til the Black Lady Sings” –
Deborah Cheetham and friends
Auditorium, CB Newling Complex 3pm
Sun 25th Apr
Uniting Church Piano Launch Concert
Mon 26th Apr
“Discover the Harp”, 4pm PLC Music Room
A unique chance to learn more about this
beautiful instrument in an introductory
workshop.
Tue 27th Apr
Musica Viva Armidale presents…
Seven Harp Ensemble
Armidale Town Hall, 7pm.
Thu 29th Apr
Introduction to Baroque String Playing with
Louise King – Workshop for Music Teachers,
6-8pm, NECOM, CB Newling Centre.
Fri 30th Apr
Louise King Masterclasses on Baroque String
Playing 3.30pm and 5.30pm, NECOM,
CB Newling Centre.
Fri 30th AprSun 2nd May
Armidale Bach Festival, featuring Baroque
Cellist Louise King
Sun 2nd May
Fiori Musicali, Contribution to Mass as part of
the Bach Festival, St Mary’s Cathedral, 11am
Mon 3rd May
Armidale Eisteddfod commences
Sat 15th May
(11.30am) The Met HD presentation at the
Armidale Belgrave Cinema
16 NECOM NEWS
APRIL 2010