2022 Student Handbook
CLARENCE VALLEY CONSERVATORIUM IS A MEMBER OF
SUPPORTED BY
2022 TERM DATES Term 1: Monday, 31 January (lessons at CVCon) Monday, 7 February (lessons in schools) - Friday, 8 April Term 2: Tuesday, 26 April - Friday, 1 July Term 3: Monday, 18 July - Friday, 23 September Term 4: Monday, 10 October - Friday, 16 December
The Clarence Valley Conservatorium is in a position of being a leader in the Performing Arts across Grafton and the Clarence Valley. With a purpose-built learning environment, quality tutors and an extensive and impressive range of instrumental, choral, drama and school programs, the Conservatorium is able to cater for most needs in the Performing Arts. Students have the opportunity not only for individual tuition but also to develop their skills in ensemble work and public performances. These latter experiences ensure that the students learn to appreciate the value of sharing their gifts and talents with others – an essential aspect of the arts – but also that the local community is able to benefit from the contribution of these young people towards the cultural enrichment of its environment. The Conservatorium is supported by grants from the NSW Department of Education with additional support from the Clarence Valley Council, community sponsorship, other project grants and tax-deductible donations. These grants contribute to maintaining a strong financial base upon which the programs offered by the Conservatorium are developed.
CONDITIONS OF ENROLMENT Fees for all lessons are charged on a 'per term' basis, unless the student starts late in the term. Invoices are issued prior to the commencement of term (where possible) and are payable by the end of the third week of term, or the due date on the invoice. Fees may be paid via cash, cheque, credit card (by phone and in person), or by direct deposit to our bank account. Please DO NOT give money to the tutor or leave it at the school office. Lessons may be cancelled by the Conservatorium if fees are in arrears with an administrative charge of $10 (minimum) being applied to outstanding accounts. NO REFUNDS will be given for missed lessons by students. Lessons missed by the tutor will be made up or credited to your account. The Conservatorium's tutors reserve the right to discontinue lessons where a student's behaviour or attitude is deemed inappropriate. In this situation, the tutor will contact the student's parent or guardian. Terms are generally the same as those of the public schools. Lessons are not held on public or school holidays. All students are encouraged to perform at in-house concerts, or at public functions. Many tutors encourage their students to undertake exams and enter eisteddfods but this is always in consultation between the tutors, parents and student. Parents are encouraged to discuss their child's progress with his/her tutor, but this should be during their child's lesson. Lessons begin and end promptly at the designated time, so your punctuality would be appreciated. Parents are reminded that students are expected to purchase their own music books as needed as our staff will not contravene the Copyright Act NSW with regard to photocopying. Our staff have been trained in child protection issues and will always endeavour to provide a safe and happy environment for your child.
FEES 2022 (All rates based on a 10 week term) Annual Registration Fee: $20 per family (all students- due in Term 1 or at enrolment)
Single Studies Tuition: $320 (30min lesson per week) In School Tuition - Band instruments, Guitar: $150 (ea. student), (Groups of 2-4 students each week in school time and at school), Piano (available only as Single Studies Tuition 30min/20min) Early Childhood Music (for children 2 - 8 years old) KIDZJAM: $80 Groups of pre-school children (2 - 5 years old) accompanied by an adult.
PRE-INSTRUMENTAL CLASSES: $65 (General, Keyboard, Guitar, Drums, Recorder) Groups of 3-6 students (5 8 years old) for 30min lesson each week.
SINGLE STUDIES TUITION: $220 (20min lesson per week) This is an alternative option for young beginner students (4 - 8 years old) following discussions with the Director and teacher. All Music and Vocal Ensembles $65 (@ Conservatorium) Drama Groups $160
2022 CVCON ADMINISTRATION STAFF Adam Wills
Director
Kris Edwards
Programs Coordinator
Carolyn Maunder
Finance Manager
Vicki Forbes
Administration Manager
Roslyn Kennedy
Projects Officer
2022 CVCON TEACHING STAFF Bronwyn Berman
Drama
Jill Carter
Voice/Early Childhood Music
Cherry Collins
Violin/Viola
Sharon Davidge
Flute/Piccolo/Recorder
Kris Edwards
Sax/Clarinet/Bass Guitar/Piano
Greta Enns
Piano/Piano Accordion
Ryan Enns
Guitar/Ukelele/Mandolin
Luke Gough
Guitar/Production/Sound
Robert Hughes
Guitar/Ukelele/Mandolin/Banjo
Jayne Logan
Piano/Flute
Peter Morgan
Clarinet/Saxophone
Sarah Nicholls
Strings 'n' Things
Damien Sullivan
Guitar/Ukelele
Leanne Taylor
Piano
Adam Wills
Drums/Percussion
The Clarence Valley Conservatorium provides quality music programs to our community both at the Conservatorium and in schools. Being able to make music is a wonderful skill for children and adults alike and opens up a world of enjoyment. Research shows that learning music can help with enhanced reasoning capacity and problem solving skills, improved maths and language performance, better memory and greater social and team skills. Learning music embraces life long learning from early childhood days to later life. The music rooms at 4-8 Villiers Street, Grafton were established in the 1930s by the Sisters of Mercy as part of the Catholic school system, but also offered lessons to non-catholic students. Fifty years later, in 1982, under the direction of Sr Cecilia Moran, purpose built premises were constructed, and the centre named St Cecilia’s Music Academy. In 1995 the Sisters of Mercy ceased to be involved in the day to day operations of the centre, while retaining ownership of the buildings. For the next 2 years the centre became a campus of the Northern Rivers Conservatorium. The centre then became an independent, incorporated, community based organisation, called St Cecilia’s Music and Performing Arts Centre of Grafton Inc. with a newly formed Management Committee and Administrator. St Cecilia’s was formally accepted into the NSW Regional Conservatorium Association in 1999 when recurrent funding from the Department of Education and Training commenced. In 2003, the name changed to the Clarence Valley Conservatorium. At the same time the premises were purchased from the Sisters of Mercy.
HIRE OF INSTRUMENTS The Conservatorium has a wide range of instruments for hire, including electric piano, flute, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon, oboe, violin, cello, double bass, guitar, trumpet, trombone and euphonium available to students who are enrolled for individual lessons. Hire fees are $40 per term. A refundable deposit of $30 is payable in advance and refunded with the safe return of the undamaged instrument with all accessories. The Clarence Valley Conservatorium has extensive music and drama libraries which are available to students by arrangement.
THEORY The Conservatorium has weekly Theory Classes for students who wish to supplement their practical studies with a theory component and sit for AMEB exams. The theoretical aspects of music are learnt in musicianship and theory classes. Beginning with learning note names. Italian terms and keys in the early grades to melody, harmony and two-part writing in the later grades. Learning about musicology or the history of music is also an important component of the classes. Students may choose to sit for a theory exam.
PERFORMING ARTS NIGHTS PAN (Performing Arts Nights) are held regularly throughout the year and are open to anyone in the community to perform and attend. Scholarship students, senior students, HSC students and anyone else who loves performing can come along and polish their performance skills in a relaxed and friendly environment. Performers are required to complete a Concert Registration Form one week prior to the concert date.
SCHOLARSHIPS/BURSARIES The Clarence Valley Conservatorium offers a Scholarship Program which aims: 1. To reward our gifted and talented students and to encourage and assist in the development of their skills, talents and excellence in performance 2. To encourage and assist junior students identified as gifted and talented to continue their studies as they move from group tuition in primary school programs or junior groups to further individual studies at the Conservatorium Applications and auditions for the 2023 Scholarships will be held during Term 4 2022. Scholarships are based on merit, with scholarships awarded to both senior and junior music and drama students. The Clarence Valley Conservatorium has a limited amount of funds for bursaries, for students with financial need. Bursaries are available all year round, with application forms available on the CVCon website, or by contacting the office. Bursaries are awarded to students who, without support, may not be able to continue music lessons.
PIANO ACCOMPANIMENT The Clarence Valley Conservatorium provides a piano accompanying service to help students as they prepare for exams, performances and auditions. Rates are set on a sliding scale that varies with the grade being prepared and performed. To enquire about accompanying please contact the CVCon office.
INDIVIDUAL LESSONS Lessons are available in the following areas: Piano, Keyboard, Accordion Guitar - Classical, Folk, Lead, Bass, Mandolin, Banjo, Ukulele Vocal Strings - Violin, Viola, Cello Woodwind - Flute, Clarinet, Recorder, Saxophone Brass - Trumpet, Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba Drum Kit & Percussion Speech & Drama Individual lessons are conducted by our qualified teaching staff, and take place at the Conservatorium building in Grafton, and at many schools in the Clarence Valley region. Lessons are available in a variety of lesson lengths, and a tailored program of learning will be designed for each student to ensure that students progress throughout the course of their music lessons.
SCHOOL GROUP LESSONS For students in schools, the Conservatorium provides low cost group lessons to students in many of the schools in the Clarence Valley region. Lessons are available in: Guitar Woodwind - Flute, Clarinet, Recorder, Saxophone Brass - Trumpet, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba Drum Kit & Percussion Piano & Keyboard (available as individual tuition only) Students are placed into small groups with other students who are of a similar age and ability and work with CVCon teachers to learn in a friendly and supportive environment.
DRAMA LESSONS & GROUPS The Clarence Valley Conservatorium boasts a strong speech and drama program, with students having successes at local eisteddfods and HSC exams. Students can participate in group drama classes with students of similar age and level, or can take part in individual, one on one speech and drama lessons. Classes in 2021 include:
Junior: Drama A Youth: Drama A Junior: Drama B Senior
The program aims to create students who are comfortable with performing and public speaking while developing skills useful in all life situations.
KIDZJAM The Kidzjam (Early Childhood Music) program provides children with an opportunity to discover, learn and have fun. The program enables development of a musical appreciation through vocal, instrumental and aural activities. Each week activities will be focussed on a different musical subject which enables them to hear, see and play a variety of different musical instruments. Kidzjam creates an enjoyable musical experience for both children and carers. Children are encouraged to attend all sessions.
CHOIRS The Clarence Valley Conservatorium has a long tradition of high quality performance and education in choral programs. Choral programs are sequentially planned so students can begin in the Conservatorium Kids Chorus and then progress through the choirs before reaching the Con Chorus. Conservatorium Kids Chorus - Jill Carter Conservatorium Youth Chorus - Jill Carter Con Chorus - Jill Carter Forget Me Nots - Leigh Robertson and Jenny Worrell Vocal Group (KISS) Keep It Simple Singing - Jill Carter U3A Good Vibrations Choir - Brenda Little
ENSEMBLES Ensembles are an important piece of a comprehensive music education. The Clarence Valley Conservatorium includes a wide variety of ensembles such as: Adult Combo - Kris Edwards Concert Band - Peter Morgan Flute Ensemble - Sharon Davidge Guitarchestra - Luke Gough Jazz Ensemble - Peter Morgan Percussion Ensemble - Adam Wills Strings’n’Things - Sarah Nicholls For up to date rehearsal times for Choirs and Ensembles, please visit www.cvcon.nsw.edu.au
LEADING THE PERFORMING ARTS
Clarence Valley Conservatorium 8 Villiers Street PO Box 350 GRAFTON NSW 2460 Phone: 02 6643 3555 Email: cvcon@cvcon.nsw.edu.au Web: www.cvcon.nsw.edu.au