2014
Annual Report
Melbourne Youth Music
Our Board of Management President Vice President Treasurer Secretary Board Members
Our Team
Chief Executive Officer Finance Manager Manager of Artistic Planning Concerts & Events Manager Music Outreach Program Manager Marketing and Communications Coordinator Music Library and Resources Coordinator Member Services and Administration Coordinator Ensemble Conductors Ensemble Coordinators
Jeanette Ward Raghava Dasika Carol Benson Sarah Bartak Jo Beaumont Steven Black Nancy Calò Bernard Depasquale Laura Douglas Regan Engelhardt Tiffiny Lewin Michelle Wright
Dorian Jones Shriti Daga Michelle Forbes Daniel Boaden Jade Norfolk Elizabeth Davie Murray Walker Syrie Payne Jemima Bunn Kieran Casey Mary Johnston Hamish Paterson Rick Plummer Mark Shiell Yvette Leach Christopher Robson Anna van Veldhuisen
Personnel, donors and partners are listed as at 31 December 2014
Melbourne Youth Music ABN 54 089 059 805 PO Box 1368
(03) 9376 8988
Kensington
mym@mym.org.au @MelbYouthMusic
Victoria 3031
mym.org.au
Front cover: Sadie, Puffing Billy, Belgrave
MelbYouthMusic
MelbYouthMusic
Contents Who We Are
2
Our Proud History
3
Our Philosophy
4
2014 In Numbers
5
President’s Review
6
CEO’s Report
7
Activity Statements Summer School
8
Ensemble Program
10
Special Projects
13
Music Outreach Programs
15
Financial Statements Treasurer’s Report
16
Our Income and Expenses at a Glance
17
Concise Financial Report
18
Auditor’s Report
21
Our Donors
22
Our Partners
22
Who We Are
Our dream is that music is embraced and celebrated in Victoria, since it is instrumental in building community and developing the best in young people. Melbourne Youth Music has been enriching young lives through the power of music since 1967. Almost 50 years later, we continue to grow our community on a reputation for excellence, motivating young people to reach their potential and unleashing creativity in a learning environment founded on inspiration and exploration. Each year we offer an inclusive and stimulating range of artistic and social activities designed to instil a love of ensemble music playing and lead to life-long participation. Our programs seek to increase youth involvement in music, build strong communities and bring together talented young musicians from diverse backgrounds, united by a dedication to excellence and a love of music. We have a commitment to improving both the quality and capacity of music education in Victoria, collaborating with education and music partners to ensure that a high quality music education is available for all Victorian students.
Image: Sarah Walker
Melbourne Youth Orchestra performing at the Victorian Art Gallery, 1972. Photo: Anne Collins
Melbourne Youth Music began in 1967 when the State Government introduced free instrumental tuition into government schools throughout Victoria. The Secondary Schools’ Concert Committee (now known as Melbourne Youth Music) was formed under the leadership of Dr Alexandra Cameron OBE with a vision to provide music students with the opportunity to participate in ensemble music making and to take part in public performances. Our first rehearsal consisted of a 70-piece orchestra under the direction of Eric Austin Phillips. In 1972, to mark the centenary of education in Victoria, the ensemble was named the Melbourne Youth Orchestra, with a performance taking place in the Melbourne Town Hall. Our annual Summer School began in 1971, held for two days at the University High School, Parkville. Today our Summer School brings together musicians from all over Australia for a week of music making each January at the Victorian College of the Arts. In 1974, growth in numbers and standard of students enrolling in our program gave rise to the formation of the Percy Grainger
Our Proud History Youth Orchestra, with its founding conductor Bruce Worland AM.
1976 saw the addition of the John Antill Youth Band and Junior Strings Program, and the formalisation of the now familiar tiered structure of ensembles. Over the following four decades, Melbourne Youth Music ensembles have continued to grow under the leadership of some of the finest conductors, tutors and music educators – bringing together students for a range of engaging social and musical activities.
The Melbourne Youth Music program is now recognised as one of Australia’s finest ensemble music training programs in the country. Throughout Melbourne Youth Music’s history, many of our orchestras have toured across Australia and internationally, to the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan and New Zealand. Over 40,000 people have benefitted from attending our programs and many now play leading roles in the business, arts and education communities. 3
Our Philosophy Our Purpose
Our Attributes
Enriching young lives through the power of music
Inspirational Vibrant Connected Engaging Inclusive Passionate Creative Excellent
Our Spirit
Coming together for the joy of music Our Beliefs
• Music inspires young people to reach their potential • A commitment to excellence is the foundation for success • Creativity is unleashed through inspiration and exploration • A love of music motivates life-long learning and participation • Effective teaching is centred on learners’ needs • Great partnerships amplify our impact • Our heritage and alumni are integral to our future achievements • No young learner should be excluded based on disadvantage
Photo credit: Heide Museum of Modern Art. Inge King, Rings of Saturn 2005-6, stainless steel 450x450x450 cm, commissioned through the Heide Foundation with significant assistance from Lindsay and Paula Fox 2005
Our Greatest Imaginable Challenge
All places in all ensembles are filled, all of the time Our Focus
Share our passion
1037 332
Youth participants in our program
Schools across Victoria
from rural 17% Participants and regional areas
$45,040
263 Music Programs 43 139
In scholarships and bursaries awarded
Works studied by our ensembles
Specialist music educators Hours of rehearsal
Concerts performed by our ensembles
940
Our Audience Live Audience Online Audience
2014 In Numbers
8183 56,526
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President’s Review Jeanette Ward
It is with great delight that I can reflect on a very busy and incredibly successful year in 2014. Great outcomes were achieved right across the organisation and where they count the most: our people, our partnerships, our funding and, of course, our program. .Our People Our Program In early 2014, we welcomed Dorian Jones as Melbourne Youth Music’s new Chief Executive Officer. Under Dorian’s strong leadership the executive team and our music educators have flourished professionally and personally, embracing opportunities and working tirelessly to achieve our inspirational purpose. Strong growth in the scope and quality of our programs is testimony to their talent, passion and dedication Our Partnerships We established an exciting new partnership with the University of Melbourne. This has secured the Victorian College of the Arts, Southbank campus as the permanent home for our Ensemble Program and Summer School, and we are committed to building a world-class strategic partnership in music education. Melbourne Youth Music looks forward to a long and productive partnership with the University of Melbourne, building a relationship that will create a raft of education benefits for both organisations and the community. Our Funding In 2014, we successfully secured a new triennial funding agreement with the Department of Education and Training for 2015-2017 – Melbourne Youth Music’s single largest source of funds outside student fees. Equally, we were successful in sustaining critically important funding from a range of generous philanthropic and government supporters.
We once again delivered a challenging, exhilarating and enjoyable music program that delighted and inspired our students. Each of our ensembles reached new heights and performed brilliantly, cementing Melbourne Youth Music’s reputation as one of the finest music education organisations in Australia. Among many fine achievements in 2014, a personal highlight was Melbourne Youth Orchestra’s tour to Christchurch New Zealand, where they performed Mahler’s ‘Resurrection’ Symphony with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra. It was a stunning and moving performance in a city still recovering from enormous devastation and loss caused by the 2011 earthquakes. I would like to thank our wonderful students, music educators and executive team, our experienced and dedicated Board members, and our committed and generous supporters and partners for the special part you have played in making Melbourne Youth Music so successful in 2014. The Board of Management is confident that Melbourne Youth Music is in fantastic shape with great people, great partnerships and solid funding arrangements that, as we approach our 50th birthday in 2017, will continue to deliver an inspirational and innovative music program and online presence that excites, inspires and enriches our young musicians and the community.
Chief Executive Officer’s Report Dorian Jones
2014 was an amazing year for Melbourne Youth Music as we refined our core programs, expanded our reach and explored new ways to engage our community. We welcomed healthy enrolments across all of our ensembles, undertook several major concert performances, developed new programs and refreshed our key partnerships, ending the year on a positive financial note. I congratulate the team for the development and delivery of an excellent program of educational initiatives and musical events. Of particular note; a hugely successful 2014 Summer School and the ongoing development and success of the weekly Ensemble Program. Artistic highlights of 2014 included presentation of Star Wars: In Concert which achieved a full house at Melbourne Recital Centre, Melbourne Youth Orchestra’s tour to New Zealand where they performed Mahler’s monumental Symphony No.2 ‘Resurrection’ alongside Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, and the Virtuosity Concerto Competition which gave talented young Victorian soloists an opportunity to shine in performance with Percy Grainger Youth Orchestra. Our educational outreach program continued to grow sustainably, with the development of the mymlive.com portal and ventures into livestreaming masterclasses and concerts. These provide a strong foundation for expanding our outreach initiatives and encouraging gifted and
talented musicians from right across Victoria to come together for the joy of music. In 2017 we’re turning 50, and plans are afoot for a birthday program designed to celebrate our heritage and be a springboard for the future. To get the party started we invite our past members to reconnect and help us acknowledge Melbourne Youth Music’s many achievements over the first 50 years, while helping us to imagine what the next 50 years will bring. The success of our program is possible thanks to the ongoing support of the Victorian Government through the Department of Education and Training Strategic Partnerships Program. We profoundly value the continuation and development of our relationships with our Education Partner the University of Melbourne Faculty of VCA & MCM, our Program Partner Federation Square, and our Presenting Partner Freemasons Victoria. Thank you to President Jeanette Ward, board and committee members, supporters, families and students for continuing to make Melbourne Youth Music a vibrant organisation dedicated to enriching young lives through the power of music.
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Summer School
13–18 January Our 42nd annual Summer School was another successful start to a year of music-making and a highlight in Melbourne’s arts education calendar. Built on a reputation for high quality ensemble music amidst a fun-filled and friendly atmosphere, the Melbourne Youth Music Summer School brings participants from across Australia to Melbourne. Summer School attracts young musicians from all backgrounds to acquire skills through interaction in an intensive, week-long schedule of rehearsals, tutorials, workshops and performance opportunities. The outstanding team of conductors, tutors and educators assembled ensured that all participants were able to excel through the experience. The enthusiasm demonstrated by these mentors created a nurturing and inspirational environment which allowed students to develop both musically and socially. Experiencing a huge increase in participants, our Summer School also included a new program aimed at cultivating future arts administrators and offering networking and work experience opportunities across the week. The week concluded with three fantastic concerts; a showcase of Jazz at Federation Hall and two performances at Dallas Brooks Hall featuring the bands and string and orchestra groups, respectively; each attracting extensive audience numbers.
Distribution of total Summer School participants in 2014 (649) Symphony Orchestra (83) Philharmonic Orchestra (74) Chamber Strings (84) Sinfonietta (80) Camerata (53) Symphonic Wind Band (48) Concert Band (60) Intermediate Band (67) Junior Band (35) Big Band (17) Jazz Improvisation (28) Conductor Development (12) Arts Administration (8)
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8 February–16 November
Ensemble Program The Ensemble Program is an opportunity for young musicians to grow through participation in high-calibre instrumental music ensembles, and through belonging to a musical community of practice. Students enter the program from the age of 8, often staying until age 25. Students come from across Victoria with increasing numbers travelling each week from regional areas. Many receive scholarships and bursaries which MYM administers. Their socio-economic status and cultural backgrounds are diverse, their levels of learning are diverse, and they attend both government and independent schools. They are united by a love of music and a determination to achieve excellence. Students progress through a finely tuned sequence of eight ensembles. These begin with the Melbourne Youth Junior Strings which introduces basic skills, knowledge and practices, and culminate in the rich experience of belonging to the esteemed Melbourne Youth Orchestra. Each ensemble’s individual rehearsal and performance curriculum is calibrated to provide challenges and rewards appropriate to the developing confidence and skill level of the musician. The 2014 Ensemble
Program was a weekly ensemble program held across the school year, consisting of rehearsals and tutorials at the Victorian College of the Arts, University of Melbourne. It offered young musicians the opportunity to develop advanced instrumental and ensemble skills in a supportive and pedagogically-focussed environment. Our rehearsal tutorial program is at the heart of Melbourne Youth Music and is designed to complement and enhance individual lessons, school and university programs. Each ensemble is mentored by their conductor and numerous tutors to undertake an active and engaging performance program, showcasing their talents and developing themselves as musicians and leaders of our community. The overarching goal of the Ensemble Program is to motivate members to take their individual and ensemble playing to a whole new level – growing in ability and confidence – while learning valuable interpersonal and teamwork skills. In 2014 we were delighted to expand the pilot program success of the John Antill Youth Band to reinstate the ensemble as an ongoing part of our program.
Distribution of total Ensemble Program participants in 2014 (444) MYO (101) PGYO (67) MYCS (48) MYS (65) MYJS (67) MYWS (53) JAYB (43)
Melbourne Youth Orchestra
Melbourne Youth Strings
We were delighted to welcome Guest Conductors Mark Shiell and Marco van Pagee, as well as returning Guest Conductors Brett Kelly and Christchurch Symphony Orchestra’s Chief Conductor, Tom Woods, to work with the ensemble in 2014.
Hamish Paterson led Melbourne Youth Strings through an exciting program full of new experiences and technique development in his last year with the ensemble. The mix of styles and compositional techniques was selected to extend the young musicians and the genres ranged from Bizet’s frolicking Farandole (from L’Arlésienne) to Mahler’s expressive Adagietto from his Symphony No.5. This ensemble has proven to be so popular as to be at capacity from the commencement of the 2014 program.
The ensemble opened its ambitious 2014 season with a highly acclaimed performance of music from all 6 Star Wars soundtracks. This sold out performance was the orchestra’s debut at the Melbourne Recital Centre and saw collaborations with actors and The Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Choir. In our first international tour in a number of years, Melbourne Youth Orchestra collaborated with Christchurch Symphony Orchestra to present Mahler’s epic Symphony No.2 ‘Resurrection’ in Christchurch, New Zealand. The performance resonated with the community and was met with a standing ovation. Once more, working with John Foreman in Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight was a rewarding conclusion to a hugely successful year. Percy Grainger Youth Orchestra The extensive achievements of the ensemble were demonstrated at four performances across the year, most notably concluding the program with an exciting rendition of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, featuring Summer School alumnus, Anthony Barnhill. Mark Shiell further extended selected members of the ensemble by combining with Melbourne Youth Orchestra in the community concert presentation of Respighi’s iconic work, Pines of Rome. Melbourne Youth Chamber Strings 2014 was a year of virtual travel for Melbourne Youth Chamber Strings members as director Mary Johnston took them on a musical roundthe-world journey to experience music from a variety of genres and cultures. The ensemble members experimented with detailed approaches to phrasing, dynamics and string colours – challenging themselves musically and technically. Mary’s final concert was an emotionally musical journey, with returning alumni joining Mary on stage in performance of a moving and heartfelt performance of Barber’s Adagio for Strings.
Melbourne Youth Junior Strings This ensemble continues to experience significant growth and was at full capacity from the start of 2014. Kieran Casey and a weekly team of tutors guided these budding instrumentalists as they strengthened their foundation knowledge and developed an appreciation of the joy of group musicmaking. Conducting the ensemble was not enough for Kieran – he even led the ensemble in costume for a charismatic performance of Professor Wigstein’s Amazing Melody Machine. Melbourne Youth Wind Symphony The members of Melbourne Youth Wind Symphony presented four great concert performances during 2014, tackling some demanding modern compositions by Grainger, Ticheli, Whitacre and Zaninelli. Conductor Rick Plummer’s approach to building a unified ensemble sound provided a supportive platform for individuals to develop expression in playing while retaining a wonderful collegiality among the ensemble members. John Antill Youth Band After a pilot project in 2013, we were delighted with the success of this young ensemble. John Antill Youth Band continued to build on its accomplishments under the expert direction of Jemima Bunn and the team of dedicated tutors. Farewell At the end of 2014 we farewelled four well-loved conductors from our artistic and education team – Hamish Paterson, Jemima Bunn, Mark Shiell and Mary Johnson. Thank you for sharing your passion for music at Melbourne Youth Music over many years.
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Ensemble Program
Special Projects Melbourne Youth Junior Strings at Royal Children’s Hospital Monday 22 September
Selected members of the Melbourne Youth Junior Strings were invited to perform at the Royal Children’s Hospital as part of a series of lunch time concerts aimed at assisting patient rehabilitation. These young musicians were offered the opportunity to showcase their talents in RCH’s inspiring “Main Street” while bringing enjoyment to what can be an extremely difficult time for patients and their families. Conductor Kieran Casey joined young patients for a music workshop and cello performance.
COLLECTIVE Connecting with peers to perform as members of an ensemble, developing teamwork and leadership skills
COGNITIVE Gaining a deep understanding of music’s history, theory and cultures which leads to the student’s ability to analyse, evaluate and create
INDIVIDUAL Developing a love of music, an appreciation of different approaches to its performance, confidence, personal style, musicianship and taste
Our Learning Domains PHYSICAL
PERCEPTUAL Creating finely tuned listening skills, and the ability to listen and respond to music with an acute critical awareness of its melodic, harmonic, dynamic, rhythmic and instrumental elements
Mastering the physical ability and technique needed to play a musical instrument with a requisite level of precision and control
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Woodwind/Brass Leadership Program 18 October – 1 November
77 Ensemble Program members were invited to extend their knowledge of leadership techniques within the ensemble setting across three mentor sessions under the expert tutelage of renowned French hornist, Roman Ponomariov. These senior wind players had the opportunity to learn and develop important skills such as how to actively lead a section, communicate effectively with a conductor and their section, prepare for auditions, and behave professionally. Melbourne Youth Wind Symphony CD Recording with Brolga Music 21 – 22 September
Rick Plummer conducted the ensemble in a collaborative CD recording for Australian music education publisher, Brolga Music. This CD features new works that are available to youth and professional bands and offered an insightful opportunity for Melbourne Youth Wind Symphony members to immerse themselves in a professional recording environment and expand their performance experience beyond the concert stage. Melbourne Youth Strings at Newsboys Foundation Awards Wednesday 26 November
Hamish Paterson led a select group of Melbourne Youth Strings members in his final performance with Melbourne Youth Music at the annual Newsboys Foundation Awards. Their three works were performed alongside other acclaimed young performers and were enjoyed by the esteemed audience, including The Honourable Alex Chernov AC QC, Governor of Victoria. Percy Grainger Youth Orchestra with Virtuosity Concerto Competition Sunday 14 September
Beyond orchestral playing, Percy Grainger Youth Orchestra members were given the opportunity to develop the specific skill of accompanying a soloist. Their third program featured the three selected grand finalists of the Virtuosity Concerto Competition to perform works alongside the ensemble.
Music Outreach Program The Music Outreach Program extends the availability of our educational services to learners in rural and regional Victoria. Through developing new programs specifically designed to increase our reach to more young Victorian musicians, producing interactive media for use online, and integrating Information Communication Technology into our current program, our program aims to transform how learning occurs and enrich the educational environment in schools and the community. These initiatives are designed to improve music learning opportunities for regional, rural and remote Victorians and provide resources for teachers and school leaders.
2014 Projects Mahler 2 DVD and Fed TV Concert Screening
Melbourne Youth Orchestra’s New Zealand tour and performance of Mahler’s Symphony No.2 was recorded, professionally edited and broadcast together with a short documentary showcasing students’ tour experiences on the Federation Square Big Screen for Melbourne Youth Music’s friends and families, and the wider public.
Online Video Content
A variety of videos were produced to contribute to our online resources and to be used for both promotional and educational initiatives. Videos featured stories such as the Royal Visit to our Summer School, the return of the John Antill Youth Band and the experience of a Melbourne Youth Junior Strings concert. Clarinet Masterclass with David Griffiths
Four clarinet students had the opportunity to workshop their chosen pieces with clarinettist David Griffiths. The Masterclass was streamed live to audiences worldwide and included a live Q&A session hosted via social media including Twitter, Facebook and MYM’s online portal, www.mymlive.com. Virtuosity
A three-stage concerto competition which was open to young participants across Victoria. After submitting an application video or audio recording, twelve semifinalists were selected to compete and perform in front of a guest panel with respected mentors Eugene Ughetti, Marshall Maguire and Brett Kelly. Three finalists were selected to compete in the Grand Final performance, and had the opportunity to rehearse and perform with Percy Grainger Youth Orchestra. The winner was selected by the concert audience’s vote. 15
Treasurer’s Report
Carol Benson
The 2014 financial year was one of further improvements in Melbourne Youth Music’s operations, finances, and risk management. With a dedicated, energetic, and resourceful executive team and an experienced and focused Board, Melbourne Youth Music achieved an operating surplus of $112,075. This is a significant increase on the surplus for 2013 of $45,077, primarily brought about by strong enrolments in the 2014 Summer School and Ensemble Programs as well as expense savings. It is a great result for Melbourne Youth Music and we continue to build a strong financial base to support our programs and new initiatives. Philanthropic grants and sponsor income continue to grow due to the sustained efforts of the Board and management. This income supplements the essential triennial funding received from the Department of Education and Training (DET), underpinning the organisation’s confidence in its future, and we welcomed DET’s continued commitment to fund Melbourne Youth Music for the 20152017 triennium. While Melbourne Youth Music has successfully diversified its income, we continue to manage our costs responsibly, ensuring that we can devote as much as we can of the available resources to delivering and augmenting our programs. Melbourne Youth Music’s balance sheet continues to strengthen with net assets of $919,840 as at 31 December 2014, and Melbourne Youth Music carries no debt. The strong balance sheet underpins our plans and
aspirations for the programs delivered to our young musicians. We continue to focus on longer term funding options that will sustain Melbourne Youth Music’s ability to deliver our program in the event that any one key sponsor were substantially reduce or withdraw its financial support. Our planning for the 2015 financial year indicates that we should successfully maintain an adequate level of cash reserves. The Finance, Risk and Investment Committee of the Board of Management continues to develop and implement appropriate policies for Melbourne Youth Music’s activities, responding to the need to manage the risks and responsibilities we assume. We have a comprehensive set of corporate policies; we endeavour to assess and monitor risks; management reporting has improved further; there is an ongoing focus on funding strategies; and we continue to provide operational and financial information that is more understandable and relevant for our members and other stakeholders. With the energy of Melbourne Youth Music’s executive management and the engagement of a professional Board of Management, we can confidently look forward to securing Melbourne Youth Music’s place in Victoria’s music education sector.
Our Income and Expenses at a Glance Our 2014 Income
Our 2014 Expenses
53% Course Fees
43% Artistic and Educational Personnel
16% Trusts, Foundations and Sponsors
17% Administrative Personnel
12% Government Grants
13% Venue Hire
12% Ticket Sales
11% Office Rental and Overheads
4% Donations
7% Travel (NZ Tour)
3% Bank Interest & Dividends
4% Scholarships and Bursaries
3% Promotional Costs
2% Music Instruments and Equipment
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19
20
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Our Patrons
Our patrons have supported us through incredibly generous donations of $1,000 and above. Beach Family, Jessey Dalla-Vecchia, Integral Alliance, Pamela Jenkins, Thomas Kay & Barbara Demediuk, Ramses Foundation, Vowels Family, Ward Family, Anonymous (1)
Individual Donors ($100 to $999)
Robert Barber, Casama Family, Dr Graeme Duke, Florence Family, Haines Muir Hill, Olive Hamilton, Dorian Jones, Jean Kee, Luznik Family, E McCann & M Yokoe, Peter Sheko, Andrew Walker, Nick Wang, Anonymous (6)
Individual Donors (Up to $99)
Mushian Elsner, Vince Mammone, Millais Family, Arthur Ong, Marie Ormonde, J Rizopoulos, Anthony Rossiter, Schena Family, Thompson Family, David Wyss, Raymond Broeksteeg, Anonymous (6)
Anna Chmiel Memorial Fund
This fund was established to remember the Melbourne Youth Music member Anna Chmiel who died in 2012. The fund is a lasting tribute to recognise the significant contribution music makes in the lives of young people. Travis Allen, Judge Susan Cohen, Margaret & Harry Dowd, Pamela Jenkins, Anonymous (1)
Our Partners
Melbourne Youth Music ABN 54 089 059 805 PO Box 1368
T
Kensington
E mym@mym.org.au
(03) 9376 8988
FB MelbYouthMusic IG
Victoria 3031
W mym.org.au
TW @MelbYouthMusic
@MelbYouthMusic