MITCHELL CONSERVATORIUM NEWSLETTER
Issue 1 2014
www1 2014
IN THIS ISSUE Executive Director welcome
page 1
Special events
page 2
Word from the Chair
page 3
Ensembles & Affiliates news
page 4
Early Years Music
page 4
What’s On
page 5
Student Performances
page 6
Annual Appeal
page 7
Student Opportunities
page 7
CONTACT US: Lithgow office 6351 3990 Bathurst office 6331 6622 Lachlan office 6852 3766 www.mitchellconservatorium.edu.au
Lawrence Orchard, Graham Sattler, Fiona Thompson and Max Reeder in tutti
Happy New Year! Farewell to Fiona... And HELLO from me! After 9 wonderful years at the helm of this great organisation, Fiona Thompson has retired returning to her great twin loves of performing and teaching. I have known Fiona, as have many of you, for well over a decade, and I am truly thrilled to be following - not only in her footsteps - but also in those of Max Reeder before her, and Laurie Orchard before that. Catching up with Laurie and Max recently as part of farewelling Fiona ,certainly made it very Early Years Music clear to me that there is a great deal of proud tradition at Mitchell, and it is both the legacy Our Early Childhood Music program is undergoing of our past (35 years of) leadership and the tremendous potential of an exciting future that a growth spurt! Joining Anna Ossig-Bonanno and Cindy Fox for 2014 will be Ruth Thompson. See we can all celebrate. Page 4.
Given that this is our first real opportunity to connect, I thought it would be appropriate to tell you a little about myself, and what I hope to be able to contribute to this wonderful community. I began my career as an orchestral trombonist in Sydney, became a singer (opera and music theatre), and then consolidated with a move into conducting and artistic direction. I studied, principally, at Sydney Uni (Conservatorium of Music) where I graduated with a Diploma of Operatic Art and Music Theatre and a Master of Performance in Conducting. Since 2008 I’ve been pursuing post-graduate research (again through Sydney Uni) in the area of socio-cultural development through group music activity in marginalised communities. From 2001 to 2012 I was Director of the Orange Regional Conservatorium, where I worked at developing life-long learning opportunities, curricular-support programs in schools, distance learning via video-conferencing, and partnerships with health, disability, and What’s On for 2014 community organisations of various types. From 2007 to 2011 I was heavily involved in the Our visiting artists program is bursting with design and delivery of the Associate Degree in Music Education course at Charles Sturt amazing talent and exciting performances including renowned French clarinettist Paul University, acting as Adjunct Lecturer and Subject Coordinator. Meyers (pictured).See page 5.
My passion for community-based music education regularly takes me to Music Education and Arts Health conferences, and I’ve been fortunate to enough to be involved in related fieldwork in various parts of Australia, North America and Bolivia. Continued Page 4
MITCHELL CONSERVATORIUM NEWSLETTER | Issue 1 2014
The Seven Sparrows Composition Project Original music, made fresh from local Bathurst talent The Seven Sparrows ensemble; Georgia Sonter guitar, Marcus Milton oboe and piano, Hamish Starr guitar and percussion, Olive Lockett guitar, Kirsten Jones violin, Felicity McKellar flute and Will Armstrong guitar will be presenting the world premiere of their original world-music composition this February after six months of music workshops, professional mentoring and hours of improvisation, playing and practice. The young musicians have been mentored by established Bathurst based professional musicians Aaron Hopper in scoring techniques (using music software) and composing for ensembles, Rob Shannon in Indian Rhythms and composition techniques, Mbaye Kante in African Rhythms and composition techniques and Minh Ha Patmore in Northern and Southern Vietnamese classical instruments and composition elements all with the aim of
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exploring music composition techniques, sounds and rhythms from world music. The upcoming concert and performance will be a celebration of live, local music. "At the Mitchell Conservatorium we believe that music…what we hear, what we play and what we prize…plays an integral role in our community life and culture. It provides an expressive outlet for ideas and emotions that enrich communities and nourishes the soul." says Executive Director Graham Sattler "The Seven Sparrows Composition Project succinctly articulates these values." The Seven Sparrows Composition Project world premiere concert performance takes place on Sunday 2 February at 7.00pm for 7.30pm. The Orchard Room in Mitchell Conservatorium on Russell Street Bathurst will be made over with a festive, magical, indoor garden vibe.
All tickets are $10 and are available for presale from the 15 January through the Mitchell Conservatorium or available for purchase on the door on the night.
Word from the Chair
Professor Tara Brabazon Head of the School of Teacher Education Charles Sturt University, Bathurst
Greetings to you. I am so proud, so thrilled and so privileged to be a part of the Mitchell Conservatorium family. I have just been appointed the new Chairman of the Mitchell, so I hope to hear from you in the near future. Never hesitate. Please get in touch. My email address is tbrabazon@csu.edu.au. As you can see from this email address (because the internet never lies!!!), I am also part of Charles Sturt University. I am the Professor of Education and the Head of School of Teacher Education at CSU. I hope that the relationship between CSU and the Mitchell continues to flourish and grow in the years to come. Education, teaching and learning are forces of positivity in a dark time. Together – and each day – we can make a difference to our region and the people within it. It is my great joy to
welcome Graham as the new Executive Director. He is talented, considerate, brilliant and a great visionary. It has also been my great pleasure to work with the extraordinary Fiona. She has left us an important and powerful legacy. Our role is to respect that legacy and create an evocative future for our region and our organization. This will be a remarkable time for the Conservatorium. I thank you for your service, support and contribution. I look forward to a evocative future. With every best wish Professor Tara Brabazon
MITCHELL CONSERVATORIUM NEWSLETTER | Issue 1 2014
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JOIN A MIT CON ENSEMBLE IN 2014 The Brass Boys recently performed at the annual Reliance Credit Union Carols by Candlelight to great acclaim. The ensemble is led by brass teacher Oliver Harris
The Mitchell Young Voices
Mitchell Conservatorium Ensembles and Affiliates Mitchell Conservatorium offers students the opportunity to join a range of junior and senior and junior chamber groups and ensembles. All groups are led by our experienced and committed teaching staff in the Mitchell Conservatorium studios or community spaces.
Lachlan Ensembles include:
Bathurst Ensembles include:
Lachlan Community Orchestra led by violin teacher Andrew Baker
Recorder Ensemble
The Mitchell Young Voices youth (8-14 years) choir led by voice and piano teacher Michelle Griffin Senior and Junior Recorder Ensembles led by Early Years Music and recorder teacher Anna Ossig-Bonanno Mitchell Young Strings led by violin and viola teacher Fiona Thompson
Fretworx
Fretworx (senior) and Kool Blues (junior) guitar ensembles led by guitar teacher Aaron Hopper The Jazz Ensemble led by guitar and drums teacher Rob Shannon Confluted senior flute quartet led by flute teacher Phil Brathwaite and the Flute Choir led by flute teacher Rhonda Coleman The Bathurst Brass Boys led by brass teacher Oliver Harris Bella Forte and the string quartet led by string teacher Nicholas Newell
Confluted
Ukele Group looking to start in 2014 led by MitCon teacher Jenelle Coady. Please call the office on 6852 3766 for further details. Forbes Town and District Band and associated school bands conducted by reed teacher Justin Screen
For the last 35 years the Mitchell Conservatorium has proudly been affiliated with: The Bathurst City and RSL Band Association currently led by Mathias RogalaKoczorowski The Bathurst Chamber Orchestra currently led by Andrew Baker. The Allegri Singers currently led by William Moxey Ensembles and affiliates are invited to perform at many events throughout the year including the upcoming Youth Ensembles Concerts 31 May and 1 June, the Winter Showcase 17 August, Christmas on Keppel in partnership with the Bathust Library in December and Carols by Candlelight 14 December 2014. Please ring the office on 6331 6622 for 2014 enrolment details.
MITCHELL CONSERVATORIUM NEWSLETTER | Issue 1 2014 Continued from Page 1 I was the inaugural secretary of the Association of NSW Regional Conservatoriums (incorporated in 2003) - the peak body for the 17 member organisations across the state - served on the Executive for the better part of a decade, and was recently reelected as Vice President. The ANSWRC has become an influential arts advocacy body, and was responsible for the network of regional conservatoriums receiving a 40% funding increase in 2008. My commitment, as CEO of this organisation, is to: ▪build on the terrific education and performance programs, and community partnerships, that Fiona, Max and Laurie have developed over the past the 35 years ▪support staff, students and the broader MitCon community in spreading the word about the joy and value of music, and what wonderful human and physical resources we have to offer ▪offer exciting, relevant and broad-ranging activities to our community, benefitting from the knowledge and talents of a world-class staff and harnessing the enthusiasm and energy of existing and future students
Enough from me?.. well nearly... before I sign off, there are a couple of other things I need to mention…Good News re Fees for 2014 – with much careful budgeting and in particular recognition of your loyalty to us here at MitCon, we have managed to restrict our fee increase for 2014 to a maximum of 1%. Some changes to the MitCon family Marisa Mariani-Starr is moving on, after several years of mentoring and guiding our vocal studio. Marisa and I were at the Opera School at Sydney Con in the (very) late 80’s (yes, she was a child prodigy…) and I have always been impressed by her enthusiasm, talent and generosity. A big thank you to Marisa and our other staff who are leaving us Craig Alloway, Emily Calder, Jennie de Maere and Tori Roth We wish you all well, know that you’re still a part of the Mit Con community and we look forward to ‘seeing you around’.
4 All that is left for me to say now, is that I look forward to meeting those of you who I’ve not yet met, and am genuinely open to any and all suggestions you may have that will assist in reinforcing the Mitchell Conservatorium as the Community Music Resource in the Central West. During term 1, I plan to be present at the Lachlan office one day per week, in Lithgow at least a couple of times a month, and the rest of the time in Bathurst. Otherwise… graham.sattler@mitchellconservatorium.edu.au / 6331 6622
here’s to a great 2014! Graham
Finally, Andrew Baker, responsible for steering the Lachlan Division since mid-2012 with such a steady hand, is stepping down from the divisional director role but WILL CONTINUE as string teacher at both Lachlan and Bathurst campuses. This, the latter part, is a great relief!
Early Years Music Program at the Kodaly Music The Mitchell Conservatorium offers a carefully sequenced Early Years Music Program for students from 3 months to eight years old.
Education Institute of Australia and brings their Do Re Mi program to the Con on Wednesdays for
Anna Ossig Bonanno teaches our 5 to 8 year olds, following the Kodaly method of musicianship on Wednesdays and Thursdays; Ruth Thompsons has studied
3 months to 5 years old children and Cindy Fox, currently studying the Dalcroze method teaches our Music and Movement classes on Friday and Saturday. Also on offer are musical instrument tryouts where children learn in small groups under expert teachers and can ‘try-out’ a range of instruments in order to choose what suits them best.
Some class places are still available for Term 1 (with all our EYM teachers) so call the office now to enrol. Bring a friend and their little one or recommend us to your parent/Mums group. Music is best when shared! Our annual EYM concert will be on at 11am Sunday 22 June. Theme to be announced….
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Mitchell Conservatorium Visiting Artists Program 2014 supported by Daniel de Borah in Concert
April, 11, 12, 13
An evening of delightful classical piano from Sydney International Piano Competition major prize winner and soloist with the English Chamber Orchestra, London Mozart Players and Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, London.
Lithgow, Bathurst and Forbes
Nick Parnell in Vibes Virtuoso
May 14
In the hands of Nick Parnell, the vibraphone is an instrument of great virtuosity and musicality. In concert, the vibraphone superbly melded with piano gets its moment in the spotlight, ranging from the technically challenging to sheer lyrical beauty in the space of a heartbeat.
Bathurst
Omega Ensemble with special guest
May 27, 28, 29, 30, 31
clarinettist Paul Meyers Established in 2005, OE seek to redefine the classical chamber music landscape, performing programs of classical and contemporary classical music.
Tickets: Adults $30, Concession $20, Family of four $80 MitCon students FREE
Tickets: Adults $30, Concession $20, Family of four $80 MitCon students FREE
Lithgow, Bathurst, Orange, Forbes and Canowindra Tickets: Adults $30, Concession $20, Family of four $80 MitCon students FREE
Jane Rutter in French Kiss
July 26, 27
Renowned for her classical, multi-media and cabaret performance Jane Rutter is a trailblazer who has taken classical music to places previously unheard of, and paved the way for many.
Bathurst and Forbes
Yvonne Kenny and Simon Tedeschi in Concert
September 5, 6, 7
Regular central west visiting musician Simon Tedeschi is back with a fresh, new program of beautiful music with his current performing partner supreme soprano Yvonne Kenny. Not to be missed.
Touchstones Song Cycle conducted by Richard Gill Commissioned by MitCon and composed by Andrew Robson, this song cycle was especially written for the Andrew Robson Trio and the Bathurst Chamber Orchestra. Celebrate local, live music at its best.
Tickets: Adults $30, Concession $20, Family of four $80 MitCon students FREE
Lithgow, Bathurst and Forbes Tickets: Adults $30, Concession $20, Family of four $80 MitCon students FREE October 11, 12,18 Bathurst, Orange and Sydney Includes a Community Forum at BMEC with conductor Richard Gill Tickets: Adults $30, Concession $20, Family of four $80 MitCon students FREE
MITCHELL CONSERVATORIUM NEWSLETTER | Issue 1 2014
Student Performance Opportunities
Monster Band Day 1
Students are offered solo and ensemble performance opportunities throughout the year and this year’s performance opportunities have just been confirmed.
9am Thursday 19 June
We now have a special dedicated page for students and their parents listing the incredible musical opportunities available through out the regions, for more information click on the student opportunities link under the Quick Picks tab on the homepage of our website.
For enrolment details for individuals and schools contact Gareth Bullock:
Workshops and master classes (see page 5) are also on offer, keep updated with everything that is going on at: www.mitchellconservatorium.edu.au.
3pm Sunday 17 august
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AROUND THE CON
9am Wednesday 26 March Colossal Choral Day 9am Wednesday 18 June Monster Band Day 2
Awesome Orchestra Day 9am Friday 20 June
gareth.bullock@mitchellconservatorium.edu.au
Winter Showcase
Fiona’s Farewell Soiree Friends, family, colleagues, parents and students gathered to salute Fiona Thompson on her retirement. Wonderful performances were given by students including William, Tara and Natalie Chan seen here at The Carrington, with their Mum, Stephanie.
Carols by Candlelight 6.30pm Sunday 14 December
Performance Opportunity Studio Concerts 7pm Friday 14 March 3pm Sunday 16 March
Rock School Monday 7 to Friday 11 July
7pm Friday 16 May 3pm Sunday 18 May 7pm Friday 18 July
Sydney Symphony Orchestra Playerlink Friday 1 to Sunday 3 August
3pm Sunday 20 July For application details please contact the coordinator, Cindy Fox: cindy.fox@mitchellconservatorium.edu.au
Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 August
Composition Competition
2.30 & 4.30pm Saturday 5 April
Closes Friday 17 October
Youth Ensembles Studio Concerts
For application and more information call the office on 633 16622 or email bathurst@mitchellconservatorium.edu.au
3pm Sunday 1 June
The 2BS Youth Arts Awards are community awards that recognise outstanding young people in our region. Mit Con students Courtney Powell, Melanie Lo, Zachary Haynes, Kirsten Jones, George Sargent, Liam Auhl (pictured) and Zari Newll were all nominated for a YAA and became monthly winners throughout 2013.
2015 Scholarship Auditions
Rising Stars of Tomorrow Mitchell Conservatorium Scholarship Students Studio Concert
3pm Saturday 31 May
Success at the Youth Arts Awards
Opens Monday 1 September
Christmas on Keppel A huge thank you to all out staff and students who performed at the Bathurst Regional Council’s Christmas on Keppel Street Fair organized by the Bathurst Library. They loved us so much that they want us to come back again this year! Well done everyone.
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Annual Appeal continues into 2014 Would you like to win a sensational Yamaha U3 reconditioned upright piano valued at $6,000? The Mitchell Conservatorium are once again running their Annual Appeal and are looking for 120 businesses, community organisations and individuals to donate $50 towards the running of our not for profit organisation. Each donation of $50 will receive one ticket in the draw for the Yamaha piano supplied by local businessman James Patmore of Piano Direction.
"A piano is a valued and important instrument for most musicians and unfortunately ownership of a quality instrument such as this Yamaha, is sadly out of reach for some" says Mitchell Conservatorium Executive Director Graham Sattler "We are delighted to be able to give one away to a loving home! The piano could be a gift to a Scholarship student, your favorite charity or community group or bequeath it to the Con and we will display a plaque in your honour".
Annual Appeal donations are tax deductible and will support the Conservatorium in bringing musical participation and enjoyment to children and adults throughout our community. Call 633 1 6622 now for more information
Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra NSW Regional Conservatoriums Project 2014 Wanted: Dead keen instrumental students who’d like to work with one of Australia’s leading orchestras and play in the pit of the Sydney Opera House Read on. It’s easy to apply Just download the application form from our website www.mitchellconservatorium.edu.au or email anna.dodgshun@opera-australia.org.au
The Opportunity This is a new project being run by the Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra (AOBO) and the NSW Regional Conservatoriums. It is a unique opportunity for regional students to work with the AOBO and to come to Sydney for a three day immersion experience. Students will participate in:
Video-linked masterclasses with musicians from the AOBO. (Music will be circulated in advance for preparation with teachers.) 3 day Sydney immersion experience, 4-6 August 2014 with sessions at the Sydney Opera House and Opera Australia’s Opera Centre in Surry Hills, Sydney. Activities in Sydney include meeting AOBO musicians, ensemble rehearsals; performance workshop; solo performances; rehearsing with an Opera Australia conductor; observing rehearsals for Opera Australia’s current season, and playing in the pit at the Sydney Opera House. Please note: this program is only open to instrumental students studying at Regional Conservatoriums in NSW.
About the Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra The AOBO is one of one of Australia’s leading professional orchestras and also one of the busiest orchestras, giving over 250 performances per year! They are the largest permanent ensemble of Opera Australia. The AOBO specialises in opera and ballet repertoire, and is resident in the Opera Theatre of the Sydney Opera House.
APPLICATIONS CLOSE FRIDAY 7 MARCH 2014