Newsletter Issue 2 2014
Sydney Conservatorium Musicians Brass Masterclass Page 3
Daniel de Borah
Nick Parnell
Piano Masterclass Page 6
Percussion Masterclass Page 6
"Music is what feelings sound like" Dear Folks, Going over some draft materials recently for a partnership we are developing with a state-wide community organisation; I came across the above quote. You may have heard it before, but I must admit, that in all the academic materials I've read and all the presentations on the value of music I've seen, the issue of just what it is that makes music the most powerful expression of emotions and cultural values, has never been more simply and accurately defined. And now to the business promoting that understanding…
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Coming up soon are Four Fantastic Workshop Days for instrumental and vocal students. Colossal Choral Day, Monster Band Day, Awesome Orchestra Day, and our newly expanded Rock School. While the first three are for schoolage students, and take place midweek during term, the Rock School will run over three days, be open to
students of all ages, and take place during the second week of the midyear holidays. These workshops are a great opportunity to roll our sleeves up and “get stuck in" to some intensive activity, work with fantastic specialist MItCon staff, and share our talents and enthusiasm with other students who we can both learn from and assist with their progress along the way. See page 4 for dates. All enquiries to 6331 6622, or to bathurst@mitchellconservatorium.edu.au
Some Staff Changes Christine Sweeney, previously our Promotions and Publicity Officer, has had a change to Projects and Communications Manager. This is an expanded role, with all publicity and project logistics, internal and external communications, being her responsibility. Congrats Christine!
Graham Sattler
Index The Mitchell Young Voices Allegri Singers Concert Brassed Off! Page 3 School Workshop Days Page 4 Masterclasses in May Page 5 Visiting Artists Program Page 6
Other expanded roles include Hollie Coleman taking on the task of Schools Program Coordinator, and Phil Braithwaite, that of Ensembles Coordinator. Continued page 2
Mitchell Conservatorium Inc │ www.mitchellconservatorium.edu.au │ Lithgow Bathurst Lachlan
Newsletter Issue 2 2014
I'm very excited that Phil and Hollie have agreed to take these duties on and assist us with the operation of these two highly valued core areas.
Selected by Song Company Artistic Director, Roland Peelman, she will be working intensively with him and the highly esteemed Song Company. The big Lachlan Division news is Another great success story! the appointment of Janell Facey in the new position of Operations Manager, Lachlan Division. This part-time position takes over the responsibility of coordinating and building our activities in the region, and means that the Forbes office will be open five days a week during term time. Janell has a wealth of experience in customer service, event and program Rohan Smith, Graham Sattler, coordination and relationship buildAmber Couch, Graham Parker ing. Welcome Jan! and Peter Harvey
And lastly, Mitchell Conservatorium has just entered into a Partnership with the Kowmung Music Festival and Oberon High School, which will see two great developments.
Friends for Life A moment now to say thank you for all the wonderful support I have already experienced from the incredible Friends groups in each of our divisions. Community organisations like ours COULD NOT survive without the support of these essential teams of supporters. As you may be aware, Friends are groups that comprise of parents and community member who support MitCon’s staff and their students’ music education activities throughout the year. The Friends activities include decisions on expenditure of the Levies collected. All current financial members of Mitchell Conservatorium Inc are eligible to be nominated and sit on our Friends Committee’s which means all individuals reading this newsletter should already be qualified to join. Please, if you are not already a Friend, consider becoming one. Any questions regarding what it means to be involved can go to Christine Sweeney, email: christine.sweeney @mitchellconservatorium.edu.au. It's a great way to have your say about our activities and to support the music education of our great community.
Firstly, a Chamber Music program substantially funded by a gift from the folks at the Kowmung Festival; and secondly, a relationship with Oberon High School which will see us providing music education resources and performances to and for the students. Our photo, courtesy of the Oberon Review, shows the all-important cheque handover from Rohan Smith (founder and Director of the Kowmung Festival) to yours truly, with OHS Head of Performing Arts, Amber Couch, Kowmung representative, Graham Parker, and DEC Bathurst Schools Director Peter Harvey looking on. This partnership is breaking news, so more details will emerge over the next few weeks.
Jan Facey In our Lithgow Division we are preparing to launch our new adult learning program, as part of the world-wide New Horizons phenomenon. This group learning program is for the "50's and better" - starters and restarters, and we look enormously forward to the Mitchell NH program kicking off in Lithgow. With the launch at 10.30am Thursday 10 April. Thanks Annette! A great community, a great facility, great new horizons in adult learning! And also from Lithgow, news that Veronica Milroy (ex-student & many times scholarship winner) has just been selected to take part in the Sprogis Woods Smith Young Artist Program, Canberra International Music Festival .
Enough from me, except to say that I appreciate ALL feedback from you, our valued community members. Feel free to get in touch via email graham.sattler @mitchellconservatorium.edu.au or call 6331 6622 to make a time to come in for a chat. Please check out the Events Calendar on the back page of this newsletter, and. have a great term 2!
Mitchell Conservatorium Inc │ www.mitchellconservatorium.edu.au │ Lithgow Bathurst Lachlan
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Newsletter Issue 2 2014
Rehearsals are well advanced for the Allegri Singers` first concert for 2014. On Saturday, 17th May, the Allegri Singers will present two performances of their cabaret style concert, under the title Regards to Broadway under the musical direction of William Moxey. Tinkling the ivories, will be the amazingly accomplished piano accompanist Ian Bates. As the title suggests, the programme will include a number of items from Broadway musicals, many of which will be familiar to the audience. There will, however, be excursions to “off Broadway” shows – even as far off as London`s West End. The choir will be at full strength for much of the concert, with smaller groups providing some light relief(!), plus some captivating solo performances. The mood will swing from joyful to sweetly innocent, to frankly sentimental, to downright wicked. So there should be something for everyone! And of course, the audience will have at least one chance to join in and sing their hearts out – or lungs – or both. The format is cabaret style – the audience is invited to join a table, or make up a table. Tea and coffee will be provided at both performances. For the evening show, guests may bring their own supper and liquid refreshment. This year, the Allegri Singers are excited to be performing at a new venue: Assumption School Hall, cnr. Mitre St. & Lambert St. Bathurst. They are even more excited – and so is their accompanist – at the prospect of singing with a lovely grand piano for company! Tickets will be available at Books Plus Cost: Adults $25. Concession $20. Children $10. Date: Saturday, 17th May. Times: Matinee: 3.30 pm. Evening: 7.30 pm Venue: Assumption School Hall Brass Instruments Masterclass 11am Sunday 11 May $10 fee includes 3.00pm Concert admission
BRASSED OFF! Join brass instrument players from around the region for this exciting new masterclass from the Sydney Conservatorium’s Brass Quintet of two trumpets, horn and trombone. A must for all brass players of all levels. The workshop at 11am and concert at 3pm is $10 per musician—both events at the MitCon in Bathurst. Brass instruments and brass chamber music will be the focus of this workshop. Please call 6331 6622 to book and for further information.
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Newsletter Issue 2 2014
Conducting Workshop Opportunity The Mitchell Conservatorium invites you to join us for an exciting professional development opportunity. The Sydney Symphony Orchestra are currently taking expressions of interest to participate in a Conducting Workshop for Music Teachers and Community ensemble Conductors on Friday 1 August 1.30-3.30pm hosted at the Mitchell Conservatorium. The workshop will be led by conductor Daniel Carter, and is accredited for professional competence through the NSW Institute of Teachers. There will be a fee (amount TBA) for this workshop. Expressions of interest can be emailed to education@sydneysymphony.com More about Daniel Carter: Daniel Carter graduated from Melbourne University with a Bachelor of Music (Honours) having studied Composition and Piano. In 2012, he won the Brian Stacey Memorial Award for Emerging Conductors after completing a two year period as a Developing Artist Conductor/Repetiteur with Victorian Opera, working as Assistant Conductor on over 15 main stage productions as well as working as Richard Gill’s assistant. Daniel is a graduate of the Symphony Services International Core Conductors Program where he has been awarded a Podium Scholarship and has worked with orchestras in Melbourne, Adelaide, Hobart, Perth, Sydney and Auckland under the tutelage of conductors such as Bernard Labadie, Arvo Volmer, Lutz Köhler, Sebastian Lang-Lessing and Christopher Seaman. Daniel has also taught for the past three years at Symphony Services International as part of their Scholar Conductors Program. If you have any questions please contact Rachel McLarin, SSO Education Manager on education@sydneysymphony.com, (02) 8215 4615 or toll free outside Sydney 1800 789 709 (x4615) school ensembles cannot replicate. This can be a really good challenge and can also be a bit scary in a good way! Attending the workshop means children end up performing alongside other children they may not have even met before. New music and different setting to their normal rehearsal routine allows the children to extend themselves and their abilities. Students are able to connect with others and really that is what music is all about, coming together and connecting.
School Music Workshop Days Monster Band Days are back and Bathurst school halls will soon be alive with the sound of music. MitCon has now announced dates for our annual school music workshop days, held this year for the first time at Charles Sturt University. Colossal Choral Day, Monster Band Day and Awesome Orchestra Day are open to all school age musicians in the region. Our focus is giving student musicians an opportunity to come together in a very large group and play their instruments in an environment that their smaller
We expect up to 100 children to attend each of these workshops. The day is a fun, engaging way to introduce students to playing music in a large group. We have some wonderful conductors and a great program of music on offer. These events and workshops are offered completely free however the experiential reward from the day is priceless. For this years Monster Band Day we look forward to welcoming musicians and tutor Justin Screen from our Lachlan Division!
Mitchell Conservatorium Inc │ www.mitchellconservatorium.edu.au │ Lithgow Bathurst Lachlan
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Newsletter Issue 2 2014
4.00pm to 5.00pm Wednesday 14 May Mallet Percussion Master-Class FREE Learn from Australia’s leading vibraphonist and percussionist all about the latest playing techniques in this interactive master-class. It covers topics from how to get started on playing tuned percussion instruments through to the latest mallet techniques. Whether you play percussion in a school band, play piano or drums at home, or are interested in learning for the first time, this class will give you detailed tips on how sound the best you can! Age Suitability: Age 10 and up Ideal for: Percussionists, drummers, piano players and anyone interested in learning mallet percussion Numbers: Up to 20 participants Venue: Orchard Room MitCon Bathurst
About Nick Parnell Born in the Australian outback, Nick Parnell began teaching himself drums in his parents’ sheep shearing shed at the age of ten. Such humble beginnings ignited a passion in Parnell that has led to accolades including first place in the International Melbourne Percussion Competition, a Centenary of Federation Medal awarded by the Australian Government and the Dame Roma Mitchell Churchill Fellowship. He holds a Ph.D. in performance from the University of Adelaide.
Nick Parnell Masterclass This masterclass is open to all individual and percussion group musicians, call the office on 6331 6622 to enrol. We look forward to seeing you at Nick’s concert at 7.30pm following on from the masterclass. The concerts is free for all Mit Con students. Adults $30, concession $20 and family of four $80.
4.00pm to 5.00pm Wed/Thur/Fri 28, 29, 30 May Bathurst, Orange and Forbes Paul Meyer Masterclasses FREE Age Suitability: Age 10 and up Ideal for: Woodwind players with experience Numbers: Up to 20 participants Venue: MitCon Bathurst, ORC, MitCon Forbes
About Paul Meyer Meyer is possibly the most well-known contemporary solo clarinetist from France. He is known for his solo recordings on the Denon label, notably in collaborations with Jean-Pierre Rampal and Eric Le Sage. He studied at the Paris Conservatoire and at the Basler Musikhochschule. In 1982, he won the French Young Musician's Competition and in 1984, the Young Concert Artists International Auditions. A noted champion of new music for the clarinet, Meyer plays on a Buffet Crampon Divine model clarinet. Paul Meyer Masterclass
Please call 6331 6622 to book your masterclass place.
Mitchell Conservatorium Inc │ www.mitchellconservatorium.edu.au │ Lithgow Bathurst Lachlan
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Newsletter Issue 2 2014
2014 Visiting Artists Concert Series Daniel de Borah in Concert An evening of delightful classical piano from Daniel de Borah major prize winner at the Sydney International Piano Competition, soloist with the English Chamber Orchestra, the London Mozart Players and with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, London.
7.30pm Fri 11 April MitCon Lithgow 7.30pm Sat 12 April MitCon Bathurst 3.00pm Sun 13 April Forbes Town Hall Forbes Masterclass available in each division please call 6331 6622 to book Tickets: Adults $30, Concession $20, Family of four $80 MitCon students FREE
Nick Parnell in Vibes Virtuoso 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.
Omega Ensemble with special guest clarinetist Paul Meyer OE was established by its Artistic Director David Rowden in 2005, when he and ten other young musicians sought to redefine the classical chamber music landscape, performing programs of “classical” and “contemporary classical” music.
Jane Rutter in French Kiss 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.
7.30pm Wed 14 May MitCon Bathurst Masterclass in Bathurst 4pm to 5pm FREE Tickets: Adults $30, Concession $20, Family of four $80 MitCon students FREE 7,30pm Tues 27 May Hoskins Church Lithgow 7.30pm Wed 28 May Abercrombie House Bathurst 7.30pm Thurs 29 May ORC Orange 7.30pm Fri 30 May Forbes Town Hall Forbes 7.30pm Sat 31 May All Saints Canowindra
Masterclass in Bathurst, Orange, Forbes 4pm to 5pm FREE Tickets: Adults $30, Concession $20, Family of four $80 MitCon students FREE 7.30pm Sat 26 July All Saints Cathedral Bathurst 3.00pm Sun 27 July Forbes Town Hall Forbes Masterclass in Bathurst, Forbes FREE for more information call 6331 6622 Tickets: Adults $30, Concession $20, Family of four $80 MitCon students FREE
Yvonne Kenny and Simon Tedeschi in Concert 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.
7.30pm Thur 4 Sept Hoskins Church Lithgow 7.30pm Fri 5 Sept All Saints Cathedral Bathurst 3.00pm Sun 7 Sept Forbes Town Hall Forbes
Meet the Artist Saturday 6 Sept 10.30am Bathurst Tickets: Adults $30, Concession $20, Family of four $80 MitCon students FREE
Touchstones Song Cycle ducted by Richard Gill
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Commissioned by MitCon and composed by Andrew Robson, this song cycle was especially written for the Andrew Robson Trio and the Mitchell conservatorium Musicians. Celebrate local, live music at it’s best.
7.30pm Sat 11 Oct ORC Orange 7.30pm Sun 12 Oct All Saints Cathedral Bathurst 3.00pm Sun 19 Oct Sydney Con Sydney
2.00pm Sunday 12 Oct Bathurst Music Forum BMEC FREE Tickets: Adults $30, Concession $20, Family of four $80 MitCon students FREE
Mitchell Conservatorium Inc │ www.mitchellconservatorium.edu.au │ Lithgow Bathurst Lachlan
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