Newsletter Issue 3 2014
Dear MitCon friends and families It seems crazy to be staring straight at term three, already. I feel like I’ve been here for about five minutes. However, it seems that we are half way through 2014, so I guess I’d just better face up to it; it’s not as if we haven’t been busy!
I’ve chosen, this time around, to take up most of my space in this issue to reprint an article from The Australian newspaper from just a few days ago. I’m doing so, because it concisely expresses what it is we do in pre-school and school-age education, and why, far better than I. can.
Concerts and workshops right across the three divisions have kept us all on our toes- and I’d like to say thank you to the whole Mitchell community - for performing, attending, supporting, organising… whatever part you have played, it has been an essential one. As you’ll read in this newsletter, it isn’t about to slow down.
It also refers to a current campaign that both MitCon and the Association of NSW Regional Conservatoriums (as well as educators and institutions across Australia) enthusiastically support; The Music Trust’s Full Deal campaign.
Read about it, and please sign the We’ve started planning for 2015, too, petition, which you’ll find at: and we have some terrific content in www.surveymonkey.com/s/full-deal store for then. There’ll be more of an emphasis on celebrating our local tal- None of this means that adult educaent in performance next year as well. tion is not equally valuable. There’s We have plenty of it, with profession- plenty of evidence about the wonal staff performers who are high in derful benefits on that score too, but both ability and modesty. Look out for those gems can be for another time… some great demonstrations of all the Now on to the article…. musical styles we cover...
Graham Sattler
Contents School holidays workshop Upcoming Masterclasses Page 3, 4, 5, 6 Student News Page 7 Upcoming events Page 7, 8
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Newsletter Issue 3 2014
An education for the soul BY Matthew Westwood, The Australian, June 17 2014
Jennie Ford teaches clarinet to students from Sydney’s Kurrajong and Darlinghurst public schools as part of Musica Viva in Schools. Picture: Robert Catto Source: Supplied
THE benefits of a music education for young people are increasingly clear. So many scientific studies point to the conclusion — self-evident, surely, to anyone who has learned an -instrument — that music is inherently good for the mind, body and spirit. I am yet to come across a reputable study that says music in itself is harmful: an un-Mozart effect of academic failure, crashing self-esteem and antisocial behaviour. Generally the report card on music is all good news, even if the deeper relationship between music and wellbeing is still to be fully understood. A recent study into general arts education was done by researchers at the University of Sydney, and published last year in the Journal of Educational Psychology. The study looked at 643 primary and secondary students from 15 schools across two years, taking into account their involvement in arts activities at school, at home and in community. Students who are most actively involved in the arts; dance, drama, visual arts and music, were better motivated in their academic work and had a strong sense of satisfaction in their lives. The report emphasises the quality of arts activities, not simply the quantity: it’s the doing, playing and creating that’s important, not being a seat-sitter. And positive effects were recorded when young people’s arts activity at school was backed up with a culturally engaged home. For Michael Anderson, one of the study’s co-authors, the implications for arts and education policy are irrefutable: “This study provides new and compelling evidence that the arts should be central to schooling and not left on the fringes.” More facts and figures are provided by the Music Trust, which is running a campaign for music in schools. The lobby group is headed by Richard Letts, former executive director of the Music Council of Australia. Music appears to prime students for learning, especially in the case of young children, as it activates and integrates activity across many parts of the brain. Studies suggest it can enhance students’ ability for abstract thinking, aural and spatial awareness, verbal understanding and motor skills. Learning a musical instrument has positive side-effects that may benefit numeracy, literacy and concentration, as well as time management. Music is an outlet for personal expression, but also encourages students to connect and co-operate with each other, especially in group activities such as school bands and choirs. These activities may give students a reason to stay at school, and generally help enhance morale and the school’s reputation in the community. Musicis one of the arts subjects in the national curriculum now under review. But the Music Trust argues much depends on how the music curriculum is delivered. In its campaign called The Full Deal — which aims to raise the standard and distribution of music education — it points out some shortcomings in the practice of music teaching. Continued page 3 Mitchell Conservatorium Inc │ www.mitchellconservatorium.edu.au │ Lithgow Bathurst Lachlan
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Newsletter Issue 3 2014
Australian primary school teachers, on average, receive just 17 hours of music training in their undergraduate degrees: hardly enough to equip them for any sophisticated form of class music-making. By comparison, student teachers in Finland — probably the world’s leader in music education — receive up to 350 hours of music instruction. The statistic reflects poorly on past decades in Australia, when student teachers would have up to 200 hours of music. Independent schools do much better, where specialist music teachers are employed in 88 per cent of classrooms. Only 23 per cent of government schools have music specialists. According to one survey, 63 per cent of government schools have no classroom music at all. There is some excellent work being done around the country by arts organisations to give children access to quality music. Since 1981, Musica Viva in Schools, run by the chamber-music presenter, has given concerts for hundreds of thousands of students. Last year its special ensembles with trained musicians and educators gave performances at 890 schools, reaching about 247,000 students. Its Music Staff Room program offers music resources and training for teachers. Other organisations, such as the Melbourne and Sydney symphony orchestras and several smaller outfits are also doing terrific work to give students access to music at school. The Victorian government has recently responded to a state inquiry into music education, which found that the quality of school music varies widely and kids in poor or rural areas are more likely to miss out. The inquiry recommends a systematic approach to music, with proper teacher training and support. Local body the School Music Action Group says the government has agreed to the report’s 17 recommendations in full or in principle, and should make the plans part of the state education policy, backed with ongoing research and evaluation. The Music Trust’s campaign includes a petition addressed to education ministers, calling for universal music education, delivered by specialists with skill and imagination. Sarah Blasko, Richard Tognetti and Richard Gill have supported the campaign, and 6000 signatures have been added since it was launched. (See thefulldeal.com.au). Letts, director of the Music Trust, says every Australian student should have classroom music lessons for 45-60 minutes a week through the school year. “That could be provided to every child without breaking the bank,” he says. There is no reason why Australia couldn’t be a great musical nation, just as we are a great sporting nation. A music education doesn’t detract from important lessons in reading, maths and the sciences, and may enhance students’ capacity to learn. More than anything, music and the arts generally helps produce balanced individuals. Imagine the nation’s future with such a well-tempered populace. Food for thought? Have a great term three! I hope to see you at one of the many upcoming MitCon events.
Graham
Playerlink Update Congratulations to all our MitCon 4.00pm to 5.30pm Saturday students who have been accepted 2 August (open to observers only) into the Sydney Symphony Venue TBA: Trumpet masterclass withOrchestra's 2014 Playerlink, taking Paul Goodchild place at Stannies Friday 1 to SunClarinet masterclass with day 3 August. Chris Tingay Flute masterclass with Alongside Playerlink in Bathurst, Rosamund Plummer the SSO will be offering a range of String masterclass with masterclasses and workshops. Philippa Paige These masterclasses are FREE of 1pm Friday 1 August, MitCon: charge for observers. Please book Conductor’s Workshop Fees and Application forms now through MitCon reception 6331 6622. on our website, see next page.
4.00pm to 6.00pm Saturday 2 August, MitCon Mitchell Conservatorium Chamber Music Academy coaching with Sophie Cole – SSO First violin. Invitations to students and teachers for participation will be generated in the coming weeks. For any further information please call MitCon reception on 6331 6622.
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Newsletter Issue 3 2014
Do you wanna play rock and roll? Looking for something to do during the school holidays? Then Rock School is for you! The Mitchell Conservatorium is inviting vocalists and instrumentalists interested in learning, jamming and performing to take part. Led by local musicians Mark McLaughlin, Lee Wilcox and Andrew French-Northam, Rock School will include group workshops and smaller break out sessions as well as an open mic performance session at the end of the course. Rock School is for anyone (of any age and any level of experience) who wants to get together and play. Rock School runs from Wednesday 2 July to Friday 4 July. For more info and to register call MitCon on 6331 6622 by Friday 27 June.
Calling all Conductors!
Are you a school or community ensemble conductor looking for some extra conducting confidence? Why not join our conductor master class? As part of SSO Playerlink, MitCon are hosting, for the first time, a professional development opportunity for locally based conductors.
Led by Daniel Carter conducting workshop participants will work on beat patterns, cuing, shaping and phrasing music, mood and style, using hands independently. The repertoire will include Bizet’s L’Arlésienne Suite No.2 and movements from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite with the orchestral parts covered by two pianists. The workshop will cater for differing levels of experience. Daniel is a regular conductor of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra’s Playerlink and Schools Concerts programs and has been presenting workshops for the SSO since 2010. Mr Carter has worked with the Victorian Opera, Opera Australia, West Australian Symphony Orchestra, amongst others, currently based in Germany as assistant to Simone Young and resident repetiteur at the Hamburgische Staatsoper. Cost: $90 For registrations and further details please call 6331 6622.
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Newsletter Issue 3 2014
Join the Vibrant Strings Orchestra The Vibrant Strings Orchestra is a great opportunity for string players of all ages and experience to join in a series of workshops and concert opportunities, taking place Monday 21 July to Wednesday 23 July. String students from Chatswood High and Castle Hill High will be visiting Bathurst to workshop and perform with local student string musicians. The workshops will be based at Denison College, Kelso campus with public concerts planned for Abercrombie House and All Saints Cathedral.
The focus of these workshops and concerts is to give student musicians an opportunity to come together in a very large group and play in an environment that their smaller school ensembles cannot replicate.
Student string musicians can register for the workshops through their schools as part of a string ensemble or register as an individual. Registration forms are available from the MitCon website:
A new music repertoire and difdifferent setting to their normal rehearsal routine allows the children to extend themselves and their abilities. These events are FREE of charge. For more details or to book your place call 6331 6622.
www.mitchellconservatorium.edu.au
Masterclass and Performance Opportunity with Jane Rutter Internationally Renowned Flautist and Music Professor Saturday 26 July Bathurst Monday 28 July Forbes Free for all MitCon students This Masterclass is open to all MitCon students of any instrument (including voice). Up to six places are available to take up the one on one instruction opportunity with Jane and the remaining unlimited places are for observers. Each of the six soloists need to have a thoroughly prepared piece, pitched at their own level of ability to work on during the Masterclass. Please discuss with your teachers prior to application. Jane will discuss specific topics on the day and students are encouraged to ask questions in regards to performance, playing technique, music interpretation and orchestral work. Venues will be advised on application.
Application forms for the Jane Rutter Bathurst and Forbes masterclasses will be available from the office and the MitCon website from 26 June. Saturday 26 July, Orchestral Accompaniment opportunity! MitCon ensemble, The Bathurst Chamber Orchestra are currently rehearsing repertoire to accompany Jane for the first two items of her Bathurst concert. If you are an advanced string player and would like to join the BCO for this event, please speak with your teacher or download the application from the MitCon website.
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Newsletter Issue 3 2014
Music Myth and the Harp Harps strung with gold and shiny black horsehair, accompanied by lyre, crwth, cittern and voice, will feature in an intimate, interactive evening of music and harp lore at the Mitchell Conservatorium on Tuesday 29 July at 7.00pm. Ann Heymann, widely recognised as a leading performer and authority on early Celtic harps, is visiting the central west from the US, with her husband Charlie, as part of an Australian tour that takes in the 12th World Harp Congress in Sydney. Sydney’s hosting of the Congress marks the first time this international event has taken place in the Southern Hemisphere, enriching public appreciation for the harp and drawing a number of overseas harp players to Australian shores.
Ann and Charlie Haymann
Inspired by early Gaelic harp mythology, Ann pioneered experiments with high carat gold harp strings, finding that they restored to the medieval ‘low headed’ harps the brilliant tone for which they were famous. She also premiered a recreation of the tellyn rawn, a horsehair strung harp similar to those depicted on 9th C Pictish stones.
The upcoming evening at Mitchell Conservatorium will focus on Ann’s ‘experiential’ approach to recreating the music of early Celtic harps. The event will offer a unique opportunity to see these amazing instruments ‘up close,’ and to hear about the traditions and tales that lie beneath their construction and usage in the ancient Celtic world. Where: The Orchard Room, Mitchell Conservatorium, West Wing, Bathurst Courthouse, Russell Street When: Tuesday 29 July, 7.00 pm Tickets: $25.00/$20.00, Con students $5.00, Families $65.00 For more information call 6631 6622 or go to facebook.com/celtictimetravellers
See Better, Teach Better, Sound Better. Accredited Professional Development for Music & Voice teachers.
New Workshop for all teachers and students
The foundation of every musician’s wonderful skill is the control of his or her overall movement coordination. An easy, free, comfortable body opens the door to high levels of skill, power, subtlety and enjoyment. Offered in Bathurst in partnership with the Mitchell Conservatorium, the course is 12 hours, over 2 full days. When: Sat 16 to Sun 17 August Where: MitCon Cost: $125 Early Bird (before 25 July) or full price $150. Tutor: Greg Holdaway
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Newsletter Issue 3 2014
Student News Mitchell Con’s Scholarship Auditions for all divisions, will take place on Sunday 24th August 2014. Application forms will be available from Monday 30 June from your divisional office and our website. Fee is $11 per application. Want to learn the ukulele? Join one of the ongoing ukulele ensembles lead by Jenelle Coady at the Lachlan division 6852 3766 or Michelle Griffin at the Bathurst division 6331 6622. Call us for session times and fee info. MitCon’s Wintershowcase Concert will take place at the Con in August, date will be advised. This concert is an opportunity for all Mitcon Ensembles to do a tech run and dress rehearsal for their upcoming Bathurst Eisteddfod performances. Contact Phil Braithwaite for more information. Closing date for Trinity Exam applications is Monday 4 August 2014 Want to know more about life as a professional musician and performer? MitCon’s Meet the ArtArtist Session at 10.30am Saturday 6 September with pianist Simon Tedeschi and soprano Yvonne Kenny will be an opportunity for you to hear about these topics from two of Australia’s most love and internationally recognised artists. This session is only open to MitCon teachers, students and family. Please RSVP your attendance through reception.
CONGRATULATIONS to Thomas Haynes (learning saxophone with Justin Screen) recently awarded The Melinda Glasson Memorial Trophy for most promising instrumental soloist at the Forbes Eisteddfod.
Lithgow Scholarship Winners 2014 Concert will take place at 2pm, Sunday 27 July at MitCon studios 2 Wylde Street Lithgow. For more details please call the ofoffice on 6351 3990.
CONGRATULATIONS to Vince Umbers (learning piano with Lyndal Isbester) recently awarded second place in the unrestricted solo, own choice open, second place in the teenage piano championship not below 5th grade and third place in the jazz and popular open sections at the Forbes Eisteddfod. Student performance opportunities continue at 7.00pm Friday 18th July and Sunday 3.00pm 20th July. Grab the opportunity to rehearse and perform with an accompanist before the AMEB exams and Bathurst Eisteddfod. Register at the office. FREE for all MitCon students.
Good Luck to all out staff and students undertaking AMEB exams and/or competing in the upcoming Bathurst Eisteddfod. We know you will all be fabulous!
Health Notes the Mitchell Con's position on student illness is as follows: if a student is not well enough to attend school (or work), they are not well enough to attend a lesson. In the interests of the health and well-being of the student, other students and MitCon staff please abide by this rule.
CONGRATULATIONS to Charlie Umbers (learning piano with Lyndal Isbester) who recently placed first in the jazz and popular open sections and received a Highly Commended in the unrestricted solo own choice open section at the Forbes Eisteddfod.
The 2014 Composition Competition will be calling for entries from Monday 1 September, closing on Monday 3 November. Application forms are available from reception or the MitCon website from 26 June. Entrants will be required to write music to selected lyrics as part of the “ What Bathurst means to me…” poetry/lyrics competition run by Bathurst Library. Cost per entry: $20
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Newsletter Issue 3 2014
Mitchell Conservatorium Musicians @ All Saints Cathedral, Lunchtime Concert Series 2 July
String Quartet
Fiona Thompson leads MitCon student string quartet Sassy Strings, featuring Kirsten Jones, Graison Barratt, Lauren Jones and Meghan Porter
NEW DATE!
NEW DATE!
NEW DATE!
23 July
String Orchestra
Vibrant Stings Orchestra made up of MitCon students, ensembles and visiting Sydney schools play a lively repertoire of beautiful music for strings. Conducted by Lillian Camphausen, Fiona Thompson and Col Clulow
6 August
Solo Voice
Michelle Griffin performs a solo concert of wonderful music written for voice
3 September
Voice and piano
1 October
Brass ensemble
MitCon students Keegan Bringolf voice and Courtney Powell accompanying on piano perform their own special concert of wonderful music Brass Boys ensemble led by MitCon teacher Oliver Harris present the best of brass compositions for young players
5 November
Voice duo
MitCon students George Sargent and Liam Auhl perform their favourite voice works. Two beautiful voices that will fill ASC with music!
All Saints' Cathedral is located in Church Street, in the heart of Bathurst City. The Cathedral is the seat of the Bishop of Bathurst and the 'principal church' of the Diocese. The Bathurst Parish was formed in 1842, and the first church on the site was built in 1848. This church became a cathedral in 1870 when the Diocese of Bathurst was formed. The Cathedral Parish is an open and inclusive Christian community of faith that exists to live out and share the good news of Christ with the people of Bathurst. ASC has worship and activities for all age groups and people from a diversity of backgrounds and experiences. The Cathedral is open each day from 8 am.
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Newsletter Issue 3 2014
2014 Mitchell Conservatorium Concert Series Music, Myth and the Harp An interactive evening with Ann & Charlie Heymann. Listen and Learn about the love and music of the early Celtic Harps.
7.00pm Tuesday 29 July Orchard Room Mitchell Conservatorium Tickets: Adults $25, Concession $20 Family of four $65 MitCon students $5
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 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
Alturas Join Alturas for the last concert in their 2014 Ascension Series; Latin Jazz, Tango and Salsa.
3.00pm Sunday 7 September Orchard Room Mitchell Conservatorium Bathurst
Tickets: Adults $25, Concession $20, 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.
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 Mitchell conservatorium Musicians. Celebrate local, live music at it’s best.
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 FREE MitCon staff and students only, rsvp to reception Tickets: Adults $30, Concession $20, Family of four $80 MitCon students FREE 7.30pm Sat 11 Oct Orange Regional Con 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
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