In Tune With MITCHELL CONSERVATORIUM Enriching lives with Music July 2011 Edition # 23 Member of the Association of NSW Regional Conservatoriums
ABN 47 650 782 985
From the Director
2011 Term 3 teaching dates
One never likes to say ‘farewell’ so to Greg Gibson and Bronwyn Stone we say very best wishes for the future & we really appreciate the wonderful contribution you have made to Mitchell Conservatorium & to the individual students who you have nurtured. On a happier note we welcome Rhonda Coleman and Kate Marskell to the staff; Phil Braithwaite is reducing his teaching load by one day so the flute choirs will now be directed by Miss Marskell and individual students by Mrs Coleman. There were so many great concerts this term; did you see your teacher perform in the Autumn concerts? Phil Braithwaite, Prem Love and Cindy Fox in one and Aaron Hopper & Rob Shannon in the other. These teachers are also wonderful performers and you can learn so much by watching them play not just in your lesson! There were two concerts in our visiting artists program; a fabulous gospel choir; the Café of the Gates of Salvation. Their workshop was attended by individuals and members of choirs from all over Bathurst. The Queen of the Flute Jane Rutter was so friendly and generous with her time at the workshop in the afternoon; she even offered to give the students lessons in Sydney! That evening she was delightfully entertaining in her performance and wonderfully accompanied by Chris Cartner. In Term3 there are 2 more visiting artists to inspire you; 13 August; the Winterreise concert will be something really specially for vocal and piano students; Schubert is considered the King of the Song in classical music but he also wrote very expressively for the piano. 14 August; Bathurst guitarist, Peter Constant, will perform duets with his wife Marian; what is better than one guitar? (two guitars playing together of course!) Attending a live performance really is worth the effort; apart from the pleasure of listening to a quality performer playing attractive music, the experience is intensified by the ‘up close and personal’ aspect & one can become totally absorbed and even transported! Any experience of the arts is food for the soul but live music can produce the strongest emotional reactions! There are loads of activities over the next few months for students & local musicians; workshops, scholarship auditions & composition competition. Plus everyone will be busy preparing for their AMEB exams & the Eisteddfod, and the HSC music performers will be readying for their final performance exam! Here’s wishing that your best playing is ‘on the day’!
Monday 18 July to Saturday 24 September (10 wks) Fees due by Friday 22 July If you have difficulties paying your account please contact the office; make sure you avoid overdue and late fees!
Launch of Greg Hyde print At the Winter Showcase Concert Sunday 31 July 3pm All Saints’ Cathedral Well know local artist Greg Hyde is internationally acclaimed. Greg was approached to produce a painting of the Conservatorium which we could, with his permission, reproduce as fine prints, and use as a fund raising venture. A framed print will be on display in the office from the beginning of July. The small copy here of the picture cannot do it justice but the colour print is full of Greg’s inimitable sense of humour and fun. There will be a limited number signed & numbered by the artist. These will be ready for the launch at the Winter Showcase Concert. There will also be a greeting card version available. Further details will be released soon.
Have a great Term everyone!
MITCHELL CONSERVATORIUM INC www.mitchellconservatorium.edu.au bathurst@mitchellconservatorium.edu.au
P (02) 6331 6622 F (02) 6332 2995 PO Box 1387 Bathurst NSW 2795 West Wing Court House Russell St Bathurst NSW 2795
Participate; great value - be inspired Term 2 Reviews by Gareth Bullock, Assistant Director in Bathurst Youth Ensembles Concerts Scholarship Concerts Awesome Orchestra Day Monday 20 June All Saints’ Cathedral
Bathurst Friends Scholarship winner Alyssia Gibbs accompanied by Bronwyn Stone.
May saw our scholarship students performing at BMEC; two concerts of high quality saw a fantastic mix of instruments and voices. Performers rose to the occasion & clearly enjoyed being on stage with the lights and an audience. There were some marvellous performances and such a variety. Guest performers this year were the winners of the composition competition.. One piece in particular held us spell bound; it had an Eastern feel which was reinforced by a haunting female soprano line. The audience were mesmerised by the performance which included a live belly dancer! Another highlight was the delightful duet between guitar and ‘cello performed by Tim Burrey & Zari Newell. The two instrumentalists blended their sounds so well together. The scholarship sponsors were there to see the students perform. At the end of each concert sponsors presented their award winner with a certificate. These concerts are Mitchell Conservatorium’s way of publically acknowledging the important support given to our students by our generous sponsors. Refreshments after each concert were served outside in the adjacent park. What a lovely setting on a sunny day in the shade of the trees. We must thank Vivienne & Janette from the office who combined the preparation of the food with all the other jobs on a quite hectic day! Many thanks.
The third String Orchestra Day was attended by string players from schools all over Bathurst. Conductors Naida Blackley and Emily Calder guided the orchestras through a whirlwind of pieces; Pirates of the Caribbean, Meet the Flintstones, The Irish Washerwoman & Goondawindi (a Shearer’s song). All the hard work of the day was presented to an appreciative audience of parents, teachers and friends.
Monster Band Day Tuesday 21 June Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre Hall This was Mitchell Conservatorium’s fifth Monster Band Day. More than 130 primary school band students were conducted by Colin Catlin for the Juniors and Naida Blackley for the Seniors. There were some fantastic helpers this year from Bathurst and Kelso High Schools; thank you, everyone really appreciate you being there!
Colossal Choral Day Monday 27 June All Saints’ Cathedral
May saw two concerts where our Youth Ensembles performed for week end audien ces . We had everything from big band sound to chamber orchestra. From Handel to Coldplay. Intriguing arrangements by our string ensembles and funky performance by our Jazz Ensemble. Thank to all our young performers who produced performances of the highest standard. A warm welcome to our new clarinet ensemble who performed for the first time.
Student Performances There has been very enthusiastic interest in the student performance opportunities and as a result we have increased the number of sessions and also the number of slots in each session. It is worth encouraging students to consider these opportunities whatever their level of playing. The Conservatorium will arrange an accompanist when needed, free of charge, and an opportunity for a constructive critique on performances. The most important element for musicians is that of performance, and here is the chance for students to perform in front of a small friendly audience & receive positive feedback. To find out more; pick up a brochure from the Office.
By the time this newsletter reaches you, Mitchell Conservatorium will have run the first Choral Day. We are delighted that so many students in the Bathurst region have registered for this special opportunity. Singing is one of the most natural & fun ways to make music and has well documented benefits; better breathing, better concentration, lowers stress levels & releases endorphins; the happy hormone! Guest conductor for this Café of the Gate of Salvation first Choral Day will be David Russell. A really toe tapping, hand clapping workshop by an amazing choir gave all Put June 2012 in your diary! who participated in the workshop an Mitchell Conservatorium is proud to amazing experience of singing with a offer Awesome Orchestra, Monster top choir. Mitchell Young Voices Band and Colossal Choral days for participated in the workshop on the school students in the Bathurst Saturday afternoon and opened the Region. All students are welcome to Concert in the evening as the supportattend either as part of their school or ing act. Well done for a fantastic as individuals. Look out for these days opening to a really lively concert. in June 2012; we look forward to What an experience for you! seeing you there!
Delight; live music is best Composition Competition
Be creative! Express yourself! Don’t know where to start? Try writing something for the instrument you play; lots of composers have written variations on a theme by another composer, ask your music teacher to help, and keep it simple & straight forward, trying something complicated can get messy and frustrating! This year there are two age categories; 14 years & under and 15 to 18 years. Lots of money in prizes to be won so get those special pieces in by 23 September. Paul Terracini has once again agreed to be the adjudicator. Brochures available from the office.
Guitar master class with Peter & Marian Constant
All guitarists are invited to participate this master class being held on Sunday 13 August.. Peter lives in Holland and works all over the world! He started learning guitar at Mitchell Conservatorium in the 1980’s and has returned several times to perform & give master classes in Bathurst. Marian will be working with the guitar ensembles; if you have a duet for the eisteddfod this would be a great opportunity to perform and get some feedback. Limited number of participants so register as soon as possible. Brochures available from the office from Monday 18 July.
Scholarship Auditions
Good luck!
Scholarship entry forms will be available from the office from Monday 11 July. You will also be able to download it from the website. Applications close Friday 5 August. Please note that there is a list of available accompanists on the form but you may bring your own if you prefer. The teacher’s report may be attached separately this year; please make a note on the form in the relevant space if your teacher is going to submit your report separately.
Best wishes to every student sitting an AMEB exam; here are a couple of reminders; check the syllabus for requirements and don't leave sightreading & ear tests to the last minute! When it comes to the day remember even the examiner wants you to do your best! Also, this is the time of year that HSC music students start intensive preparations for their performance exam. We wish them all well & hope their performance comes together perfectly for this important exam!
Community Orchestra The community symphony orchestra has made a great start BUT it needs more string players! This ensemble is for intermediate players who have a fair to good ability to read music and some years experience playing their instrument. The orchestra will be performing for the first time in the Winter Showcase concert on 31 July; come along and meet the players and conductor and see if this group would suit you! The orchestra rehearses on a Monday 5.15 to 6.45pm at the Band Hall, Walmer Park, off Bradwardine Drive. This ensemble represents great value at only $55 per term. In Term 3 there will be a workshop day especially for people to come along and have a go! Look out for more information on this day around the Con and on the website. If you want to find out more then pick up a flyer from the Con or call the office 6331 6622.
Winter Showcase Concert & launch of the Greg Hyde print This concert features all the community ensemble associated with Mitchell Conservatorium. It is always a delightful afternoon’s entertainment. This year there is an added dimension! At the conclusion of the concert the Greg Hyde print will be launched. We invite you to celebrate with a glass of champagne! Numbered and signed prints will be available for purchase along with greeting cards featuring this wonderful painting.
Bathurst Eisteddfod 2011 Saturday 28 August to Saturday 17 September We wish all competitors an exciting and enjoyable experience at the Eisteddfod. Do your best & good luck. The Bathurst Eisteddfod involves the whole community! It is so much fun to meet up with friends and watch other people perform! I hope everyone has a good experience this year & benefits from this great performance opportunity.
Instrument try outs There are a few spaces left in the Term 3 instrument try outs for children 6 to 8 years old. These very popular sessions have been very successful with 2 to 3 children taking up an instrument either immediately or after a couple of terms of thinking about it! Parents receive a feedback report regarding their child’s aptitude for each instrument and if their child commences lessons the following term a 20% discount is applied to the term fees.
Trinity Exam entries Exam entries for Trinity Guildhall music exams are due by Monday 8 August. Entry form and syllabuses available from the office.
WHATS ON’ at the Con from July to September 2011 Mitchell Conservatorium tries to keep ticket costs reasonable at all times. Friday 1 July 5pm Saturday 2 July 3pm All Saints’ Cathedral Church St, Bathurst Sunday 10 July 10.30am—4pm Bathurst Band Association Hall, Walmer Park Bradwardine Rd, Bathurst Thursday 21 July 7pm Mitchell Conservatorium Russell St, Bathurst Sunday 24 July 11.30am Mitchell Conservatorium Russell St, Bathurst
Sunday 31 July 3.00pm All Saints’ Cathedral Church St, Bathurst
Tickets available at the office & at the door Following on from last year’s successful Sing!, a tribute to $10 Adult Sesame Street, the MYV present another sensational interactive $6 Concession performance, written and directed by Michelle Griffin,
Mitchell Young Voices
The Singing Superhero Mark Walton woodwind workshop Mitchell Conservatorium is delighted to partner with the Bathurst Band Association in bringing this inspiring and renowned musician and teacher to Bathurst.
Brochures available from the office. Cost $50 For more details contact Bill Bergen 0428 237 436
Bathurst Friends Term 3 meeting
All welcome. The new Friends committee invites you to come along to For more details contact their meeting. Term 3 decisions include the level of support the Secretary, Cathi Brown 6334 3975 for the 2012 scholarships.
Farmyard Orchestra
Tickets only $5.50 Pre-purchase at the office. Primarily for 0 to 5 year olds and their parents, Farmyard Don’t miss out! Orchestra introduces the instruments & sounds of the orchestra in a fun filled, entertaining way. Develop a love of Limited tickets available on the day music in your little ones. A musical event for the whole family!
Winter Showcase & launch of the Greg Hyde print Featuring Bathurst City and RSL Concert Band, Allegri Singers, Bathurst Chamber Orchestra, and Fretworks. Guest artists to be announced!
The Greg Hyde print will be launched as part of the Winter Showcase concert. Refreshments will include champagne!
Saturday 13 August 7.30pm All Saints’ Cathedral Church St, Bathurst
Tickets at the door $25 Adult $15 Concession Winterreise (Winter Journey) $10 U3A/CPSA a song cycle for voice and piano by Franz Schubert, a setting $5 Mitchell Con of 24 poems by Wilhelm Muller. A classic not to be missed! students
Sunday 14 August 3.00pm Mitchell Conservatorium Russell St, Bathurst
Tickets at the door Z.o.o. Guitar Duo, Peter & Marian Constant $25 Adult $15 Concession The inimitable duo with the unforgettable name: 'Z.o.o.'. Described by Classical Guitar magazine as 'premier league $10 U3A/CPSA quality'. Peter & Marion's passion for playing together spans $5 Mitchell Con 17 years and several continents. A Z.o.o. guitar duo concert is students a refreshing musical experience: colour, variety, atmosphere are served by virtuosity and split-second timing.
Mitchell Conservatorium Visiting Artist Graham Sattler & Hamish Tait perform
Mitchell Conservatorium Visiting Artist
Auditions for 2012 scholarships
Saturday 27 August 8.30am—5pm Mitchell Conservatorium Russell St, Bathurst
Application forms available from the office from Jon Clipsham will be the adjudicator for the Bathurst auditions this year. Jon was recently appointed to the Music Monday 11 July or Coordinator position at All Saints’ College. He has a working download from the website. Applications close 5 August knowledge of many instruments, specialising in Oboe. Entry Fee: $11
Friday 23 September 5pm
2011 Composition Competition entries close
Entry $20 each
Be in it to win it!! Great prize money sponsored by The Bathurst Friends. Winning entries will be performed at the Sparkling Stars Concerts in March 2012.
MITCHELL CONSERVATORIUM INC www.mitchellconservatorium.edu.au bathurst@mitchellconservatorium.edu.au
P (02) 6331 6622 F (02) 6332 2995 PO Box 1387 Bathurst NSW 2795 West Wing Court House Russell St Bathurst NSW 2795