1978 - 2013
Edition # 32
September 2013
ABN 47 650 782 985
Member of the Association of NSW Regional Conservatoriums
Bathurst - Musical opportunities for everyone Apart from hosting Alturas and SHE, two fabulous and very different concerts, Term 3 has been challenging for many students and teachers. 2014 scholarship recipients are to be congratulated; the adjudicator commented that the standard of students who auditioned was very high he would like to have given a scholarship to everyone! Winners details on the website. Congratulations also to every student who prepared for and sat for an AMEB exam; the journey and having a goal are in some ways more important that the result. Likewise with Eisteddfods -whilst it is always satisfying to win an award, results are dependant on your performance on the day and the adjudicator’s opinion. I see the most value in the performance opportunity that is on offer, the benefit of meeting & seeing your peers perform & the fun & camaraderie. Finally HSC music performances were examined in the last couple of weeks of term; I sincerely hope that for those students their preparation came together so that their performance on the day was the best possible! Congratulations to Kirsten Jones for being awarded a Federal grant for music tuition through the Creative Young Stars program - presented by Hon. John Cobb MP. Best wishes for a wonderful Term 4 Fiona Thompson Executive Director
Lithgow - Musical achievements Term 3 was a very busy term in Lithgow. At the start of the term the tradesmen moved onsite & our building got a new roof. This work was funded by a “Community Building Partnership” grant funded by NSW Government through the Office of Communities. Mitchell Conservatorium is grateful to local member Paul Toole for supporting our application for the grant. A wonderful concert showcasing 2013 scholarship winners & other talented students was held at the beginning of August. This was the start of an intensive period of performances through examinations and at Eisteddfods for many Lithgow Division students. Students of Annie Burbank (piano & musicianship), Graeme Hunt (guitar) and Gustaw Szelski (violin) undertook AMEB exams with some very pleasing results. All students received B Credit or higher results. Congratulations to all teachers and students. On the Eisteddfod scene, 3 of Annie Burbank’s students entered piano sections at Bathurst Eisteddfod. In U12 Serena Ma gained 2 second places whilst Patrick Woodrow was awarded a 1st and 3rd placing in the sections he entered. Adrian Ma was successful in gaining two 1st places including U14 piano championship. Meanwhile Callum Woodrow had success at the recent Australian Percussion Eisteddfod held in Sydney. Playing xylophone in the Junior High mallet percussion section, Callum impressed the adjudicator with his excellent technique and ambitious repertoire. Up against 11 other contestants from around Australia Callum placed 1st in this prestigious event. Congratulations to all students and teachers for these wonderful results. Annette Milroy Lithgow Director
Mitchell Conservatorium contact details
Lachlan - Busy musical scene Seven Harp Ensemble It was so rewarding to see a full house at this recent concert at the Forbes Town Hall. It is a treat to hear an orchestral harp played by professionals, but to hear seven is a once in a life-time treat. Thank you to all who attended & supported the event; I was most pleased to see around 25 school age children there as well. Following our recent scholarship auditions, I am pleased to announce the winners: Barbara Bruce Scholarship for Piano Excellence Vince Umbers Margaret Willmott Scholarship for Excellence Gordon Richter Mitchell Conservatorium Encouragement Awards - Eliza Kelly, Thomas Haynes Lachlan Friends Encouragement Awards Max Maier, Simeon Kelly, Grace Prow, Charlie Umbers. Congratulations to all these winners and also to those who were unsuccessful; the Adjudicator was greatly impressed with the levels of talent & hard work from everyone. A variety of performances will be held during the Kalari-Lachlan River Arts Festival, including the Lachlan Region Community Orchestra. See p4 Look out for my solo violin recitals - details out soon. Andrew Baker Lachlan Director
www.mitchellconservatorium.edu.au
Bathurst; West Wing Court House Russell St Bathurst NSW 2795 PO Box 1387 Bathurst NSW 2795 bathurst@mitchellconservatorium.edu.au P (02) 6331 6622 F (02) 6332 2995 Lachlan; 11 Spring Street Forbes NSW 2871 PO Box 550 Forbes NSW 2871 lachlan@mitchellconservatorium.edu.au P (02) 6852 3766 F (02) 6851 5862 Lithgow; (Sunnybank) Lot 2 Wylde Street Lithgow NSW 2790 PO Box 586 Lithgow NSW 2790 lithgow@mitchellconservatorium.edu.au P (02) 6351 3990 F (02) 6351 3344
Participate and be inspired! Term 4 dates: Monday 7 October to Saturday 14 December Fees due Friday 11 October. Please call the Bathurst Office on 6331 6622 to make an arrangement if you cannot pay by this date Monday 7 October is a public holiday please check with your teacher if your lesson is on this day.
2014 Scholarship Awards Congratulations to all the 2014 winners. We very much appreciate the sponsors who support this program; including more than 30 generous individuals & businesses as well as Service Clubs. We welcome new Scholarship Sponsors to support & encourage the talented young musicians in this region.
African drumming Babacar Kante arrived from Senegal with his family quite recently. He is looking forward to sharing the culture of his country with the community of Bathurst.; including language, dance, food & special dishes and drum making. His great passion however is drumming and through the Conservatorium he is offering individual and group lessons; his specialty is African drumming circles. In Term 4 he is inviting anyone interested in drumming to join in; no previous musical experience necessary! Put your name down at the Bathurst office for this exciting opportunity. A Junior, Intermediate and Adult drumming circle will be offered. Cost will be $79.50 for a 45 minute group for 10 weeks & $105 for a 60 minute group for 10 weeks.
Fiona Thompson retiring as Executive Director After 9 years at the helm of Mitchell Conservatorium Fiona is ready to pass on the baton. However you will still see her around the Conservatorium; she is looking forward to getting back into teaching violin & viola and also doing lots more accompanying! Fiona says ‘whilst there have been many challenges and occasional stresses she feels very satisfied with her achievements as Executive Director. Although change can be unsettling I am sure the new Director will bring exciting fresh ideas and perspective. It has been a privilege to be the head of an organisation that has so many dedicated and talented professional musicians. It has also been enormously satisfying to watch so many young people develop in to fine musicians’. Fiona’s successor will be announced in the next couple of weeks.
Delight; live music is best Haydn’s Creation Sunday 3 November 3pm A special musical event presented by Mitchell Conservatorium and sponsored by Genesys Wealth Advisors. Musicians from across the Central West as well as from Sydney will assemble to perform one of Haydn’s best know and most dramatic works. The Bathurst Chamber Orchestra, joined by wind & brass musicians from across the Central West & students from Sydney Conservatorium of Music, together with the Allegri Singers and the Willoughby Choir, soloists Helen Barnett, Jonathan Lewis and Daniel Macey will be conducted by William Moxey. Through poetry and music The Creation describes the formation of our world from chaos & darkness into light & hope, and celebrates the biblical six days of creation. This sublime music is perfect for the acoustics of All Saints’ Cathedral. It offers the community of Bathurst an uplifting and joyous experience. This will be the final oratorio performance sponsored by Genesys Wealth Advisors; Mitchell Conservatorium gratefully acknowledges their support over the past 8 years.
Kalari-Lachlan River Arts festival A celebration of country, creativity and resilience on the Kalari-Lachlan River, Forbes. Sydney-based blues/roots band Stormcellar, the Ukes of Hazard and Peter Kennard’s percussion spectacle ‘Drumming Up Country’ as well as excellent regional and local performers, exhibitions, craft demonstrations, stalls, food and wine. Don’t miss the concert by Mitchell Conservatorium’s Lachlan Region Community Orchestra in the Festival Lounge at the Bowling Club. www.riverartsfestival.org.au
Your Friends need you! Friends committees in Bathurst and Lachlan meet once each term to consider requests from the Director & teachers for ways to spend the Family Levy. Last year the Friends contributed to scholarships, school programs, purchase of instruments and establishing ensembles. Bathurst Friends last meeting for the year Thursday 10 October 7pm in the Conservatorium building. Please contact The Secretary, Steve Walls for details
Media Diary: ABC Central West 107.1FM 100 Mile Music Join the Mitchell Conservatorium for a feast of local composers, musicians and performances from the Central West. As a guest of the Morning Show with Angela Owens, Christine Sweeney will introduce Mitchell Conservatorium visiting musicians, upcoming events and unusual musical titbits. 10.40am to 11.00am, every fourth Tuesday of the month.
See Better, Teach Better, Sound Better - an Alexander Technique Workshop for Musicians
2MCE 92.3 & 94.7FM Armchair Concert Series Join Mitchell Conservatorium Publicity and Promotions Officer Christine Sweeney on 2MCE for our exciting Armchair Concert radio program. Includes live music, interviews and all things instrumental including delving into the archives of Mitchell Conservatorium musicians concert recordings. Every fourth Monday 1.30pm to 3.30pm. 2BS 1503AM
What’s On in Bathurst
Executive Director Fiona Thompson chats about upcoming events on a Wednesday afternoon each fortnight. 2BS also regularly interviews local teachers and students about their musical achievements and activities. Lachlan Valley Community Radio 97.9FM and 2PK 1404AM What’s On in the Lachlan Shire Director of the Lachlan Campus Andrew Baker talks with Trevor Young on 2PK fortnightly on Wednesdays and fortnightly chats to Kevin Dwyer on 2LVR about activities and events in Mitchell Conservatorium’s Lachlan Branch.
On 9 & 10 November Greg Holdaway will direct a workshop for musicians and teachers. Greg is one of Australia’s top Alexander Technique teachers and internationally sought after as a presenter and assessor. ‘See Better, Teach Better, Sound Better’ aims to train instrumentalists and teachers to see and understand the movements of music making & assist in providing effective and healthy coordination feedback to students. Take advantage of the Early Bird discount and register by Friday 25 October. ww.alexandertechnique.org.au
WHATS ON’ at the Con from October to December 2013 Sunday 22 September 3pm All Saints’ Cathedral Friday 4 October 4-5.30pm Mitchell Conservatorium Russell St Bathurst
Community presentation
Adult String Players Workshop Concert You are invited to a Public Concert Student opportunity
Sydney Omega Ensemble’s David Rowden presents a Clarinet Masterclass More details and registration call the office 6331 662
Entry free Enquiries 6331 6622 Participants $20 Observers $10 Proudly supported by
Student alert
Monday 7 October
Saturday 19 October 10am -2pm Stockland’s Shopping Centre Friday 25 October 7pm canapés 7.30pm screening Mitchell Conservatorium Russell St Bathurst Saturday 26 October Sunday 27 October Festival Lounge Bowling Club, Forbes Sunday 3 November 3pm All Saints’ Cathedral Church St Bathurst Saturday 9 & Sunday 10 November Mitchell Conservatorium Russell St Bathurst Sunday 1 December From 6pm Victoria Park, Forbes Sunday 15 December 7pm Welcome by the Mayor Band Rotunda Machattie Park
Public Holiday Monday 7 October
Check if your lesson is on the public holiday or if your Do you have a lesson on a Monday? Please check with your teacher whether your lesson is going ahead teacher plans to reschedule. as planned. Celebrating 35 years!
Mitchell Conservatorium Open Day Our new take on Open Day. Talk to teachers about the best instrument for you or you child. Lots of specials for new enrolments
35th birthday cake Raffle with great prizes. Tickets on sale now from the Bathurst Office. Drawn at 2pm 19 October.
Presented by Bathurst Arts Council
Tickets at the door $5 All welcome Songs for Kate Suitable for children A film by Tracy Sorensen Songs about the life of the sister of Ned Kelly. Music composed by For further details call Ross Carey was premiered at the Kalari River Arts festival in 2011. 0414 955 049
Kalari-Lachlan River Arts Festival
Lots of stalls, events, lantern Performances by the Lachlan Regional Community Orchestra as parade and dragon boat racLachwell as other Mitchell Conservatorium musicians. Check the website es by the beautiful lan River for more details www.riverartsfestival.org.au Sponsored event
Haydn’s Creation See page 3 for more details Mitchell Conservatorium gratefully acknowledges the sponsorship of
Tickets available from the Mitchell Conservatorium office or at the door $20 Adult $15 Concession School age children free
Professional development opportunity
Early bird $125 closes 25 October Institute of teachers registered course; perfect for teachers looking Full price $150 for accredited music courses. This course will benefit musicians, Register by 6 November students and teachers alike.
Alexander Technique Workshop
Forbes Town & District Band presents Carols by Candlelight
The Band and guest artists invite you to celebrate the start of the Christmas Season
Bring a family picnic to the park and enjoy a really fun Our annual Festive Fun for the Family; Community Carols, loads of festive feast! Service Club Guest Artists and the wonderful Janine Hosemans as Master of food vans & Mr Whippy on Ceremonies. From the Mitchell Con tent; song books, safe flame site. candles, glow bracelets. Entertainment & Music from 6pm Reliance will be giving away Christmas Hampers (conditions apply).
Reliance Credit Union Carols by Candlelight