Guests gather to say thank you to Corinne - New England ...

Guests gather 

to say thank 

you to Corinne 

Volume 15, July 2009 

NECOM NEWS JULY 2009 1

DIRECTOR’S REPORT 

This is my third 

week at NECOM as 

Director and I am 

still whirling from 

so many programs 

that constitute its 

rich musical life. 

On my first night 

in Armidale I was 

amazed by the 

high standard of 

choral singing at the eisteddfod’s Choir 

Night. Two days later I was stunned by 

the sophisticated student compositions 

performed at the presentation 

ceremony, preceded by a seminar with 

the renowned composer Stephen Leek. 

The next weekend witnessed aural workshops 

and the NECOM Cantilena Choir 

performing at the Eisteddfod Gala Concert. 

The following Saturday the string 

teachers ran studio concerts. The next 

day a French Horn Development program 

commenced. On the same day the 

NECOM Sinfonia performed baroque 

works with stylistic flair in a Fiori Musicali 

Fundraising Concert. Next weekend will 

see the Ensemble Offspring providing a 

composition workshop and a concert. A 

Beginner Strings Program Concert will 

also highlight students’ achievements. 

And all this in a three week period. 

NECOM’s early childhood music, Choral 

and Beginner String and Woodwind 

programs are flourishing. Fourteen ensembles, 

carefully designed to maximise 

choral and instrumental learning pathways, 

rehearse weekly, conducted and 

accompanied by outstanding professionals. 

The quality of the instrumental 

tuition program teaching is second to 

none. 

A musical revolution of this magnitude 

cannot take place without a fearless 

leader, and I would like to pay tribute to 

Corinne Arter my predecessor, who has 

built an institution which is enhancing 

the musical lives of so many people. A 

strong Board with Dr Arthur Rickards at 

the helm must also be applauded for creating 

an organisation of this stature. 

So, you may well ask, who is this person 

to whom the baton has been passed? 

Let me tell you a little of my background. 

I was born in Armidale and grew up on 

a farm north of Guyra. As a classically 

trained pianist and having completed 

an honours year in music from the University 

of New England I moved to the 

big smoke to play in rock, blues and jazz 

bands and contemporary music ensem- 

2 NECOM NEWS JULY 2009 

bles. The best name we had for one of 

these bands was ‘Len’s Contact’ and the 

most ‘out there’ ensemble was classed as 

music theatre. In the latter I recall plucking 

the strings of a piano and a woman 

singing a song about domestic violence 

to an ironing board while someone 

stood in a corner cracking raw eggs over 

his head. 

After a few wild years in Sydney I hankered 

for the country and having completed 

a Dip. Ed. I was appointed to Finley 

High School. Finley was a Country 

and Western singing, sport dominated 

town amidst rice farms which drew their 

vast water needs from the ever diminishing 

Murray River. My first rude awakening 

came when it was apparent that 

music was not given the same status as 

any other subject. This soon changed, 

and when the number of participants in 

the Finley and District Youth Orchestra 

exceeded the number of members of 

the combined local football teams it was 

time to move on. 

I spent the next five years as a Music 

Consultant K-12 for the Riverina Region 

which reached from Lake Mungo in the 

north to the foothills of the Snowy Mountains. 

My second awakening came as I experienced 

first hand the lack of systemic 

support, teachers ill-equipped to teach 

music, and the tyranny of distance. 

These understandings shaped my 

next phase of work in the NSW Performing 

Arts Unit firstly as Programs Manager 

overseeing state programs. Then overnight 

in a departmental restructuring, 

regional arts education programs had 

been somehow forgotten. I was tasked 

with developing a state-wide structure 

to reinstate them. Ten Creative Arts 

Councils and generic systems of funding 

were established resulting in unprecedented 

levels of student and teacher 

participation. 

I decided to take a break from the 

arts world and after completing an MA 

in Public Policy I accepted a position in 

Afghanistan as Policy and Planning Advisor 

to the Coordination of Humanitarian 

Assistance (CHA). Twenty three years 

of civil war had wreaked its havoc and 

Kabul, once ‘the Paris of the East’, had 

been reduced to rubble. Nothing had 

prepared me for the despairing eyes of 

parents unable to provide for their children. 

Not much music here. The Taliban 

had banned it during their insane rule. 

CHA provided health, education and 

agricultural services to over 3 million 

people. I worked with my Afghan colleagues 

to develop policies for all sectors 

and facilitated a five year strategic 

plan which is still being implemented 

today. 

On my return I worked as a Solutions 

Broker for the federal government in 

the Barkly Region, Northern Territory. A 

highlight during this time was the establishment 

of the Winanjjikari Music Centre 

to meet a community identified need 

for a safe place for disengaged young 

Indigenous males to play music, undertake 

certificated courses and to perform 

and record their own music. 

Next I moved to Darwin to work for a 

national company ‘Outback Stores’ established 

to provide food security for 

Indigenous communities. As Wellbeing 

Manager on the Senior Executive team, 

my focus was to ensure that the imperative 

for the economic sustainability of 

stores didn’t overshadow the company’s 

mission to make a positive difference to 

the health of remote Indigenous Australians. 

During these adventures music was 

never far away from my psyche and 

when the position for Director of NECOM 

came on the radar, the time was right to 

return, not only to the arts world but 

also to the home of my birth and family. 

I believe the New England Conservatorium 

of Music is poised for its next 

exciting phase of development. The 

welcomed announcement of additional 

funding for the Regional Conservatoriums 

will help to underpin this new phase. 

However, what form this takes will only 

be determined after consultation with 

key stakeholders. I look forward to working 

closely with the NECOM board, staff 

and the New England community on a 

five year strategic plan to pave the way 

forward. 

As I sit at my desk in this magnificent 

old building I can hear exquisite melodies 

from the New England Singers rehearsing 

next door. In the office, Heather 

Pavel is busily preparing music for the 

Junior Orchestra Workshop and Faewyn 

Goyen is systemising the instrumental 

hire program while answering endless 

calls. This is indeed a thriving institution 

which I am privileged to be part of. 

Julie Croft

FAREWELL 

Corinne says goodbye 

The NECOM community turned up in force to pay their respects 

Hon. Richard Torbay MP TAS Trio performing during the cocktail party 

Corinne Arter put the New England Conservatorium on a 

successful footing during her five years as Director, Member 

for Northern Tablelands Richard Torbay told guests at a 

farewell function on Friday 19th June. “Corinne has made an 

outstanding contribution, bringing NECOM from a position 

of only two students and no programs or activities to the 

current position of 537 students, more than 2500 program 

participants and six full-time and 18 part-time staff” the MP 

said. “Under her leadership, she worked with her board and 

staff to establish a Conservatorium without walls involving 

local music teachers and providing services such as specialist 

workshops, business management, advertising, teaching 

venues, masterclasses, scholarship and bursary assistance 

and concert venues for studio concerts. She also guided the 

development of an outreach program at Inverell which now 

has a campus and part-time co-ordinator.” 

During her five years, Corinne instigated an instrumental tuition 

program, a tiered choral and ensemble program, including 

four choirs, beginner programs for strings and woodwind, 

the New England Youth Sinfonia, an early childhood music 

education program and an extensive workshop program 

for both students and teachers. In this period, a number of 

community organizations amalgamated with NECOM, including 

the Armidale Music Teachers Association, the Armidale 

Youth String Orchestra, the Armidale Youth String Ensemble, 

the Armidale Youth Orchestra and the Armidale Symphony 

Orchestra. 

NECOM Chairman, Dr. Arthur Rickards paid tribute to 

Corinne Arter for her achievements as Director and “her 

dedication and persistence in building a quality organization 

based on solid music education structures”. 

Armidale Express, Wednesday June 24th, 2009 


WORKSHOP 

Paul Holley workshop and Cantilena Singers 

After a busy time singing in the Eisteddfod, Cantilena showed 

their enthusiasm and hard working spirit when they spent 

an hour with Paul Holley, the 2009 Choral Adjudicator and 

the director of the famous Birralee Blokes. Paul began with 

physical warm-ups to stretch and energise the physical body 

and activities to engage the children’s attention and mental 

energy. He led them through several very funny tongue twisting 

exercises using nonsense syllables and sounds followed 

by a focus on their breathing. 

Paul then worked through two of the songs from Cantilena’s 

repertoire. He used imagery to assist the children in effectively 

capturing the mood of these pieces and worked particularly 

hard to improve the vocal line and sense of phrase 

by having the children copy physical movements extending 

for the duration of each phrase or having the children hiss 

from the beginning to the end of long phrases. 

This was a highly enjoyable workshop for Cantilena and 

I was impressed with their efforts after two big days of performing. 

Rowena Tall, Conductor, NECOM Cantilena Singers 

Choral conductors enjoyed watching Paul Holley in action with Cantilena. 


Minisingers joined Cantilena for the warm-ups.

WORKSHOP 

Paul Holley Choral Conducting 

Since singing is so good a thing, I 

wish all men would learn to sing. 

William Byrd (1543-1623) English composer 

If one is to take note of the breadth of singing and 

choral music in Armidale in 2009 it would be quite obvious 

that many not only “learn to sing” but thoroughly 

enjoy singing together in the choral setting. Entries in 

the choral sections of the Armidale Eisteddfod (from 

infant’s school to tertiary level) were very healthy, providing 

opportunities for the more youthful. And, for the 

adults, the Armidale Choral Society, Fiori Musicali, and 

Sing Australia all provide avenues for singing in choirs. 

So when a person of the calibre of Paul Holley (Director 

of the award-winning Birralee Blokes) hits town it 

is only natural that we would enlist his help to learn to 

sing even better! 

Paul, who has a regular connection with Armidale as 

the choral director of the annual Armidale Music Foundation 

Choral and Orchestral Weekend, gave a most 

enlightening workshop at the end of the Eisteddfod 

choral sections on June 3rd. The workshop, attended 

by primary and secondary school teachers as well as 

other interested observers, touched on aspects of 

choral training such as- 

• The choir environment- rehearsal goals, role of the 

conductor and the chorister, room setup, time of 

rehearsal, how to approach a new song, pace of the 

rehearsal. 

• Warmups- posture, breathing, blend of vowels, 

articulation, range. 

• Maximising the sound of your choir- diction, resonance, 

placement of singers, spacing of singers and 

voice parts. 

• Repertoire- how do I find it: listen to music, visit 

publisher’s websites, go to reading days, contact 

other conductors, where to buy. 

In addition, Paul conducted the rehearsal of NECOM 

Cantilena in an entertaining and educational manner. 

Paul has an easy-going and friendly manner which encourages 

conductors and children/adults to feel comfortable 

enough to take risks in their choral endeavours. 

I have always found Paul Holley’s rehearsals and 

workshops very inspirational. As a bonus, Paul was engaged 

to spend his final evening in Armidale working 

with Fiori Musicali- a special privilege indeed! 

Wendy Huddleston, NECOM Music Educator Member 

Paul Holley 

Choral conductors from all over the region attended the workshop 

Both primary and secondary conductors attended the workshop. 


OUTREACH PROGRAM 

Inverell Tour Report 

This year, Nick Negerevich joined Eleanor Streatfeild and 

Sheila Guymer to form the New England Conservatorium 

Trio and continue NECOM’s outreach program in the North 

West Region. Our first tour for 2009 was to Inverell to 

present a program of chamber music for primary school 

children at the Ross Hill, Inverell Public and Holy Trinity 

schools. 

The tour followed-on from a highly successful In-Service 

Day for primary school classroom teachers run by Deidre 

Rickards at NECOM’s Inverell Campus. An innovation of the 

NECOM outreach design is that classroom teachers are activity 

encouraged to collaborate with the Trio in presenting 

the program. The teacher reads introductions to each of the 

pieces, explains musical concepts drawn from the NSW Music 

Syllabus, and guides the students’ participation in some 

musical activities. 

It’s always a pleasure for the Trio to collaborate with the 

classroom teachers in this way, especially with teachers who 

might not have much knowledge of classical music themselves. 

It’s a real strength in Deidre Rickards’s design of the 

program’s script that general classroom teachers can feel confident 

about explaining musical concepts to their students 

easily and quickly. As one teacher wrote: “Personally, I gained 

some excellent ideas for my Term 2 Music Program (which I 

am definitely going to implement) – I am enthused and motivated. 

Thankyou!” (Narelle, Ross Hill). 


On June 26, the Trio will present an introductory training 

session for Armidale primary school teachers, in association 

with PAMTA (Primary Armidale Music Teachers Association). 

In Term Three, the Trio will be visiting schools in and around 

Armidale, while in Term Four the Trio heads west to visit the 

Narrabri and Moree districts. 

The children at all the schools were receptive and enthusiastic 

to meet the trio. After each presentation, we handed 

out a questionnaire and invited students to make comments 

to give the trio, or draw their favourite instrument. Some 

students’ comments are below: 

Thankyou for visiting Ross Hill. That was the best music I’ve 

ever heard. 

The trio were fantastic. I loved the music and I hope they 

enjoyed playing as much as I did. 

It was cool. You have made my day!! 

I love listening to your lovely music. 

I loved the songs and the split song singing. 

It was beautiful. 

I liked it when Nick told us how much we have to practise. 

It was really good. We are lucky! 

Sheila Guymer, NECOM Music Educator Member

OUTREACH PROGRAM 

Inverell inservice course for primary teachers 

Many of you will have tuned in to the ABC radio programme 

“Keys to Music” and heard Graham Abbott interviewing 

music educator Richard Gill on the importance of 

well trained music teachers being made available to students 

at all levels of teaching. On Saturday the 4th April, 

a number of dedicated infants/primary teachers arrived at 

the Inverell branch of NECOM in order to hone their skills 

in the teaching of the programme offered through NECOM 

called “CHAMBER MUSIC IN SCHOOLS”. 

When I was designing this programme and writing the content, 

I wanted the material to be accessible to the teachers as 

well as the students. I wrote it so that the teachers could take 

charge of the “teaching” and the “performers” would assume 

the role of a musical resource. The Trio plays the music to the 

students however it is the teacher who leads the session. 

In order to give the teacher the confidence to undertake 

this role, I have written a script. The teacher reads this and 

stops at the points where the music needs to be played and 

the whole session lasts for approximately 45 minutes. 

The inservice day precedes any school visit and it started 

with the teachers present taking turns reading the script. I 

wanted them to see that the process was not difficult and 

that they could enjoy leading the session. The Trio talk briefly 

about how their instruments work and lead a short session 

where the class sings, however the rest of the session is led 

by the classroom teacher. By doing this they take ownership 

of the content. 

The Trio returned to Armidale after this introductory session 

and I stayed and provided the teachers with supplementary 

material for follow up sessions. 

Chez Blyth produced a magnificent lunch. During this time 

I met some of these marvellous teachers, some of whom 

had been teaching for some time and had developed their 

own music programmes with little or no assistance. Others 

I learned had been part of Deanna Hoermann’s Kodaly programme 

which she introduced in the 1970s! They were still 

keen to supplement their understanding of music and it was 

great to talk with them. 

The afternoon session was devoted to another resource I 

have produced. It is a package of listening material resources 

built around the listening “gift” which the Trio leaves with the 

school after they have performed. It is a Naxos CD which has 

the three famous works for children: 

Peter and the Wolf - Prokofiev 

The Carnival of Animals – Saint-Saens 

The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra – Britten 

I have attempted to build resources which any teacher may 

use and the aim is for them to play a little to the class each 

day. Students need to feel that they can listen easily to 

orchestral music and need to have small repetitions in order 

to gain acceptance of the genre. 

I applaud the fact that Corinne Arter has been able to 

source funding for this unique musical experience to be offered 

to students in isolated schools. Too often these children 

have to pay in order to travel long distances to hear live 

performances. With this programme, the performers walk 

into the school and play for the children in their own territory, 

with the teachers leading the session and this is an experience 

they will never forget as it is happening in their home 

ground. 

NECOM assumes an important role in the North West 

region and this programme represents an example of how 

we are supporting teachers in order to enhance the music 

programmes they offer in the school. Richard Gill says that 

“Every child in this country has the right to have a serious 

music education notwithstanding their social, economic or 

geographic circumstances. 

Deidre Rickards, Music Educator Member, NECOM 

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REVIEW 

Ensemble Offspring workshop 

It was a rainy Saturday afternoon, when twenty of Armidale’s 

young musicians met with the vibrant members of Ensemble 

Offspring – Damien Ricketson, Claire Edwardes, Jason Noble, 

Bree van Reyk and James Cuddeford. It was an afternoon of 

musical exploration – playing and listening to the Ensemble 

Jason Noble with Emily Watson and Ben Sindel. 

(L-R): James Cuddeford, Claire Edwardes and Bree van Reyk perform for the students. 


perform snippets from avant garde works by Damien Ricketson 

himself as well as John Cage and John Zorn. 

For those of us who were new to this music, Ensemble 

offspring opened our minds to the exciting possibilities in 

sound and showed us that almost anything can be an instrument! 

We certainly didn’t expect to hear bouncy balls or 

cymbals dropped on the floor as music! 

Each of the members of the ensemble is also a talented 

classical performer, and they helped us to see how two such 

varied genres of music can influence and inform each other. 

We were particularly impressed to hear that Bree van Reyk 

can often be found doing rock gigs with her band! It was a 

privilege to work with such accomplished and experienced 

musicians, and each of us jumped at the chance to pick their 

brains – showing them our own compositions and asking 

their opinions on anything and everything. 

There’s no doubt about it – we were in unfamiliar musical 

territory but who better to guide us through these unchartered 

waters than the brilliant Ensemble Offspring. 

Emily Watson & Olivia Pain

CONCERT 

Ensemble Offspring Concert 

Ensemble Offspring’s concert of ‘new’ music proved a trip 

down memory lane for me. Featuring works by (or inspired 

by) American Minimalist and Experimentalist composers 

(Reich, Glass, Cage), the program reminded me of Melbourne’s 

new music scene of the early 1990s… which was 

itself nostalgic for New York’s new music scene of the 1960s 

and 70s. 

However, the central message of this music (“so, are you 

really listening?”) is perhaps even more pertinent now than it 

was 40 years ago. Every generation has to learn to pay attention, 

but we live in a cacophonous age; and in an age that’s 

learning too slowly not to take what is around us for granted. 

This music reminds us to appreciate the subtle beauty of the 

everyday. 

For me, the program’s highlight was Hockey (1978) by John 

Zorn. Ricketson, Edwardes and van Reyk performed this on 

violin (lots of ‘bad’ bowing) plus an array of children’s toys 

and percussion. Ricketson described Zorn’s style as “cartoon 

music”, and the piece shone with playful humour. A lot of Experimentalist 

music looks (and sounds) like child’s play: how 

hard can it be to make silly scratchy noises at random times? I 

can tell you that it seems easy… until you try it yourself! 

Nick Negerevich and friends: NECOM Chamber Series 

On May 3, Armidale’s flautists came out in force! Nick Negerevich 

featured in this year’s first NECOM Chamber Music 

Series concert, The Flute in Context, and encouraged his 

flute-playing colleagues to join him. The program exhibited 

the stylistic versatility of the flute, and included classical 

sonatas and jazzy trios, South American tangos and Irish 

jigs. 

Central to the program were two Trios for flute, cello and 

piano by Haydn and Weber, performed by Nick with Eleanor 

Streatfeild (cello) and myself (piano). These substantial works 

were balanced by a short Fanfare for flute and clarinet by 

John Rutter (performed with clarinettist Ben Sindel), and 

Piazzolla’s seductive Histoire du Tango (performed with Steve 

Thorneycroft, guitarist and co-artistic director of the Series). 

A highlight of the program (certainly for me as pianist) was 

Poulenc’s Sonata for flute and piano. This wonderful sonata is 

one of the mainstays of the flute repertoire, and it was a treat 

for me to rehearse and perform it with Nick. 

The program also included Black Orpheus by Bonfa, performed 

by Nick with Steve (guitar) and Sarah Christopher 

(double bass). Nick then took up the alto flute for two songs 

by André Previn, performed with Leanne Roobol (soprano) 

and myself. 

Perhaps the pièce (or pieces) de résistance were the works 

for flute choir: a Trio for three flutes by Kummer (performed 

As with any musical style, it’s the practised control of one’s 

instrument (even if that instrument is a child’s toy), coupled 

with a cultivated aesthetic sensitivity and a fine sense of ensemble, 

that make a performance fresh and communicative. 

Ensemble Offspring understood these challenges and met 

them with aplomb and wit. 

In any case, the program’s ‘Complexist’ solo works amply 

demonstrated the virtuosic capabilities of Offspring’s members. 

Clarinettist Jason Noble performed Elliott Carter’s Gra 

(“play”) with exceptional dynamic control and beauty of tone. 

Similarly, Cuddeford’s performance of Mikka by Xenakis, a 

work that explores glissando to an extreme, showed Cuddeford’s 

absolute command of his instrument. 

The Minimalist pieces (Reich’s Clapping Music and Music 

in Fifths by Glass) now seem more like museum pieces than 

‘new’: early works that hold interest more because of how 

these composers developed the same ideas in later compositions 

than for their own merits. It’s ironic that these iconoclastic 

composers are now the mainstays of a tradition, but fitting 

that their works still challenge us to question and dare. 

All the performers made for a crowded stage! 

by Nick with Wendy Champion and Gerard Larkins); and an 

exuberant arrangement by Kurt Walther of melodies from 

Bizet’s Carmen Suite (performed with Wendy Champion, 

Sharon Davidge, Geoff Derrin, Gerard Larkins, Jo Scott, Krystal 

Spreadborough and Rowena Tall). The concert ended with all 

the performers back on stage (plus Celtic harpist Judy Hinch) 

for an encore of Irish jigs. 

The NECOM Chamber Series was founded to encourage Educator 

Members to get together and perform chamber music 

without having to worry about the backstage organization 

or publicity to attract an audience… and to encourage our 

students to hear more concerts. A warm thankyou to Nick for 

selecting this program. The proceeds of the concert were donated 

to NECOM, and the money helped to buy a sopranino 

sax for NECOM’s new saxophone ensemble. Bravissimo! 

Sheila Guymer 


CONCERTS 

Beginner String Concert 

Sunday 28th June saw the first official concert of the year 

for participants in the Beginner String program. The concert 

showcased the work of the Tuesday afternoon classes and 

therefore had an ensemble focus. Young children playing for 

the first time had the opportunity to experience a performance 

first-hand and also observe older children exhibiting 

confident performance skills and etiquette. 

The repertoire of this group concert marked the growing 

general improvement of string students in Armidale with demanding 

technical and musical challenges inherent in every 

groups’ work. 

Highlights included beautifully balanced part work from 

the cello groups, a strong sense of internalized beat in the 

folk songs of the Mini Minims and Cool Crotchets and the balance 

and expressive playing of the Super Smart Semibreves. 

A few of the outstanding performances from the recent 

Armidale Eisteddfod are often incorporated into our group 

concerts. Phoebe Slack-Smith performed her winning entry 

Bourée by Handel. David Tan and Jonathon Bruhl performed 

their winning duet, an arrangement of Spring by Vivaldi. 

Ziggy Harris performed a beautifully poignant version of 

Melody Plaintive by Carse. 

Each year the concerts at the end of each term mark a 

milestone of achievement for students, parents, teachers 

and the program alike. This year has been a time of reflection 

for me as we are now well into the fifth year of the Beginner 

String program. Many innovations over the preceding years 

Choral News 

Rowena Tall conducting Cantilena Singers at the Eisteddfod. 


Cool Crotchets perform Pythonippotamus. 

have added to student understanding and have enhanced 

performance technique. 

One of the most successful additions to our program has 

been the terrific accompaniment lessons given by Madeleine 

Lawrence. They are motivating, informative and eagerly attended 

by our string students. Madeleine’s involvement in 

our Tuesday group lessons has also allowed the students to 

develop a rapport that is obvious and helpful to their confidence 

on stage. 

Thank you to all the string teachers involved in the organization 

and production of this concert: April Kelson, Elenaor 

Streatfeild, Marian Barford, Madeleine Lawrence and Zana 

Clarke. 

Marian Barford, NECOM violin teacher 

The NECOM Minisingers continue to fill the air with their 

special sound. This term began with a focus on preparation 

for the eisteddfod, our first public performance for 2009. 

Remembering ALL the words of our two performance pieces 

“I Can Laugh and “I Wish” was the first challenge on the list. 

Activities with beat motions and recognition of rhyme and 

rhythm helped with memory and recall. We had fun with 

echo songs and group games that required pitch matching 

and awareness of vowel sounds. 

The Mini Singers have achieved great improvement in pitch 

along with ability to project their voices while maintaining a 

beautiful sound. Their eisteddfod performance was beautiful 

and attracted a lot of positive feedback and praise. Congratulations 

Minisingers. 

We continue now with more fun and more learning with 

new activities and games which aim to support and build on 

the Minisingers’ ability to connect with the songs they sing. 

Belinda Niemeyer, Director, Minisingers

PROGRAMS 

New England Singers 

New England Singers has worked very hard 

this term and it has been a pleasure to take 

on the role of Conductor of this ensemble. 

We prepared four pieces for the Armidale 

Eisteddfod in a six week period, all from 

memory. The choir received very favourable 

comments on all their performances, 

especially relating to their vocal production. 

We have enjoyed selecting some new 

repertoire for New England Singers and will 

be performing these pieces at the NECOM 

Choral Concert. 

There will be opportunities for choristers 

to sing solos in a number of choral items. I 

continue to encourage all of the singers to 

take the opportunity to sing solos and to 

improve their confidence in this area. There 

is a lovely blend of voices and I am excited 

about the performance opportunities for 

New England Singers. 

Leanne Roobol, Director, New England Singers 

Composition Seminar & Awards Evening with Stephen Leek 

On Thursday the 4th of June, the annual Eisteddfod Composition 

Night was held at NECOM. The inspirational Stephen 

Leek was this year’s adjudicator and he gave an hour 

long workshop before the presentation on the techniques 

of composition. It was an extremely exciting opportunity to 

learn from one of Australia’s leading composers. 

After the workshop the finalists performed and the prizes 

were announced. Prizes were given in each section. Congratulations 

to Sophia Thatcher who won the Adjudicator’s 

Choice award. 

It was very interesting to see the creativity of everyone’s 

compositions. They were all very clever and different. There 

was also an interesting mix of genres and instruments that 

are not commonly heard together such as the double bass 

Johannes Hallerneier, Stephen Leek, Stuart Pavel and Deidre Rickards 

Leanne Roobol conducting New England Singers at the Eisteddfod. 

pizzicato duet. From a tango to a trio sung in Italian the wonders 

never ceased. The audience was thoroughly enthralled 

throughout the evening wondering what masterpiece would 

come next. 

Congratulations to all the finalists: 

Catherine Botha, PLC, Year 8 (1st) 

Virginia Botha, PLC, Year 12 (2nd) 

Eleanor Brazier, AHS, Year 10 (2nd) 

Susannah Brown, PLC, Year 9 (2nd) 

Nicollette Burr, DHS, Year 12 (3rd) 

Brianna Davidson-Hill, AHS, Year 8 (2nd) 

Isabella Emanuel, PLC, Year 5 (2nd) 

Jake Gardiner, TAS, Year 11 (1st) 

Alice Gaywood, AHS, Year 10 (3rd) 

Tegan Gleeson, NEGS, Year 9 (=3rd) 

Mikaela Glover, AHS, Year 10 (1st) 

Zac Grafton, AHS, Year 11 (2nd) 

Hannah Grigg, PLC, Year 9 (1st) 

Imogen Gurney, PLC, Year 12 (1st) 

Anna Kennedy, PLC, Year 9 (=3rd) 

Olivia Pain, PLC, Year 11 (1st) 

Holly Reed, NEGS, Year 6 (3rd) 

Matthew Ryan, DHS, Year 11 (3rd) 

Sophia Thatcher, NEGS, Year 6 (1st) 

Patrick Williamson, TAS, Year 8 (3rd) 

This was a very well supported section in the Eisteddfod. 

It was very enjoyable and we can’t wait to hear next year’s 

compositions! 

Hannah Grigg, PLC, Year 9 


MASTERCLASS 

Piano masterclass with Gil Sullivan 

Recently, a group of 6 students, including myself, attended 

a piano master class run by Australia’s only fulltime performing 

concert pianist, Gil Sullivan. Many of us had heard 

him play the previous night at a concert in the T.A.S Creative 

Arts Centre, and already had a fair idea that he knew 

his way around a piano. 

Gill gave us an opportunity to play a piece of our own 

choosing, and then gave comments and feedback on our 

performance. Pieces ranged from classical works by Mozart 

and Beethoven through to the French composers Debussy, 

Mompou and Fauré. Whatever the style, Gil showed a great 

insight into the workings of the pieces, both technically and 

stylistically. I am sure that everybody found this insight particularly 

useful in the weeks leading up to the Eisteddfod. 

His main focus during the class was to get us to listen more 

to our own playing and not “to make the notes themselves 

our focus” as he put it. Because there was such a wide range 

of pieces, we saw how this could be done in all styles, like 

listening to the pictures painted by programme music and 

the emotions conjured up by classical composers. 

French Horn weekend with Robert Johnson 

The weekend of the 21st of June saw Robert Johnson 

coming to Armidale to teach the French Horn players of Armidale 

and the New England region. Robert provided some 

amazing insights from his extensive experiences as principal 

Horn for the SSO, work with chamber groups such as 

ACO and years of performing and recording professionally. 

It is truly amazing to be enriched by the wisdom and advice 

of such a brilliant player and a patient and knowledgeable 

teacher. 

Robert taught the French horn students from Armidale 

and Tamworth, from adult players to the newcomers that 

have recently seen the light. He also took adult and junior 

ensembles, developing the essential ensemble playing skills 

necessary for future orchestral and chamber music performers. 

It was fantastic to hear the beautiful horn ensemble 

sounds created from all these players from the region. This 

was all topped off by an informal but highly informative and 

enjoyable session to discuss Opera and the upcoming Armidale 

Symphony’s ‘Night at the Opera’ concert program. This 

was masterfully reinforced with an orchestral playing session 

and having Robert play with the horn section at the orchestra 

rehearsal. 

We are truly privileged to have such an opportunity to perform 

and learn from one of the best horn players in Australia. 

These weekends will continue throughout the year thanks 

to the successful outcome of two grants from Regional Arts 

NSW: a CASP grant and an Art Start grant. These grants will 


One of the things that I found most helpful is that in my 

work by Beethoven, he showed me how I could use my wrist 

technique to improve my interpretation of the work and not 

just have to focus on getting the notes right. I did however, 

find it frustrating after working on my piece for months, that 

he was able to sit down and sight-read it better than I could 

play it! 

Gil could spot a wrong note a mile off, and in the sections 

of our works that we found challenging he gave invaluable 

advice on fixing up our act. His rhythm and time work was 

great too, and he reinforced that old mantra that we’ve been 

reared on “check your metronome!” 

It’s not easy to pull yourself together for music lessons on 

the weekend, but the Gil Sullivan masterclass was an unmissable 

experience. Everybody was struck by his warm personality 

and skill with the keyboard; you couldn’t help taking 

something away from the experience. A big thankyou to 

NECOM, it was marvellous. 

Tim Williamson 

allow Robert to come to Armidale for five weekends this year. 

This is great for the future development of horn playing in 

the New England region as all players had a great time during 

their time spent with Robert and gained very valuable experience. 

A huge thanks 

to Rob and all the 

people involved in 

getting this program 

happen. Alistair Finco 

Robert Johnson and some of the workshop participants.

EISTEDDFOD 

Success for Guitar Ensemble 

Congratulations to the New England Youth Guitar Ensemble 

for taking 1st place in their category (Guitar Duet or Group 

Year 7 – 12), at the Armidale Eisteddfod in May. They played 

Cancion de la Luna, a haunting piece by Australian guitarist/ 

composer Anthony Garcia. Last year the ensemble attended 

a workshop with Anthony and learned a few of his works. I 

am sure he would have been extremely pleased with their 

performance of Cancion. Well done guys. 

The ensemble are currently rehearsing for their mid-year 

concert to be held on July 5th in G31 at 2 pm. They will be 

presenting their usual eclectic mix of melodies from Baroque 

to the Blues. Students of Chris Purcell and Steve Tafra and the 

New England Guitar Ensemble will also be performing. 

Coming up for the Youth Guitar Ensemble: a Beginning 

Improvisation Workshop with Chris Purcell in Term 3 and 

Markets in the Mall busking in Spring. In Term 4 there will be 

a November concert and a performance at the annual turning 

on of the Christmas Lights Ceremony in the Mall to finish 

the year. 

Chris Purcell, Director, New England Youth Guitar Ensemble 

New England Youth Guitar Ensemble 

Term 3 dates: 

Monday 27th July to 

Saturday 26th September 

PROFILE 

Rebecca Simon 

Rebecca recently moved to 

Armidale from Toowoomba 

with her new husband 

Daniel. She has been appointed 

accompanist of the 

New England Singers and 

we feature her biography in 

this month’s newsletter. 

As a young toddler, 

Rebecca sat on her mum’s 

knee, gaining a love and 

knowledge of music that has stayed with her ever since. Rebecca 

learnt from her mum until she was about 12 years old, 

before going on to a local Toowoomba music teacher, Janine 

Graham. After several months with Janine, she was preparing 

for her grade 7 exam. From then on, it was performances, 

competitions, lots of theory exams and hard work! 

Rebecca completed her AMusA in piano just after her 16th 

birthday. During that same year, she attended a McGregor 

Chamber Music School, studying under Andrew and Wendy 

Lorenz and Dianne Selmon. She considers this as the catalyst 

for her love of chamber music. 

Following her AMusA, Rebecca commenced studies with 

Wendy Lorenz. The following year (2006), she was accepted 

into the Bachelor of Music program, where she continued her 

lessons with Wendy. During her first semester of uni, at just 

17 years, Rebecca was repetiteur and vocal coach for the USQ 

Opera Studio production of Mozart’s Cosi fan Tutte. At the 

end of 2006, Wendy retired from USQ and Rebecca continued 

under the tutelage of Marilyn Meier-Kapavale. During this 

year, she was repetiteur for Mozart’s Magic Flute & Bach’s 

St John Passion. These productions involved hundreds of 

hours of rehearsals, but Rebecca says the experience gained 

from this and from working with great musicians and directors 

such as John Peek, Gillian Sullivan, Joseph Ward, Leon 

Warnock, Hayley Sugars, Arthur Johnson, Phillip Gearing, and 

Lorraine Fuller has been so valuable to her as a musician. 

Rebecca has always loved working with other musicians – 

both in the accompanying and chamber music capacity. She 

has extensive experience accompanying advanced tertiary 

level flute, violin and vocal soloists, as well as much choral 

work. In January 2007, she attended the McGregor Chamber 

Music School, studying jazz piano with Kerin Bailey, which 

has inspired a great interest in jazz music. 

Rebecca deferred her studies in 2008 to work full-time 

and prepare for her wedding and the move to Armidale in 

December. Rebecca is now teaching piano and theory at 

O’Connor Catholic College, accompanying whenever the opportunity 

arises, not to mention working a couple of jobs and 

studying French! She is very excited to become a part of the 

Armidale musical community. 


NECOM Educator members 

ARCHER, Cathy 

BMusEd (Newcastle Con.); 

Performers Certificate in Voice - 

Trinity College; 

Classroom Teacher 

Ph: 6771 4886 

BARFORD, Marian 

B.Mus Violin/Viola 

Beginner to Advanced 

Tutor – NECOM Beginner Strings 

Program 

Ph: 6775 1289 

BLYTH, Peta 

B.Mus (Hons) BA Dip Ed L.Mus.A 

(Piano) Voice 

ARCM (London) (Voice) 

Voice - Inverell based 

Clarion Singers; concert and 

opera artist; adjudicator 

Ph: 6724 8248 

wpblyth@bigpond.com 

BRADLEY, Robyn 

LMus, BMus, MRurSc.,BVSc 

Piano/Accompaniment 

All grades beginner to advanced; 

Accompanist (intermediate 

to advanced) 

Ph: 6772 6468 

robyn.m.bradley@gmail.com 

BROWN, Dave 

BA(Mus), Dip.Ed(SecMus) 

Brass - All instruments at all 

levels, happy to teach to other 

regional centres via video-conferencing. 

Ph: 6779 2614 

Mob: 0419 539 372 

CHAMPION, Wendy 

B.Mus (Hons Perf) Aust.Inst.Music 

Flute/Clarinet/Saxophone 

Inverell & Warialda 

Mob: 0438 287 582 

CLARKE, Zana 

B.A (Melb), B.Mus.(Melb), Dip. 

Ed.(UNE), A.Mus.A (Violin) 

Recorder & Violin specialist to all 

levels and ages 

Ph: 6772 2205 

zana@orpheusmusic.com.au 

CUSACK, Sister Margaret Therese 

T.Mus.A; ATCL; A.MusA; MMTA, 

MIMT 

Piano/Musicianship - (all grades) 

Singing – Beginners, AMEB 

Grades or AMEB ‘Singing for 

Leisure’ syllabus. 


Moree Only 

Ph: 6752 7945 

margaretcusack17@bigpond.com 

DAVIDGE, Sharon 

A.Mus.A, B.Nat.Res.(Hons) 

Flute, Piccolo, Fife, Panpipes 

beginners to advanced 

Ph: 6771 1607 

DEBUS (nee Dodds), Sofia 

B.Mus.(Distinction), B.Ed., 

Adv.Cert.MusicPerf.(GSMD) 

Violin & Strings 

AMEB Exam Preparation 

Ph: 6772 1710 

Mob:0428 385 824 

sydodds@hotmail.com 

DRISCOLL, Robyn 

Dip.Mus.Ed., L.Mus.A. Dip.Mus.Ed 

(Newcastle) (Piano) 

Piano – beginner to diploma 

levels 

Ph: 6772 1349 

DUNHAM, Warwick 

ASCM B.Mus (Syd) 

Organ, Piano, Jazz Piano, Music 

Theory, Composition, Music 

Technology 

Ph: 6775 2396 

Mob: 0417 210 509 

warwick@tpg.net.au 

GRIFFITH, Debra 

A.Mus.A, Cert MusT (USQ) MTA 

NSW Accredited 

Piano 

Beginners to advanced; HSC 

requirements. All ages; Piano 

for leisure; AMEB & Trinity exam 

preparation; Musicianship; 

MusicCraft. 

Ph: 6771 1019 

Mob: 0421 843 398 

babygrand13@hotmail.com 

GROWNS, Jane 

BSc(Hons), PhD, AMusA 

Clarinet/Saxophone/Piano 

Ph: 6772 2980 

GUYMER, Sheila 

A.MusA, L.MusA, B.Mus (Hons), 

MMusSt. (Solo Piano), MMus 

(Accomp). 

Piano, Theory, Music Craft, 

Accompaniment. All ages and 

levels welcome. Also taught at 

Sydney Con. & Melbourne Uni. 

Ph: 6772 7013 

Mob: 0422 379 044 

Web: www.sheilaguymer.com 

outreach@necom.org.au 

HILL, Jennifer 

MTA NSW Accredited Piano/ 

Theory/Musicianship 

All Grades. Inverell only. 

Ph: 6721 3888 

HARPLEY, Robert 

Cert IV Assess&Wkpl Train 

Beginner’s Guitar 

Introduction to guitar, basic 

notation, tablature. Popular 

styles, all ages 

Ph: 6775 9282 

Mob: 0404 443 879 

robhply@iinet.au 

HUDDLESTON, Wendy 

AMusA, L..Mus, FFCSME, 

DSME, Accompanist 

Conductor, Accompanist/ 

Coach; Examination prep. 

Ph: 6772 8514 

Mob: 0411 436 194 

wwhuddle@activ8.net.au 

KELSON, April 

BA, B Mus (Hons) M, Dip Edu, 

Kodaly Prim Level II 

Violin/Viola 

Beginner to Advanced NECOM 

Beginner Strings Program 

Mob: 0424 171 632 

akelson@necom.org.au 

LARKINS, Gerard 

AMusA, LMusA 

Flute 

Beginners to advanced students; 

examination candidates 

Ph: 6771 4245 

Mob: 0410 444 850 

ardins1@virginbroadband.com.au 

LAWRENCE, Madeleine 

L.Mus.A, A.Mus.A, ADMT (with 

Merit) 

Piano/ Musicianship 

Beginners to diploma level; Formerly 

lecturer in musicianship 

at NSW Conservatorium & guest 

lecturer for HSC revision courses 

Ph: 6772 1082 

Mob: 0447 540 766 

mlawrence-fairy@bigpond.com 

MARSHALL, Stephanie 

BA(Hons) DipEd. 

Offering drama lessons in playbuilding, 

improvisation, acting 

for camera, public speaking & 

performance poetry. 

Ph: 6722 3065 

Mob: 0418 659 410 

leachstephanie@hotmail.com 

MASON, Margaret 

Cert. Child Care 

Guitar & Electric Bass - Beginners 

to intermediate. Inverell area. 

Tel: 6721 4132 

margaret.mason1@gotalk.net.au 

McLACHLAN, Mary 

Piano - Inverell only 

Ph: 6722 3030 

McLAREN, Merran 

Dip.Mus(Ed), L.Mus.A, LTCL, Dip. 

Orff institute Salz 

Piano, Voice, Musicianship, Accompanist 

Formerly Director of Music at 

Pymble Ladies College; Ascham 

School Edgecliff; A Professional 

Music Studio Sydney 

Ph: 6732 2256 

bunyipmmm@nsw.chariot.net.au 

McPHAN, Greg 

BA, DipEd, PhD, AMusA & LMusA 

(Piano) LMusA (Voice) 

Voice 

Ph: 6775 1312 

greg.mcphan@une.edu.au 

McPHAN, Jenny 

A.Mus, L.Mus, LTCL, FTCL 

Piano 

Specialises in intermediate 

to advanced; Chamber music 

classes, performances classes 

Accompanist 

Ph: 6775 1312 

METCALFE O.A.M, Sue 

L.Mus, DSME.FFCSME DSCM 

Cello, Accompanist (Strings 

only), Cello choir, Armidale 

String Quartet 

Ph: 6775 1165 

Mob: 0419 225 236 

MICHELS-THORN, Cecile 

Dip Recorder Teacher (Ned) 

Cert. Musicianship (Fra) 

Recorder, Ocarina, Musicianship 

and French music group for children 

aged 1-5 accompanied by 

their parents. Also offers school 

holiday wkshps & exam prep. 

Ph: 6772 5889 

cmichels@aapt.net.au

MYERS, Bruce 

BMus, BTeach, FTCL, LMusA, Orff 

Trained 

Conductor, Arranger and Brass 

Specialist for all levels and ages; 

Classroom Music Teacher 

Ph: 6771 2679 

Mob: 0414 294 287 

bruce.myers@det.nsw.edu.au 

NEGEREVICH, Nick 

A.Mus.A, D.S.C.M, PGDIM(USQ) 

Flute, Piccolo, Clarinet & Saxophone 

- Now teaching in the 

New England area. Currently 

AMEB Examiner in Woodwinds 

– Instrumental teacher in 

Woodwind 

Mob: 0427 796 701 

nick.negerevich@negs.nsw.edu.au 

NIEMEYER, Belinda 

Cert IV Assess&Wkpl Train, Dip 

Children’s Services 

NECOM Early Childhood Music 

Program. 

Ph: 6775 1808 

PARKER, Robyn 

BA, Dip.Ed, Dip.Spec.Ed 

Recorder - Beginners to advanced. 

Camerata and Ribatutta 

Recorder Ensembles 

Ph: 6772 7976 

PULLEY, Laurie 

OAM,BA, FFCSME, DSME, DSCM, 

LMusA, Dip.Mus.Ed Violin/Viola 

Beginners to advanced; instrumental 

ensembles, orchestra, 

baritone soloist; classroom 

music, Armidale String Quartet 

Ph: 6772 1124 

PURCELL, Chris 

Guitar - Classical and Blues; 

Director – New England Youth 

Guitar Ensemble; Director - Vocal 

Chords Choral Group. 

Ph: 6772 3265 

RICKARDS, Deidre 

L.Mus.A, MACE, ARCM, B.Mus.Ed 

(Newcastle), B.Ed (Deakin) 

Pianist/Accompanist Composition 

Teacher 

Ph: 6771 1440 

Mob: 0439 711 444 

deidrerickards@bigpond.com 

ROBINSON, Helen 

Dip.Mus.Ed, A.Mus.A 

Piano - beginner to intermediate 

levels 

Inverell only 

Ph: 6721 1519 

ROOBOL, Leanne 

B.Mus, A.Mus.A, Grad Dip.Ed 

Director – New England Singers 

& Cantilena Folk Choirs 

Mob: 0427 712 548 

RUSSELL, Errol 

B.Mus, Dip.Ed, L.Mus.A, LCTL 

Violin / Viola 

Chamber Music classes, Armidale 

String Quartet, Former 

member SSO 

Ph: 6772 5556 

Mob: 0421 501 256 

SCHMALZ, Jelena 

Pipe Organ, Examination C for 

Church Organists (Berlin) 

Ph: 6772 3803 

lena.schmalz@web.de 

SMITH, Richard 

A.Mus.A. 

Piano Teaching & 

Accompaniment 

Mob: 0427 810 755 

SMOLDERS, Sandi 

Dip.Ed (Inf/Prim) 

Recorder Beginner to intermediate; 

TAFE Early Childhood Music 

interested in working with 

children with special needs. 

Ph: 6772 1702 

SOUTHCOTT, Inge 

B.Mus (Perf); Grad.Dip (Vocal 

Pedagogy); BFA (Hons); MBBS, 

Voice 

All ages, beginners to professionals; 

healthy technique; 

musicality & performance skills. 

12 yrs teaching experience. 

Ph: 6772 0258 A/H 

Mob: 0431 479 008 

ingesinger@bigpond.com 

STREATFEILD, Eleanor 

A.Mus.A.,B.Mus. 

Cello - Beginner to Advanced; 

Tutor – NECOM Beginner Strings 

Program 

Mob: 0403 211 778 

TAFRA, Stephen 

B.Arts (Mus), Grad.Dip.Mus 

Guitar 

Specialises in Classical/ Solo 

guitar to advanced level. Can 

teach Jazz/ Improvisation to 

an intermediate level. Popular 

commercial styles can also be 

incorporated into a productive 

learning method if requested; 

EphenStephen guitar duo 

Ph: 6771 2716 

Mob: 0414 512 716 

TALL, Stephen 

Voice 

Beginners to advanced; Ages 

13 to adult; All styles including 

AMEB exam preparation. 

Ph: 6772 8982 

Mob: 0406 953 366 

tall.icon@bigpond.com 

THORN, Benjamin 

PhD, BA (Hons), Dip.Ed 

Recorder / Flute/ Celtic Harp/ 

Composition 

Accompaniment on harp. 

Examinations, performances 

Ph: 6772 5889 

benjaminthorn@aapt.net.au 

THORNEYCROFT, Stephen 

B.Mus(Hons) 

Guitar / Composition 

Guitar (all styles), Composition 

lecturer UNE, EphenStephen 

guitar duo 

Ph: 6771 2762 

stevethorneycroft@mac.com 

www.ephenstephen.com 

TORBAY, George 

B.Mus (Distinction, Boston USA); 

Grad.Dip.Ed 

Voice – Beginners to adv. 

Vocal Coaching, Choral Conducting 

– all levels; Musicianship 

– all levels. 

Mob: 0447 436 743 

gtorbay@bigpond.net.au 

WARFIELD, Garry 

Guitar & Bass - Beginners to Advanced 

– Popular/Jass/Classical 

Ph: 0402 457 800 

grwarfield@optusnet.com.au 

WARNOCK, Jenny 

A.Mus.A (Piano & Voice), B.Mus.Ed 

(Sydney) 

Voice/ Piano/ Accompanist 

Beginners to advanced, all ages, 

both instruments. 

Mezzo Soprano soloist, accompanist 

for singers and instrumentalists 

Ph: 6772 6279 

Mob: 0431 188 310 

jencal@northnet.com.au 

WATERS, Deirdre 

A.Mus.A, T.Mus.A. LTCL 

Piano/ Musicianship; 

Piano (Prel-Gde 8); specialising 

in Gdes 4-7 Musicianship; 

Accreditation Sydney Con. 

(Mus/ Theory); New Music Craft 

Syllabus 

h: 6775 3754 

WIGG, Barbara 

ARCM 

Piano 

Teaching all grades from beginners 

to advanced level; Also all 

levels of musicianship. 

Ph: 6722 2119 

barbarawigg@bigpond.com 

How to contact us 

New England Conservatorium of music 

Office: CB Newling building, 

cnr Mossman and Faulkner Sts 

Armidale NSW 2350 Australia 

Postal: PO Box 1313, Armidale 2350 

Phone: 02 6772 7203 

Fax: 02 6772 7511 

Web: http://necom.une.edu.au 

Director – Julie Croft 

director@necom.org.au 

Financial Admin – Faewyn Goyen 

admin@necom.org.au 

Office Hours Mon- Fri 9 – 5pm 

* First 3 weeks of each term NECOM Office has extended 

office hours including Saturday mornings from 9-12.30 and 

Monday, Tuesday & Wed. afternoons to 5.30pm. 

Inverell Campus 

Sinclair Place Public School 

79 Moore St, Inverell 2360 

Mail: PO Box 1242, Inverell 2360 

Coordinator: Peta Blyth 

Tel: 6724 8248 

ABN: 161 043 294 46 ACN: 104 329 446 


NOTICBOARD 

Music Diary Term 3 

July 

8/9 We/Th Junior Orchestra workshop 

30 Th AMTA HSC performance evening @ PLC, 6pm 

August 

2 Su NECOM Woodwind studio concert @ 2pm 

6 Th AMEB exams commence @ NECOM 

(for three weeks) 

6 Th Marian Barford’s Violin studio concert @ 6pm 

7 Fr April Kelson Violin studio concert @ 6pm 

8 Sa Armidale Symphony Orchestra Night at the 

Opera concert, 7pm Ex-Services Club 

8 Sa Vocal workshop with Peta Blyth @ 2pm 

9 Su Armidale Symphony Orchestra Night at the 

Opera concert, 7pm Ex-Services Club 

11 Tu Australian Youth Orchestra string auditions 

(all day) 

11 Tu Launch of Orpheus Music String series at 

NECOM 6:00pm 

15/16 Sa/Su Alexander Technique weekend workshop 

17 Mo AMTA HSC performance evening @ AHS, 6pm 

29 Sa Australian Youth Orchestra woodwind and 

brass auditions 

30/31 Su/Mo French Horn Development program 

workshops @ Robert Johnson 

September 

2 We NECOM Choral Concert @ 6pm 

6 Su NECOM Chamber Series Concert 

@ 3pm with April Kelson 

7 Mo AMTA HSC performance evening 

@ NECOM, 6pm 

12/13 Sa/Su Sydney Wind Quartet workshops 

13 Su Beginner String program solo concerts 

11am, 1:30 & 3pm 

20 Su Beginner Woodwind program solo concert 

23 We Australian Youth Orchestra Chamber Music 

camp commences (until 4th October) 


Orpheus Music 

String Series 

launch at 

NECOM 

Orpheus Music has been publishing contemporary 

recorder music for 10 years, with a 

catalogue of over 200 works written by some 

40 composers. These editions are stocked in 

shops through Europe, USA and the UK. 

Orpheus Music is now expanding into the 

publishing of string music and is pleased to 

announce the launching of its new initiative, 

the String Series. These publications range in 

standard from easy to advanced and include 

composers from Australia, the USA and the 

UK. Currently the series includes works by two 

local composers, Benjamin Thorn and Richard 

Peter Maddox. Orpheus Music also presents an 

annual Junior String Summer School 4-8 January 

2010 where some of these new compositions 

will be played (Orpheus Music also retails 

violins, string music and accessories) 

The launch of the String Series will be hosted 

by NECOM on the 11th August at 6.00pm, 

where a selection of compositions will be 

played by NECOM educator members and 

students. 

Alexander Technique 

Workshops 

…play better, perform better, move better, 

live better… 

- with renowned teacher Susan Allen - 

Saturday 15 August, group workshops: $20 per participant 

Sunday 16 August: Music Educator Member workshop 

Individual lessons also available: $90 

Venue: New England Conservatorium Of Music 

Applications available first week of term 3 

Don’t miss this rare opportunity. 

Enquiries 6772 7203 

Email: admin@necom.org.au

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