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

Volume 15, July 2009Guests gatherto say thankyou to CorinneNECOM NEWS JULY 2009 1

DIRECTOR’S REPORTThis is my thirdweek at NECOM asDirector and I amstill whirling fromso many programsthat constitute itsrich musical life.On my first nightin Armidale I wasamazed by thehigh standard ofchoral singing at the eisteddfod’s ChoirNight. Two days later I was stunned bythe sophisticated student compositionsperformed at the presentationceremony, preceded by a seminar withthe renowned composer Stephen Leek.The next weekend witnessed aural workshopsand the NECOM Cantilena Choirperforming at the Eisteddfod Gala Concert.The following Saturday the stringteachers ran studio concerts. The nextday a French Horn Development programcommenced. On the same day theNECOM Sinfonia performed baroqueworks with stylistic flair in a Fiori MusicaliFundraising Concert. Next weekend willsee the Ensemble Offspring providing acomposition workshop and a concert. ABeginner Strings Program Concert willalso highlight students’ achievements.And all this in a three week period.NECOM’s early childhood music, Choraland Beginner String and Woodwindprograms are flourishing. Fourteen ensembles,carefully designed to maximisechoral and instrumental learning pathways,rehearse weekly, conducted andaccompanied by outstanding professionals.The quality of the instrumentaltuition program teaching is second tonone.A musical revolution of this magnitudecannot take place without a fearlessleader, and I would like to pay tribute toCorinne Arter my predecessor, who hasbuilt an institution which is enhancingthe musical lives of so many people. Astrong Board with Dr Arthur Rickards atthe helm must also be applauded for creatingan organisation of this stature.2 NECOM NEWS JULY 2009So, you may well ask, who is this personto whom the baton has been passed?Let me tell you a little of my background.I was born in Armidale and grew up ona farm north of Guyra. As a classicallytrained pianist and having completedan honours year in music from the Universityof New England I moved to thebig smoke to play in rock, blues and jazzbands and contemporary music ensembles.The best name we had for one ofthese bands was ‘Len’s Contact’ and themost ‘out there’ ensemble was classed asmusic theatre. In the latter I recall pluckingthe strings of a piano and a womansinging a song about domestic violenceto an ironing board while someonestood in a corner cracking raw eggs overhis head.After a few wild years in Sydney I hankeredfor the country and having completeda Dip. Ed. I was appointed to FinleyHigh School. Finley was a Countryand Western singing, sport dominatedtown amidst rice farms which drew theirvast water needs from the ever diminishingMurray River. My first rude awakeningcame when it was apparent thatmusic was not given the same status asany other subject. This soon changed,and when the number of participants inthe Finley and District Youth Orchestraexceeded the number of members ofthe combined local football teams it wastime to move on.I spent the next five years as a MusicConsultant K-12 for the Riverina Regionwhich reached from Lake Mungo in thenorth to the foothills of the Snowy Mountains.My second awakening came as I experiencedfirst hand the lack of systemicsupport, teachers ill-equipped to teachmusic, and the tyranny of distance.These understandings shaped mynext phase of work in the NSW PerformingArts Unit firstly as Programs Manageroverseeing state programs. Then overnightin a departmental restructuring,regional arts education programs hadbeen somehow forgotten. I was taskedwith developing a state-wide structureto reinstate them. Ten Creative ArtsCouncils and generic systems of fundingwere established resulting in unprecedentedlevels of student and teacherparticipation.I decided to take a break from thearts world and after completing an MAin Public Policy I accepted a position inAfghanistan as Policy and Planning Advisorto the Coordination of HumanitarianAssistance (CHA). Twenty three yearsof civil war had wreaked its havoc andKabul, once ‘the Paris of the East’, hadbeen reduced to rubble. Nothing hadprepared me for the despairing eyes ofparents unable to provide for their children.Not much music here. The Talibanhad banned it during their insane rule.CHA provided health, education andagricultural services to over 3 millionpeople. I worked with my Afghan colleaguesto develop policies for all sectorsand facilitated a five year strategicplan which is still being implementedtoday.On my return I worked as a SolutionsBroker for the federal government inthe Barkly Region, Northern Territory. Ahighlight during this time was the establishmentof the Winanjjikari Music Centreto meet a community identified needfor a safe place for disengaged youngIndigenous males to play music, undertakecertificated courses and to performand record their own music.Next I moved to Darwin to work for anational company ‘Outback Stores’ establishedto provide food security forIndigenous communities. As WellbeingManager on the Senior Executive team,my focus was to ensure that the imperativefor the economic sustainability ofstores didn’t overshadow the company’smission to make a positive difference tothe health of remote Indigenous Australians.During these adventures music wasnever far away from my psyche andwhen the position for Director of NECOMcame on the radar, the time was right toreturn, not only to the arts world butalso to the home of my birth and family.I believe the New England Conservatoriumof Music is poised for its nextexciting phase of development. Thewelcomed announcement of additionalfunding for the Regional Conservatoriumswill help to underpin this new phase.However, what form this takes will onlybe determined after consultation withkey stakeholders. I look forward to workingclosely with the NECOM board, staffand the New England community on afive year strategic plan to pave the wayforward.As I sit at my desk in this magnificentold building I can hear exquisite melodiesfrom the New England Singers rehearsingnext door. In the office, HeatherPavel is busily preparing music for theJunior Orchestra Workshop and FaewynGoyen is systemising the instrumentalhire program while answering endlesscalls. This is indeed a thriving institutionwhich I am privileged to be part of.Julie Croft

FAREWELLCorinne Arter put the New England Conservatorium on asuccessful footing during her five years as Director, Memberfor Northern Tablelands Richard Torbay told guests at afarewell function on Friday 19th June. “Corinne has made anoutstanding contribution, bringing NECOM from a positionof only two students and no programs or activities to thecurrent position of 537 students, more than 2500 programparticipants and six full-time and 18 part-time staff” the MPsaid. “Under her leadership, she worked with her board andstaff to establish a Conservatorium without walls involvinglocal music teachers and providing services such as specialistworkshops, business management, advertising, teachingvenues, masterclasses, scholarship and bursary assistanceand concert venues for studio concerts. She also guided thedevelopment of an outreach program at Inverell which nowhas a campus and part-time co-ordinator.”Corinne says goodbyeDuring her five years, Corinne instigated an instrumental tuitionprogram, a tiered choral and ensemble program, includingfour choirs, beginner programs for strings and woodwind,the New England Youth Sinfonia, an early childhood musiceducation program and an extensive workshop programfor both students and teachers. In this period, a number ofcommunity organizations amalgamated with NECOM, includingthe Armidale Music Teachers Association, the ArmidaleYouth String Orchestra, the Armidale Youth String Ensemble,the Armidale Youth Orchestra and the Armidale SymphonyOrchestra.NECOM Chairman, Dr. Arthur Rickards paid tribute toCorinne Arter for her achievements as Director and “herdedication and persistence in building a quality organizationbased on solid music education structures”.The NECOM community turned up in force to pay their respectsArmidale Express, Wednesday June 24th, 2009Hon. Richard Torbay MP TAS Trio performing during the cocktail partyNECOM NEWS JULY 2009 3

WORKSHOPPaul Holley workshop and Cantilena SingersAfter a busy time singing in the Eisteddfod, Cantilena showedtheir enthusiasm and hard working spirit when they spentan hour with Paul Holley, the 2009 Choral Adjudicator andthe director of the famous Birralee Blokes. Paul began withphysical warm-ups to stretch and energise the physical bodyand activities to engage the children’s attention and mentalenergy. He led them through several very funny tongue twistingexercises using nonsense syllables and sounds followedby a focus on their breathing.Paul then worked through two of the songs from Cantilena’srepertoire. He used imagery to assist the children in effectivelycapturing the mood of these pieces and worked particularlyhard to improve the vocal line and sense of phraseby having the children copy physical movements extendingfor the duration of each phrase or having the children hissfrom the beginning to the end of long phrases.This was a highly enjoyable workshop for Cantilena andI was impressed with their efforts after two big days of performing.Rowena Tall, Conductor, NECOM Cantilena SingersMinisingers joined Cantilena for the warm-ups.Choral conductors enjoyed watching Paul Holley in action with Cantilena.4 NECOM NEWS JULY 2009

WORKSHOPPaul Holley Choral ConductingSince singing is so good a thing, Iwish all men would learn to sing.William Byrd (1543-1623) English composerIf one is to take note of the breadth of singing andchoral music in Armidale in 2009 it would be quite obviousthat many not only “learn to sing” but thoroughlyenjoy singing together in the choral setting. Entries inthe choral sections of the Armidale Eisteddfod (frominfant’s school to tertiary level) were very healthy, providingopportunities for the more youthful. And, for theadults, the Armidale Choral Society, Fiori Musicali, andSing Australia all provide avenues for singing in choirs.So when a person of the calibre of Paul Holley (Directorof the award-winning Birralee Blokes) hits town itis only natural that we would enlist his help to learn tosing even better!Paul, who has a regular connection with Armidale asthe choral director of the annual Armidale Music FoundationChoral and Orchestral Weekend, gave a mostenlightening workshop at the end of the Eisteddfodchoral sections on June 3rd. The workshop, attendedby primary and secondary school teachers as well asother interested observers, touched on aspects ofchoral training such as-Paul Holley• The choir environment- rehearsal goals, role of theconductor and the chorister, room setup, time ofrehearsal, how to approach a new song, pace of therehearsal.• Warmups- posture, breathing, blend of vowels,articulation, range.• Maximising the sound of your choir- diction, resonance,placement of singers, spacing of singers andvoice parts.Choral conductors from all over the region attended the workshop• Repertoire- how do I find it: listen to music, visitpublisher’s websites, go to reading days, contactother conductors, where to buy.In addition, Paul conducted the rehearsal of NECOMCantilena in an entertaining and educational manner.Paul has an easy-going and friendly manner which encouragesconductors and children/adults to feel comfortableenough to take risks in their choral endeavours.I have always found Paul Holley’s rehearsals andworkshops very inspirational. As a bonus, Paul was engagedto spend his final evening in Armidale workingwith Fiori Musicali- a special privilege indeed!Wendy Huddleston, NECOM Music Educator MemberBoth primary and secondary conductors attended the workshop.NECOM NEWS JULY 2009 5

OUTREACH PROGRAMInverell Tour ReportThis year, Nick Negerevich joined Eleanor Streatfeild andSheila Guymer to form the New England ConservatoriumTrio and continue NECOM’s outreach program in the NorthWest Region. Our first tour for 2009 was to Inverell topresent a program of chamber music for primary schoolchildren at the Ross Hill, Inverell Public and Holy Trinityschools.The tour followed-on from a highly successful In-ServiceDay for primary school classroom teachers run by DeidreRickards at NECOM’s Inverell Campus. An innovation of theNECOM outreach design is that classroom teachers are activityencouraged to collaborate with the Trio in presentingthe program. The teacher reads introductions to each of thepieces, explains musical concepts drawn from the NSW MusicSyllabus, and guides the students’ participation in somemusical activities.It’s always a pleasure for the Trio to collaborate with theclassroom teachers in this way, especially with teachers whomight not have much knowledge of classical music themselves.It’s a real strength in Deidre Rickards’s design of theprogram’s script that general classroom teachers can feel confidentabout explaining musical concepts to their studentseasily and quickly. As one teacher wrote: “Personally, I gainedsome excellent ideas for my Term 2 Music Program (which Iam definitely going to implement) – I am enthused and motivated.Thankyou!” (Narelle, Ross Hill).On June 26, the Trio will present an introductory trainingsession for Armidale primary school teachers, in associationwith PAMTA (Primary Armidale Music Teachers Association).In Term Three, the Trio will be visiting schools in and aroundArmidale, while in Term Four the Trio heads west to visit theNarrabri and Moree districts.The children at all the schools were receptive and enthusiasticto meet the trio. After each presentation, we handedout a questionnaire and invited students to make commentsto give the trio, or draw their favourite instrument. Somestudents’ comments are below:Thankyou for visiting Ross Hill. That was the best music I’veever heard.The trio were fantastic. I loved the music and I hope theyenjoyed 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 Member6 NECOM NEWS JULY 2009

REVIEWEnsemble Offspring workshopIt was a rainy Saturday afternoon, when twenty of Armidale’syoung musicians met with the vibrant members of EnsembleOffspring – Damien Ricketson, Claire Edwardes, Jason Noble,Bree van Reyk and James Cuddeford. It was an afternoon ofmusical exploration – playing and listening to the Ensembleperform snippets from avant garde works by Damien Ricketsonhimself as well as John Cage and John Zorn.For those of us who were new to this music, Ensembleoffspring opened our minds to the exciting possibilities insound and showed us that almost anything can be an instrument!We certainly didn’t expect to hear bouncy balls orcymbals dropped on the floor as music!Each of the members of the ensemble is also a talentedclassical performer, and they helped us to see how two suchvaried genres of music can influence and inform each other.We were particularly impressed to hear that Bree van Reykcan often be found doing rock gigs with her band! It was aprivilege to work with such accomplished and experiencedmusicians, and each of us jumped at the chance to pick theirbrains – showing them our own compositions and askingtheir opinions on anything and everything.Jason Noble with Emily Watson and Ben Sindel.There’s no doubt about it – we were in unfamiliar musicalterritory but who better to guide us through these uncharteredwaters than the brilliant Ensemble Offspring.Emily Watson & Olivia Pain(L-R): James Cuddeford, Claire Edwardes and Bree van Reyk perform for the students.8 NECOM NEWS JULY 2009

CONCERTEnsemble Offspring ConcertEnsemble Offspring’s concert of ‘new’ music proved a tripdown memory lane for me. Featuring works by (or inspiredby) American Minimalist and Experimentalist composers(Reich, Glass, Cage), the program reminded me of Melbourne’snew music scene of the early 1990s… which wasitself nostalgic for New York’s new music scene of the 1960sand 70s.However, the central message of this music (“so, are youreally listening?”) is perhaps even more pertinent now than itwas 40 years ago. Every generation has to learn to pay attention,but we live in a cacophonous age; and in an age that’slearning too slowly not to take what is around us for granted.This music reminds us to appreciate the subtle beauty of theeveryday.For me, the program’s highlight was Hockey (1978) by JohnZorn. Ricketson, Edwardes and van Reyk performed this onviolin (lots of ‘bad’ bowing) plus an array of children’s toysand percussion. Ricketson described Zorn’s style as “cartoonmusic”, and the piece shone with playful humour. A lot of Experimentalistmusic looks (and sounds) like child’s play: howhard can it be to make silly scratchy noises at random times? Ican tell you that it seems easy… until you try it yourself!As with any musical style, it’s the practised control of one’sinstrument (even if that instrument is a child’s toy), coupledwith a cultivated aesthetic sensitivity and a fine sense of ensemble,that make a performance fresh and communicative.Ensemble Offspring understood these challenges and metthem with aplomb and wit.In any case, the program’s ‘Complexist’ solo works amplydemonstrated 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, awork that explores glissando to an extreme, showed Cuddeford’sabsolute command of his instrument.The Minimalist pieces (Reich’s Clapping Music and Musicin Fifths by Glass) now seem more like museum pieces than‘new’: early works that hold interest more because of howthese composers developed the same ideas in later compositionsthan for their own merits. It’s ironic that these iconoclasticcomposers are now the mainstays of a tradition, but fittingthat their works still challenge us to question and dare.Nick Negerevich and friends: NECOM Chamber SeriesOn May 3, Armidale’s flautists came out in force! Nick Negerevichfeatured in this year’s first NECOM Chamber MusicSeries concert, The Flute in Context, and encouraged hisflute-playing colleagues to join him. The program exhibitedthe stylistic versatility of the flute, and included classicalsonatas and jazzy trios, South American tangos and Irishjigs.Central to the program were two Trios for flute, cello andpiano by Haydn and Weber, performed by Nick with EleanorStreatfeild (cello) and myself (piano). These substantial workswere balanced by a short Fanfare for flute and clarinet byJohn Rutter (performed with clarinettist Ben Sindel), andPiazzolla’s seductive Histoire du Tango (performed with SteveThorneycroft, guitarist and co-artistic director of the Series).A highlight of the program (certainly for me as pianist) wasPoulenc’s Sonata for flute and piano. This wonderful sonata isone of the mainstays of the flute repertoire, and it was a treatfor me to rehearse and perform it with Nick.The program also included Black Orpheus by Bonfa, performedby Nick with Steve (guitar) and Sarah Christopher(double bass). Nick then took up the alto flute for two songsby André Previn, performed with Leanne Roobol (soprano)and myself.Perhaps the pièce (or pieces) de résistance were the worksfor flute choir: a Trio for three flutes by Kummer (performedAll the performers made for a crowded stage!by Nick with Wendy Champion and Gerard Larkins); and anexuberant arrangement by Kurt Walther of melodies fromBizet’s Carmen Suite (performed with Wendy Champion,Sharon Davidge, Geoff Derrin, Gerard Larkins, Jo Scott, KrystalSpreadborough and Rowena Tall). The concert ended with allthe performers back on stage (plus Celtic harpist Judy Hinch)for an encore of Irish jigs.The NECOM Chamber Series was founded to encourage EducatorMembers to get together and perform chamber musicwithout having to worry about the backstage organizationor publicity to attract an audience… and to encourage ourstudents to hear more concerts. A warm thankyou to Nick forselecting this program. The proceeds of the concert were donatedto NECOM, and the money helped to buy a sopraninosax for NECOM’s new saxophone ensemble. Bravissimo!Sheila GuymerNECOM NEWS JULY 2009 9

CONCERTSBeginner String ConcertSunday 28th June saw the first official concert of the yearfor participants in the Beginner String program. The concertshowcased the work of the Tuesday afternoon classes andtherefore had an ensemble focus. Young children playing forthe first time had the opportunity to experience a performancefirst-hand and also observe older children exhibitingconfident performance skills and etiquette.The repertoire of this group concert marked the growinggeneral improvement of string students in Armidale with demandingtechnical and musical challenges inherent in everygroups’ work.Highlights included beautifully balanced part work fromthe cello groups, a strong sense of internalized beat in thefolk songs of the Mini Minims and Cool Crotchets and the balanceand expressive playing of the Super Smart Semibreves.A few of the outstanding performances from the recentArmidale Eisteddfod are often incorporated into our groupconcerts. Phoebe Slack-Smith performed her winning entryBourée by Handel. David Tan and Jonathon Bruhl performedtheir winning duet, an arrangement of Spring by Vivaldi.Ziggy Harris performed a beautifully poignant version ofMelody Plaintive by Carse.Each year the concerts at the end of each term mark amilestone of achievement for students, parents, teachersand the program alike. This year has been a time of reflectionfor me as we are now well into the fifth year of the BeginnerString program. Many innovations over the preceding yearsChoral NewsCool Crotchets perform Pythonippotamus.have added to student understanding and have enhancedperformance technique.One of the most successful additions to our program hasbeen the terrific accompaniment lessons given by MadeleineLawrence. They are motivating, informative and eagerly attendedby our string students. Madeleine’s involvement inour Tuesday group lessons has also allowed the students todevelop a rapport that is obvious and helpful to their confidenceon stage.Thank you to all the string teachers involved in the organizationand production of this concert: April Kelson, ElenaorStreatfeild, Marian Barford, Madeleine Lawrence and ZanaClarke.Marian Barford, NECOM violin teacherThe NECOM Minisingers continue to fill the air with theirspecial sound. This term began with a focus on preparationfor 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 andrhythm helped with memory and recall. We had fun withecho songs and group games that required pitch matchingand awareness of vowel sounds.The Mini Singers have achieved great improvement in pitchalong with ability to project their voices while maintaining abeautiful sound. Their eisteddfod performance was beautifuland attracted a lot of positive feedback and praise. CongratulationsMinisingers.We continue now with more fun and more learning withnew activities and games which aim to support and build onthe Minisingers’ ability to connect with the songs they sing.Belinda Niemeyer, Director, MinisingersRowena Tall conducting Cantilena Singers at the Eisteddfod.10 NECOM NEWS JULY 2009

PROGRAMSNew England SingersNew England Singers has worked very hardthis term and it has been a pleasure to takeon the role of Conductor of this ensemble.We prepared four pieces for the ArmidaleEisteddfod in a six week period, all frommemory. The choir received very favourablecomments on all their performances,especially relating to their vocal production.We have enjoyed selecting some newrepertoire for New England Singers and willbe performing these pieces at the NECOMChoral Concert.There will be opportunities for choristersto sing solos in a number of choral items. Icontinue to encourage all of the singers totake the opportunity to sing solos and toimprove their confidence in this area. Thereis a lovely blend of voices and I am excitedabout the performance opportunities forNew England Singers.Leanne Roobol, Director, New England SingersLeanne Roobol conducting New England Singers at the Eisteddfod.Composition Seminar & Awards Evening with Stephen LeekOn Thursday the 4th of June, the annual Eisteddfod CompositionNight was held at NECOM. The inspirational StephenLeek was this year’s adjudicator and he gave an hourlong workshop before the presentation on the techniquesof composition. It was an extremely exciting opportunity tolearn from one of Australia’s leading composers.After the workshop the finalists performed and the prizeswere announced. Prizes were given in each section. Congratulationsto Sophia Thatcher who won the Adjudicator’sChoice award.It was very interesting to see the creativity of everyone’scompositions. They were all very clever and different. Therewas also an interesting mix of genres and instruments thatare not commonly heard together such as the double bassJohannes Hallerneier, Stephen Leek, Stuart Pavel and Deidre Rickardspizzicato duet. From a tango to a trio sung in Italian the wondersnever ceased. The audience was thoroughly enthralledthroughout the evening wondering what masterpiece wouldcome 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’scompositions!Hannah Grigg, PLC, Year 9NECOM NEWS JULY 2009 11

MASTERCLASSPiano masterclass with Gil SullivanRecently, a group of 6 students, including myself, attendeda piano master class run by Australia’s only fulltime performingconcert pianist, Gil Sullivan. Many of us had heardhim play the previous night at a concert in the T.A.S CreativeArts Centre, and already had a fair idea that he knewhis way around a piano.Gill gave us an opportunity to play a piece of our ownchoosing, and then gave comments and feedback on ourperformance. Pieces ranged from classical works by Mozartand Beethoven through to the French composers Debussy,Mompou and Fauré. Whatever the style, Gil showed a greatinsight into the workings of the pieces, both technically andstylistically. I am sure that everybody found this insight particularlyuseful in the weeks leading up to the Eisteddfod.His main focus during the class was to get us to listen moreto our own playing and not “to make the notes themselvesour focus” as he put it. Because there was such a wide rangeof pieces, we saw how this could be done in all styles, likelistening to the pictures painted by programme music andthe emotions conjured up by classical composers.One of the things that I found most helpful is that in mywork by Beethoven, he showed me how I could use my wristtechnique to improve my interpretation of the work and notjust have to focus on getting the notes right. I did however,find it frustrating after working on my piece for months, thathe was able to sit down and sight-read it better than I couldplay it!Gil could spot a wrong note a mile off, and in the sectionsof our works that we found challenging he gave invaluableadvice on fixing up our act. His rhythm and time work wasgreat too, and he reinforced that old mantra that we’ve beenreared on “check your metronome!”It’s not easy to pull yourself together for music lessons onthe weekend, but the Gil Sullivan masterclass was an unmissableexperience. Everybody was struck by his warm personalityand skill with the keyboard; you couldn’t help takingsomething away from the experience. A big thankyou toNECOM, it was marvellous.Tim WilliamsonFrench Horn weekend with Robert JohnsonThe weekend of the 21st of June saw Robert Johnsoncoming to Armidale to teach the French Horn players of Armidaleand the New England region. Robert provided someamazing insights from his extensive experiences as principalHorn for the SSO, work with chamber groups such asACO and years of performing and recording professionally.It is truly amazing to be enriched by the wisdom and adviceof such a brilliant player and a patient and knowledgeableteacher.Robert taught the French horn students from Armidaleand Tamworth, from adult players to the newcomers thathave recently seen the light. He also took adult and juniorensembles, developing the essential ensemble playing skillsnecessary for future orchestral and chamber music performers.It was fantastic to hear the beautiful horn ensemblesounds created from all these players from the region. Thiswas all topped off by an informal but highly informative andenjoyable session to discuss Opera and the upcoming ArmidaleSymphony’s ‘Night at the Opera’ concert program. Thiswas masterfully reinforced with an orchestral playing sessionand having Robert play with the horn section at the orchestrarehearsal.We are truly privileged to have such an opportunity to performand learn from one of the best horn players in Australia.These weekends will continue throughout the year thanksto the successful outcome of two grants from Regional ArtsNSW: a CASP grant and an Art Start grant. These grants willallow Robert to come to Armidale for five weekends this year.This is great for the future development of horn playing inthe New England region as all players had a great time duringtheir time spent with Robert and gained very valuable experience.A huge thanksto Rob and all thepeople involved ingetting this programhappen.Alistair FincoRobert Johnson and some of the workshop participants.12 NECOM NEWS JULY 2009

EisteddfodSuccess for Guitar EnsembleCongratulations to the New England Youth Guitar Ensemblefor taking 1st place in their category (Guitar Duet or GroupYear 7 – 12), at the Armidale Eisteddfod in May. They playedCancion de la Luna, a haunting piece by Australian guitarist/composer Anthony Garcia. Last year the ensemble attendeda workshop with Anthony and learned a few of his works. Iam sure he would have been extremely pleased with theirperformance of Cancion. Well done guys.The ensemble are currently rehearsing for their mid-yearconcert to be held on July 5th in G31 at 2 pm. They will bepresenting their usual eclectic mix of melodies from Baroqueto the Blues. Students of Chris Purcell and Steve Tafra and theNew England Guitar Ensemble will also be performing.Coming up for the Youth Guitar Ensemble: a BeginningImprovisation Workshop with Chris Purcell in Term 3 andMarkets in the Mall busking in Spring. In Term 4 there will bea November concert and a performance at the annual turningon of the Christmas Lights Ceremony in the Mall to finishthe year.Chris Purcell, Director, New England Youth Guitar EnsemblePROFILERebecca SimonRebecca recently moved toArmidale from Toowoombawith her new husbandDaniel. She has been appointedaccompanist of theNew England Singers andwe feature her biography inthis month’s newsletter.As a young toddler,Rebecca sat on her mum’sknee, gaining a love andknowledge of music that has stayed with her ever since. Rebeccalearnt from her mum until she was about 12 years old,before going on to a local Toowoomba music teacher, JanineGraham. After several months with Janine, she was preparingfor 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 16thbirthday. During that same year, she attended a McGregorChamber Music School, studying under Andrew and WendyLorenz and Dianne Selmon. She considers this as the catalystfor her love of chamber music.Following her AMusA, Rebecca commenced studies withWendy Lorenz. The following year (2006), she was acceptedinto the Bachelor of Music program, where she continued herlessons with Wendy. During her first semester of uni, at just17 years, Rebecca was repetiteur and vocal coach for the USQOpera Studio production of Mozart’s Cosi fan Tutte. At theend of 2006, Wendy retired from USQ and Rebecca continuedunder the tutelage of Marilyn Meier-Kapavale. During thisyear, she was repetiteur for Mozart’s Magic Flute & Bach’sSt John Passion. These productions involved hundreds ofhours of rehearsals, but Rebecca says the experience gainedfrom this and from working with great musicians and directorssuch as John Peek, Gillian Sullivan, Joseph Ward, LeonWarnock, Hayley Sugars, Arthur Johnson, Phillip Gearing, andLorraine Fuller has been so valuable to her as a musician.New England Youth Guitar EnsembleTerm 3 dates:Monday 27th July toSaturday 26th SeptemberRebecca has always loved working with other musicians –both in the accompanying and chamber music capacity. Shehas extensive experience accompanying advanced tertiarylevel flute, violin and vocal soloists, as well as much choralwork. In January 2007, she attended the McGregor ChamberMusic School, studying jazz piano with Kerin Bailey, whichhas inspired a great interest in jazz music.Rebecca deferred her studies in 2008 to work full-timeand prepare for her wedding and the move to Armidale inDecember. Rebecca is now teaching piano and theory atO’Connor Catholic College, accompanying whenever the opportunityarises, not to mention working a couple of jobs andstudying French! She is very excited to become a part of theArmidale musical community.NECOM NEWS JULY 2009 13

NECOM Educator membersARCHER, CathyBMusEd (Newcastle Con.);Performers Certificate in Voice -Trinity College;Classroom TeacherPh: 6771 4886BARFORD, MarianB.Mus Violin/ViolaBeginner to AdvancedTutor – NECOM Beginner StringsProgramPh: 6775 1289BLYTH, PetaB.Mus (Hons) BA Dip Ed L.Mus.A(Piano) VoiceARCM (London) (Voice)Voice - Inverell basedClarion Singers; concert andopera artist; adjudicatorPh: 6724 8248wpblyth@bigpond.comBRADLEY, RobynLMus, BMus, MRurSc.,BVScPiano/AccompanimentAll grades beginner to advanced;Accompanist (intermediateto advanced)Ph: 6772 6468robyn.m.bradley@gmail.comBROWN, DaveBA(Mus), Dip.Ed(SecMus)Brass - All instruments at alllevels, happy to teach to otherregional centres via video-conferencing.Ph: 6779 2614Mob: 0419 539 372CHAMPION, WendyB.Mus (Hons Perf) Aust.Inst.MusicFlute/Clarinet/SaxophoneInverell & WarialdaMob: 0438 287 582CLARKE, ZanaB.A (Melb), B.Mus.(Melb), Dip.Ed.(UNE), A.Mus.A (Violin)Recorder & Violin specialist to alllevels and agesPh: 6772 2205zana@orpheusmusic.com.auCUSACK, Sister Margaret ThereseT.Mus.A; ATCL; A.MusA; MMTA,MIMTPiano/Musicianship - (all grades)Singing – Beginners, AMEBGrades or AMEB ‘Singing forLeisure’ syllabus.Moree OnlyPh: 6752 7945margaretcusack17@bigpond.comDAVIDGE, SharonA.Mus.A, B.Nat.Res.(Hons)Flute, Piccolo, Fife, Panpipesbeginners to advancedPh: 6771 1607DEBUS (nee Dodds), SofiaB.Mus.(Distinction), B.Ed.,Adv.Cert.MusicPerf.(GSMD)Violin & StringsAMEB Exam PreparationPh: 6772 1710Mob:0428 385 824sydodds@hotmail.comDRISCOLL, RobynDip.Mus.Ed., L.Mus.A. Dip.Mus.Ed(Newcastle) (Piano)Piano – beginner to diplomalevelsPh: 6772 1349DUNHAM, WarwickASCM B.Mus (Syd)Organ, Piano, Jazz Piano, MusicTheory, Composition, MusicTechnologyPh: 6775 2396Mob: 0417 210 509warwick@tpg.net.auGRIFFITH, DebraA.Mus.A, Cert MusT (USQ) MTANSW AccreditedPianoBeginners to advanced; HSCrequirements. All ages; Pianofor leisure; AMEB & Trinity exampreparation; Musicianship;MusicCraft.Ph: 6771 1019Mob: 0421 843 398babygrand13@hotmail.comGROWNS, JaneBSc(Hons), PhD, AMusAClarinet/Saxophone/PianoPh: 6772 2980GUYMER, SheilaA.MusA, L.MusA, B.Mus (Hons),MMusSt. (Solo Piano), MMus(Accomp).Piano, Theory, Music Craft,Accompaniment. All ages andlevels welcome. Also taught atSydney Con. & Melbourne Uni.Ph: 6772 7013Mob: 0422 379 044Web: www.sheilaguymer.comoutreach@necom.org.auHILL, JenniferMTA NSW Accredited Piano/Theory/MusicianshipAll Grades. Inverell only.Ph: 6721 3888HARPLEY, RobertCert IV Assess&Wkpl TrainBeginner’s GuitarIntroduction to guitar, basicnotation, tablature. Popularstyles, all agesPh: 6775 9282Mob: 0404 443 879robhply@iinet.auHUDDLESTON, WendyAMusA, L..Mus, FFCSME,DSME, AccompanistConductor, Accompanist/Coach; Examination prep.Ph: 6772 8514Mob: 0411 436 194wwhuddle@activ8.net.auKELSON, AprilBA, B Mus (Hons) M, Dip Edu,Kodaly Prim Level IIViolin/ViolaBeginner to Advanced NECOMBeginner Strings ProgramMob: 0424 171 632akelson@necom.org.auLARKINS, GerardAMusA, LMusAFluteBeginners to advanced students;examination candidatesPh: 6771 4245Mob: 0410 444 850ardins1@virginbroadband.com.auLAWRENCE, MadeleineL.Mus.A, A.Mus.A, ADMT (withMerit)Piano/ MusicianshipBeginners to diploma level; Formerlylecturer in musicianshipat NSW Conservatorium & guestlecturer for HSC revision coursesPh: 6772 1082Mob: 0447 540 766mlawrence-fairy@bigpond.comMARSHALL, StephanieBA(Hons) DipEd.Offering drama lessons in playbuilding,improvisation, actingfor camera, public speaking &performance poetry.Ph: 6722 3065Mob: 0418 659 410leachstephanie@hotmail.comMASON, MargaretCert. Child CareGuitar & Electric Bass - Beginnersto intermediate. Inverell area.Tel: 6721 4132margaret.mason1@gotalk.net.auMcLACHLAN, MaryPiano - Inverell onlyPh: 6722 3030McLAREN, MerranDip.Mus(Ed), L.Mus.A, LTCL, Dip.Orff institute SalzPiano, Voice, Musicianship, AccompanistFormerly Director of Music atPymble Ladies College; AschamSchool Edgecliff; A ProfessionalMusic Studio SydneyPh: 6732 2256bunyipmmm@nsw.chariot.net.auMcPHAN, GregBA, DipEd, PhD, AMusA & LMusA(Piano) LMusA (Voice)VoicePh: 6775 1312greg.mcphan@une.edu.auMcPHAN, JennyA.Mus, L.Mus, LTCL, FTCLPianoSpecialises in intermediateto advanced; Chamber musicclasses, performances classesAccompanistPh: 6775 1312METCALFE O.A.M, SueL.Mus, DSME.FFCSME DSCMCello, Accompanist (Stringsonly), Cello choir, ArmidaleString QuartetPh: 6775 1165Mob: 0419 225 236MICHELS-THORN, CecileDip Recorder Teacher (Ned)Cert. Musicianship (Fra)Recorder, Ocarina, Musicianshipand French music group for childrenaged 1-5 accompanied bytheir parents. Also offers schoolholiday wkshps & exam prep.Ph: 6772 5889cmichels@aapt.net.au14 NECOM NEWS JULY 2009

MYERS, BruceBMus, BTeach, FTCL, LMusA, OrffTrainedConductor, Arranger and BrassSpecialist for all levels and ages;Classroom Music TeacherPh: 6771 2679Mob: 0414 294 287bruce.myers@det.nsw.edu.auNEGEREVICH, NickA.Mus.A, D.S.C.M, PGDIM(USQ)Flute, Piccolo, Clarinet & Saxophone- Now teaching in theNew England area. CurrentlyAMEB Examiner in Woodwinds– Instrumental teacher inWoodwindMob: 0427 796 701nick.negerevich@negs.nsw.edu.auNIEMEYER, BelindaCert IV Assess&Wkpl Train, DipChildren’s ServicesNECOM Early Childhood MusicProgram.Ph: 6775 1808PARKER, RobynBA, Dip.Ed, Dip.Spec.EdRecorder - Beginners to advanced.Camerata and RibatuttaRecorder EnsemblesPh: 6772 7976PULLEY, LaurieOAM,BA, FFCSME, DSME, DSCM,LMusA, Dip.Mus.Ed Violin/ViolaBeginners to advanced; instrumentalensembles, orchestra,baritone soloist; classroommusic, Armidale String QuartetPh: 6772 1124PURCELL, ChrisGuitar - Classical and Blues;Director – New England YouthGuitar Ensemble; Director - VocalChords Choral Group.Ph: 6772 3265RICKARDS, DeidreL.Mus.A, MACE, ARCM, B.Mus.Ed(Newcastle), B.Ed (Deakin)Pianist/Accompanist CompositionTeacherPh: 6771 1440Mob: 0439 711 444deidrerickards@bigpond.comROBINSON, HelenDip.Mus.Ed, A.Mus.APiano - beginner to intermediatelevelsInverell onlyPh: 6721 1519ROOBOL, LeanneB.Mus, A.Mus.A, Grad Dip.EdDirector – New England Singers& Cantilena Folk ChoirsMob: 0427 712 548RUSSELL, ErrolB.Mus, Dip.Ed, L.Mus.A, LCTLViolin / ViolaChamber Music classes, ArmidaleString Quartet, Formermember SSOPh: 6772 5556Mob: 0421 501 256SCHMALZ, JelenaPipe Organ, Examination C forChurch Organists (Berlin)Ph: 6772 3803lena.schmalz@web.deSMITH, RichardA.Mus.A.Piano Teaching &AccompanimentMob: 0427 810 755SMOLDERS, SandiDip.Ed (Inf/Prim)Recorder Beginner to intermediate;TAFE Early Childhood Musicinterested in working withchildren with special needs.Ph: 6772 1702SOUTHCOTT, IngeB.Mus (Perf); Grad.Dip (VocalPedagogy); BFA (Hons); MBBS,VoiceAll ages, beginners to professionals;healthy technique;musicality & performance skills.12 yrs teaching experience.Ph: 6772 0258 A/HMob: 0431 479 008ingesinger@bigpond.comSTREATFEILD, EleanorA.Mus.A.,B.Mus.Cello - Beginner to Advanced;Tutor – NECOM Beginner StringsProgramMob: 0403 211 778TAFRA, StephenB.Arts (Mus), Grad.Dip.MusGuitarSpecialises in Classical/ Sologuitar to advanced level. Canteach Jazz/ Improvisation toan intermediate level. Popularcommercial styles can also beincorporated into a productivelearning method if requested;EphenStephen guitar duoPh: 6771 2716Mob: 0414 512 716TALL, StephenVoiceBeginners to advanced; Ages13 to adult; All styles includingAMEB exam preparation.Ph: 6772 8982Mob: 0406 953 366tall.icon@bigpond.comTHORN, BenjaminPhD, BA (Hons), Dip.EdRecorder / Flute/ Celtic Harp/CompositionAccompaniment on harp.Examinations, performancesPh: 6772 5889benjaminthorn@aapt.net.auTHORNEYCROFT, StephenB.Mus(Hons)Guitar / CompositionGuitar (all styles), Compositionlecturer UNE, EphenStephenguitar duoPh: 6771 2762stevethorneycroft@mac.comwww.ephenstephen.comTORBAY, GeorgeB.Mus (Distinction, Boston USA);Grad.Dip.EdVoice – Beginners to adv.Vocal Coaching, Choral Conducting– all levels; Musicianship– all levels.Mob: 0447 436 743gtorbay@bigpond.net.auHow to contact usWARFIELD, GarryGuitar & Bass - Beginners to Advanced– Popular/Jass/ClassicalPh: 0402 457 800grwarfield@optusnet.com.auWARNOCK, JennyA.Mus.A (Piano & Voice), B.Mus.Ed(Sydney)Voice/ Piano/ AccompanistBeginners to advanced, all ages,both instruments.Mezzo Soprano soloist, accompanistfor singers and instrumentalistsPh: 6772 6279Mob: 0431 188 310jencal@northnet.com.auWATERS, DeirdreA.Mus.A, T.Mus.A. LTCLPiano/ Musicianship;Piano (Prel-Gde 8); specialisingin Gdes 4-7 Musicianship;Accreditation Sydney Con.(Mus/ Theory); New Music CraftSyllabush: 6775 3754WIGG, BarbaraARCMPianoTeaching all grades from beginnersto advanced level; Also alllevels of musicianship.Ph: 6722 2119barbarawigg@bigpond.comNew England Conservatorium of musicOffice: CB Newling building,cnr Mossman and Faulkner StsArmidale NSW 2350 AustraliaPostal: PO Box 1313, Armidale 2350Phone: 02 6772 7203Fax: 02 6772 7511Web: http://necom.une.edu.auDirector – Julie Croftdirector@necom.org.auFinancial Admin – Faewyn Goyenadmin@necom.org.auOffice Hours Mon- Fri 9 – 5pm* First 3 weeks of each term NECOM Office has extendedoffice hours including Saturday mornings from 9-12.30 andMonday, Tuesday & Wed. afternoons to 5.30pm.Inverell CampusSinclair Place Public School79 Moore St, Inverell 2360Mail: PO Box 1242, Inverell 2360Coordinator: Peta BlythTel: 6724 8248ABN: 161 043 294 46 ACN: 104 329 446NECOM NEWS JULY 2009 15

NOTICBOARDMusic Diary Term 3July8/9 We/Th Junior Orchestra workshop30 Th AMTA HSC performance evening @ PLC, 6pmAugust2 Su NECOM Woodwind studio concert @ 2pm6 Th AMEB exams commence @ NECOM(for three weeks)6 Th Marian Barford’s Violin studio concert @ 6pm7 Fr April Kelson Violin studio concert @ 6pm8 Sa Armidale Symphony Orchestra Night at theOpera concert, 7pm Ex-Services Club8 Sa Vocal workshop with Peta Blyth @ 2pm9 Su Armidale Symphony Orchestra Night at theOpera concert, 7pm Ex-Services Club11 Tu Australian Youth Orchestra string auditions(all day)11 Tu Launch of Orpheus Music String series atNECOM 6:00pm15/16 Sa/Su Alexander Technique weekend workshop17 Mo AMTA HSC performance evening @ AHS, 6pm29 Sa Australian Youth Orchestra woodwind andbrass auditions30/31 Su/Mo French Horn Development programworkshops @ Robert JohnsonSeptember2 We NECOM Choral Concert @ 6pm6 Su NECOM Chamber Series Concert@ 3pm with April Kelson7 Mo AMTA HSC performance evening@ NECOM, 6pm12/13 Sa/Su Sydney Wind Quartet workshops13 Su Beginner String program solo concerts11am, 1:30 & 3pm20 Su Beginner Woodwind program solo concert23 We Australian Youth Orchestra Chamber Musiccamp commences (until 4th October)Orpheus MusicString Serieslaunch atNECOMOrpheus Music has been publishing contemporaryrecorder music for 10 years, with acatalogue of over 200 works written by some40 composers. These editions are stocked inshops through Europe, USA and the UK.Orpheus Music is now expanding into thepublishing of string music and is pleased toannounce the launching of its new initiative,the String Series. These publications range instandard from easy to advanced and includecomposers from Australia, the USA and theUK. Currently the series includes works by twolocal composers, Benjamin Thorn and RichardPeter Maddox. Orpheus Music also presents anannual Junior String Summer School 4-8 January2010 where some of these new compositionswill be played (Orpheus Music also retailsviolins, string music and accessories)The launch of the String Series will be hostedby NECOM on the 11th August at 6.00pm,where a selection of compositions will beplayed by NECOM educator members andstudents.Alexander TechniqueWorkshops…play better, perform better, move better,live better…- with renowned teacher Susan Allen -Saturday 15 August, group workshops: $20 per participantSunday 16 August: Music Educator Member workshopIndividual lessons also available: $90Venue: New England Conservatorium Of MusicApplications available first week of term 3Don’t miss this rare opportunity.Enquiries 6772 7203Email: admin@necom.org.au16 NECOM NEWS JULY 2009