take note - New England Conservatorium of Music

ARMIDAlE yOUTH ORCHESTRA
Sawtell Music Camp
Our annual Sawtell weekend commenced in bright
sunshine on 25 Saturday February. For the first time in
many years we were missing the smiles and energy of our
guest conductor Mal Hewitt due to ill health and, at short
notice, Warwick stepped up to take the baton for the Youth
Orchestra.
With the reintroduction of the Wind Ensemble another
rehearsal space had to be found to accommodate all
groups. Sawtell Public School offered us their hall and the
Youth Orchestra moved to a new rehearsal space. This
proved to be a great venue with lots of space for tutorials
and an amphitheatre space for morning teas and social time.
The Wind Ensemble claimed the Scout Hall and the String
Ensemble took over the Camp Hall. As always, our parents
contributed delicious morning teas and helped moving
instruments, picking up ice, cleaning BBQ’s and generally
ensuring the weekend flowed smoothly.
The Saturday night BBQ was well attended and the family fun
night ran creatively on the Disney theme. There were many
fantastic costumes and adults and children alike enjoyed a
great evening.
Moving the Sunday concert off-site to the School was also
a great success. Conditions were more comfortable for
both the players and audience members. The concert proved
to be a strong showcase of the weekend’s work with all groups
presenting their items with great aplomb and musicianship.
Conductors Warwick Dunham, Alex Hiew and Nick Negerevich
Armidale youth Wind Ensemble
The re-established AYWE, the very welcome new addition to the Sawtell
Weekend.
assisted by Rob Woodhouse led their ensembles with energy
and commitment and, as always, our tutors provided great skill
and support to our developing players. All members are now
looking forward to another great weekend in 2013.
Cathy Archer, President AYO
2012 has seen the re-establishment of the AYWE,
directed and conducted by Nick Negerevich, as
a distinct yet valuable adjunct to the Armidale Youth
Orchestra Program. The new AYWE is a transition
from the NECOM Intermediate Wind Ensemble
that began as the Beginner Wind Ensemble when
Nick first came to Armidale in 2007.
The AYWE serves wind players who are in the
intermediate stages of proficiency and who
aspire to play in the Armidale Youth Orchestra. In
particular, it also allows young saxophonists, who
would not normally find a place in a symphony
orchestra, an opportunity to mix with aspiring wind
players in performing music written specifically for
concert and symphonic winds.
We are still looking for lower brass such as
trombones, tubas and euphoniums. French horns
are also very desirable and as there are many of
these instruments available we encourage new
students to join up!
Currently, AYWE has 3 flutes, 4 clarinets, 1 bass
clarinet, 3 saxophones, 1 trumpet and 1 euphonium,
plus the generous support of Rob Woodhouse on
Snare Drum. Occasional support from older AYO
players has also been terrific.
My thanks to all the students who performed so
admirably at the Sawtell Weekend and to their
parents and supporters who give their time and
encouragement.
Nick Negerevich, Conductor & Director AYWE