Volume 23, June 2011 - New England Conservatorium of Music

Volume 23, June 2011 

NECOM NEWS JUNE 2011 1

REPORT 

Message from the Acting Director 

Eisteddfod term is always quite frantic and this term has been 

no exception. Teachers bunkered down in the Auditorium 

for up to five days each to support their students and get 

valuable feedback from the Adjudicators. The standard gets 

higher and higher each year and many of the Adjudicators 

expressed their admiration (and surprise!) for the outstanding 

standard of teaching in this small community. We are truly 

lucky to have such wonderful music educators as I know many 

country towns struggle to find good teachers to live and work 

in their communities. 

In early June we were fortunate to host a visit from didjeridu 

player William Barton who worked with students from Ross Hill 

PS, Inverell. Music Educator Cathy Archer facilitated workshops 

with the students and William culminating in a series of 

concerts at the school. This was the first stage of the Closing 

the Music Gap program funded by Arts NSW. The second stage 

will see William working with Armidale students, including the 

Armidale Youth Orchestra, towards a concert to be presented 

in Lazenby Hall, UNE on Friday 9th September. 

NECOM has been awarded $36,080 from the Ian Potter 

Foundation for the Chamber Music in Schools Outreach 

program. This program provides school students with the 

opportunity to hear live chamber music. We have three 

chamber music ensembles made up of NECOM teachers and 

music Educator Members. The chamber ensemble which is a 

Trio, presents a script to the classroom teacher who reads to 

the class. Students hear, first hand, live chamber music in their 

classroom and have the opportunity to work in an interactive 

manner with their teacher and the musicians. The session lasts 

for 40 minutes. This project services small schools in remote 

locations. 

Next year, NECOM is organising a Chamber Music Festival 

(subject to the outcome of successful funding applications) 

in the Easter school holidays. Some of Australia’s finest 

chamber musicians will be joining us for a week of workshops, 

masterclasses, rehearsals, live ‘chat’ sessions and concerts with 

local ensembles. Participating musicians include the Flinders 

Quartet, clarinettist David Griffiths and trumpeter Paul 

Goodchild. The Festival will be open to chamber music groups 

of all ages so if you are a budding chamber musician without 

an ensemble, now’s the time to get organised and form your 

own group! 

Organisation for the New England Sings! project for 2012 is 

well underway. This wonderful mass choral/orchestral project 

was last held in October 2010 and featured two Primary choirs 

of 250 each, a secondary choir of 300 and the Armidale Youth 

Orchestra and friends. Students and their teachers travelled 

from all over the New England and North West regions to 

participate in two concerts which they performed in front of a 

sell-out audience of 1100. Next year we will be commissioning 

two works for the project: a mass Primary song-cycle by one 

of Australia’s most exciting young composers, Dan Walker; and 

a Secondary choir/orchestral work by an upcoming composer 

who is currently enjoying a meteoric rise to fame, Joe Twist. 

Both of these composers have been the composer-in-residence 

2 NECOM NEWS JUNE 2011 

for the national childrens choir Gondwana Voices. We will also 

be joined for the weekend of rehearsals and concerts by one 

of Australia’s most prominent choral conductors, Lyn Williams 

who will be leading the Secondary choir/orchestra item. 

Corinne Arter, Acting Director 

Members of the Board of Directors 

Arthur Rickards (Chairman) 

John Brady 

Robyn Driscoll 

David Gee 

Bruce Menzies 

Sue Metcalfe 

Stuart Pavel 

Jennie Shaw 

Jenny Sholl 

Lorraine Coffey 

Cathy Archer 

Jacki Watts 

TERM DATES 2011 

Term 1: Mon 31st January to Sat 9th April 

Term 2: Wed 27th April to Sat 2nd July 

Term 3: Mon 18th July to Sat 24th September 

Term 4: Mon 10th October to Sat 17th December

WORkSHOP 

William Barton at Ross Hill 

In early June I had the pleasure of working 

with William Barton on an educational 

program at Ross Hill. William Barton is 

an internationally renowned Didjeridu 

player who has worked on a number of 

collaborations with groups like the Sydney 

Symphony Orchestra, Song Company and 

Gondwana Voices. The mood of the three 

days was captured in the first minute we 

walked into the school with an eager group 

of young students running up to us and 

saying “Are you William Barton? Are you? Are 

you? We have been waiting for ages for you 

to arrive.” 

Over the three days William and I worked 

with the Aboriginal students from years 2-5. 

With us was Geoff Croft who 

works with these students on 

a specialised music program. 

William introduced the students 

to vocalised sounds commonly 

used in more traditional 

Aboriginal music. Using these 

vocalisations the girls and 

boys under William’s direction 

created a Soundscape of vocal 

and instrumental sounds. They 

also learnt a song in William’s 

language, kalkadunga, which 

he wrote at the age of fifteen. 

“The kangaroo Song” describes 

the three types of kangaroos 

the hunter would chase for his 

dinner. William initially told this 

story on the didjeridu causing 

great hilarity as the 

kangaroo danced and 

moon walked his way 

around the town. 

Another exciting part 

of the project was 

the opportunity for 

some of the students 

to learn didjeridu 

technique from 

William. After only 

two half hour sessions, 

this small group of 

three boys created 

an original piece for 

three didgeridus 

accompanied by 

William on the guitar. 

Both concerts opened 

with this work and it 

was exciting to see 

the pride and energy 

of the performers. 

After two and a half 

days of intensive 

work, the students put on a concert for 

their school and a later evening concert 

for the community. Both concerts 

showcased the student generated 

didjeridu work and the Soundscape 

directed by William. The students also 

performed one of their class songs 

as a welcome piece which William 

accompanied. Before the audience 

was entertained by William’s virtuoso 

playing the students also sang two 

songs in language. Both concerts were 

performed to large and appreciative 

audiences. 

As an educator it is always wonderful to 

see the energy and focus that children give to any performance. In this case I was 

particularly proud of the students 

who were showcasing pieces 

learnt in a short space of time 

and involving a high degree 

of improvisation. Geoff Croft’s 

work with these students and 

the effort he put into supporting 

this program was a big part of 

the success of these three days. 

William enjoyed working with the 

students and is already planning 

for the September Residency in 

Armidale involving local students 

and the AYO. 

Cathy Archer 

kerrin Connors, Jaylen Jerrard, 

Allikan Jerrard getting first hand 

experience on the didjeridu 

William leads the performance of his kangaroo Song 


REPORT 

Music Makers 

NECOM in conjunction with 

PEDAL Early Childhood Intervention 

has trialled a pilot music 

therapy program during Term 2 

2011. known as Music Makers, 

two music therapy groups have 

been run for children with additional 

needs and their parents or 

caregivers. Some of the funding 

for the groups has been provided 

through a grant obtained by 

NECOM from the Armidale Dumaresq 

Council. The Music Makers 

groups have been established by 

Natalie Nugent, a music therapist 

who has just moved to Armidale at 

the beginning of this year. 

Music therapy is the planned use 

of music to help people who have 

specific identified needs. For children 

with additional needs music 

therapy is used to extend development 

through the planned use 

of music. Typical goals include 

extending communication, physical 

skills and enhancing sensory 

awareness. The groups have also 

aimed to enhance parents’ relationships 

with their children 

by providing them with skills to 

play with their child using music. 

Music therapy is not the same as 

teaching music; individualised 

non-music goals are identified for 

each child by the music therapist 

through an assessment, music 

therapy sessions are implemented 

and at the end of the program the 

program is evaluated. 

Music therapy methods used have 

included instrument playing, vocalising 

and improvisation techniques, 

music and movement and 

relaxation. In one of the groups 

the parents have also been engaged 

in song writing. While the 

program is still new, the groups 

have had a positive start with 

many of the children extending 

developments with early communication 

skills, such as turn-taking. 


Nigel Garrahy-Brennan having fun with the chime bars in music makers. 

Callum Grieve participating in the music makers group

REPORT 

Walcha Mini Minstrels 

The Infants/Toddlers, Family Group and combined 

kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 Mini Minstrels have 

completed a second term of classes conducted at St Patrick’s 

School, Walcha. 

The Infants/Toddlers 

and Family classes 

are now very familiar 

with their teacher and 

classmates and have 

settled into the social 

scene of Mini Minstrels. 

This familiarity, in 

conjunction with an 

understanding of the 

class format, supports 

the children’s ability 

and willingness to start 

exercising their right 

and need to express and 

discover for themselves. 

Much fun has been had 

exploring different ways 

of experiencing and 

making music. 

I would like to thank 

St Patrick’s School for 

allowing us to use their 

facilities for our classes, 

and, a big thank you to Pam 

for unlocking doors and 

turning on heaters for us each 

week. 

The combined kindergarten, 

Year 1 and Year 2 class has 

been funded by St Patrick’s 

P and F Association and has 

been working specifically on 

developing skills associated 

with the musical concepts of 

beat, rhythm, inner hearing, 

and in-tune singing. We 

have focused on building a 

repertoire of songs, rhymes 

and movement activities that 

put in place foundations to 

support future rhythmic and 

melodic skill development. 

Each child has displayed an 

increase in confidence, ability 

and willingness to explore and 

build on their own musical 

development. Increased 

exposure to the different 

elements of music has brought the class to a point where we 

are now beginning to explore more challenging pre-notation 

activities and introductory class ensemble activities. 

Belinda Niemeyer 

Early Childhood Music Teacher 


WORkSHOP 

Recorder Workshop with Hans-Dieter Michatz 

The date was the 11th and the 12th of June: 

location OTC. We were called to G31 for a 

gathering of recorder enthusiasts by our highly 

respected leader Hans Dieter Michatz. Our 

mission- to improve our musical skills beyond 

what we imagined possible. 

As well as being told how important scales are 

(again) we learnt new techniques like ‘dwarf 

mouth’ and how to find our diaphragms with 

the help of a piano stool. He showed us the 

importance of a really steady air stream and 

how this helped us to play fast passages. 

Comments from members of Ribatutta: 

‘It was inspiring to get feedback from a world 

class musician’ - Ashley 

‘At first he was slightly intimidating but really he 

was quite funny’ – Maddi 

‘His use of imagery helped me to connect with the 

Telemann sonata I was trying to play’ – Olivia 

‘He gave me a deeper understanding of the 

structure of my Telemann Fantasia –and by 

the way I didn’t realise how long 20 seconds of 

improvising was.’ – Eleanor 

‘Wow he can play fast –and make it look so easy.’ 

- Ingrid 

We all walked away with our new found 

knowledge ready to face our looming exams. 

In summary it was awesome!!! 


Hans-Dieter working with Lauren Grzazek 

Claudia Teece enjoying the workshop with Hans-Dieter 

kirby Moore fine tuning aspects of her piece with Hans-Dieter Michatz 

Fontegara working with Hans-Dieter Michatz

WORkSHOP 

Jazz Workshops with Janet Seidel 

Improvisation workshops held on Monday April 25th at 

NECOM with musicians touring with Janet Seidel were a 

great success. Despite the holiday weekend 10 vocalists, 

percussionists, guitarists, bassists, saxophonists and trumpeters 

arrived for the workshops with instruments in hand. Ben Jones 

(Sax) and Bob Henderson (Trumpet) took the wind players 

Trumpeter Bob Henderson with Jacob Andronicus & Sam Prosser improvising 

through the rudiments of improvising over a Bb blues and the 

jazz standard 'Honeysuckle Rose'. Dave Seidel (Double Bass) 

and Chuck Morgan (Guitar) presided over the rhythm section 

players. They looked at the dynamics of a rhythm section and 

how musical communication can enhance the sound and effect 

of the band and the soloist. The wind players then joined the 

rhythm section players for a 45 

minute jam over 'Honeysuckle 

Rose' and a Bb blues to end the 

workshop. 

Janet Seidel working with Liz Ellis at the vocal workshop Dave Seidel giving Elliot Treves a few tips 

Janet Seidel (Vocals and 

Piano) passed on her years of 

knowledge and considerable 

skill to the vocalists. Her advice 

for aspiring jazz singers was 

to “sing with one’s own voice”, 

to use keys that allowed one 

to sing without any strain, to 

choose songs that really suited 

one’s voice and personality, and 

to choose one’s accompanist 

carefully. Excellent advice!. 

The opportunity to play with 

some of the best jazz musicians 

in Australia cannot be 

underestimated. It was great to 

see everyone having a go and 

making some fantastic sounds. 


MASTERCLASS 

Masterclass with Alice Rickards 

On Monday afternoon, the 2nd May, Eliza Scott, 

Jess Wright, Emma Scott and myself attended a 

violin masterclass with Alice Rickards. Alice currently 

works in Edinburgh, Scotland playing the violin 

with the BBC Scottish Orchestra. We were joined by 

Wendy Huddleston, providing piano collaboration. 

Alice asked that everyone play a piece that they had 

been working on. She then offered her ideas for 

improvement and technique development. Alice 

paid special attention to showing Emma and I some 

techniques for tall people, making it easier and more 

comfortable to play – this type of advice is always 

helpful. It was a very rewarding experience from 

which everyone gained greater understanding of 

their piece and general playing. 

We thank Alice very much for coming and sharing 

her exceptional musical understanding and helping 

young students rise to the best of their potential. 

Special thanks also go to Wendy, who joined us despite 

her very busy schedule of Eisteddfod preparation 

and practice for another major performance. 

Lucy Isaac Alice working with Lucy 

A weekend with Peter Rejto May 2011 

Peter assisting Ali van Duijhoven with her fingering, accompanied by Sue Metcalfe 


few weeks prior to the ei- 

A steddfod we were treated 

to a fantastic weekend of 

cello lessons and a masterclass 

from Sydney cellist Peter 

Rejto. 

Peter, with his vast teaching 

experience, has a very effective 

way of communicating 

how to get around the cello. 

His performing career has 

also been extensive, so with 

his own well thought-out 

and consolidated technique, 

he was able to talk through 

and demonstrate what was 

required. 

He worked with a number of 

different students of all ages, 

and it was wonderful to see 

him tenaciously bringing out 

the best in the music, and in 

the students.

REPORT 

News from Inverell - Term 2 

Concert team Sarah Matthews, Wendy Champion, Anne Stevens and David Matthews 

NECOM Inverell is now on the map 

and we have the street sign to 

prove it! Thanks to the local council for 

removing the old ‘Sinclair Place School’ 

sign and replacing it with our ‘Music 

Conservatorium’ sign. In line with this 

development and further improvements 

to the existing buildings we have been 

able to host events that previously 

would been difficult. A big thank you to 

early childhood music teacher Ros Oliver 

for organising the clean-up of the new 

building and negotiating with the ‘work 

for the dole’ organisation to paint the 

buildings. Thanks also to the committee 

for their help with the clean-up and 

other friends of NECOM Inverell who 

have provided invaluable and timely 

support for events and functions. 

The Inverell programmes are gradually 

expanding and we now have a beginner 

string orchestra (consisting of 20 

students). We are aiming to have regular 

string orchestra rehearsals from next 

term in line with the growth of this 

programme. 

The brass programme is also expanding 

as a result of the dedication and 

professionalism of the visiting brass 

teachers Lisa & Gergely Malyusz, who 

organise their own student concert 

every term as well as supporting the 

general student termly 

concert. 

Visiting guitar Glen Innes 

teacher Luke Oppenheimer 

has stepped into the shoes 

of Margaret Mason, who 

re-located to Orange at 

the end of term 1. Luke 

already has a full teaching 

load and it is wonderful to 

have him as a complement 

to the contemporary music 

programme. 

The ever popular vocal, 

woodwind, piano and music 

maker classes continue to 

draw public approval and 

support. 

This term we were fortunate 

enough to have visiting 

artist and Opera Australia 

tenor kent McIntosh 

and Armidale pianist 

Robyn Bradley perform 

at the NECOM Inverell 

campus. This was the 

first time we have hosted 

a public concert at the 

campus. It was a polished 

performance of a very 

high standard, but only 

attracted a small audience, 

possibly because the public are not used 

to this campus as a concert venue. 

We were successful in gaining a CASP 

grant that enabled us to invite Orange 

based pianist and pedagogue Anne 

Stevens to hold piano workshops, 

staff professional development, and 

individual lessons for students doing 

practical exams. She also presented 2 

piano trio concerts with David and Sarah 

Matthews including a piece with flautist 

Wendy Champion. The Inverell concert 

was a huge success in terms of audience 

numbers, and Armidale not bad 

considering it was a public holiday. The 

concert featured works by V. Novak, L. 

Farrenc and Mendelssohn. The trio have 

subsequently received many requests 

for future performances. 

New guitar teacher, Luke Oppenheimer 

Robyn Bradley and kent McIntosh in concert. 

Sarah Matthews 


REPORT 

Super Smart Semibreves 

It has been wonderful to witness the 

development of this young string 

orchestra. In term 1 their commitment 

to the programme was firmly sealed 

through the enjoyment of the carefully 

selected repertoire which included an 

evocative programmatic piece as well 

as another that demanded an array of 

unusual techniques to produce spooky 

sound effects. The group performed to 

a high standard in the eisteddfod and 

it was heartening to see how these 

youngsters rose to the challenge of 

performing tricky technical work, such 

as a bounced bow technique known as 

‘spicatto’. Some of the players who were 

initially lacking in confidence seem to 

have come out of their shells and it has 

been highly pleasurable to hear and see 

those players really ‘going for it’ in their 

performance. The orchestra has done 

wonders for their music reading ability 

and they are now able tackle more 

demanding repertoire. 

Next term we are planning a programme 

of dance music and are aiming to create 

some collaboration with local dance 

teachers and students. The plan is for the 

dance teachers to choreograph suitable 

dances to fit the selected repertoire and 

for the dance students to perform these 

dances with the orchestra. The other 

big work that the group have started 

10 NECOM NEWS SEPTEMBER 2010 

to learn is a piece that sets a story to 

music and requires a narrator to tell 

the story between the various musical 

movements and sometimes at the same 

time. We have a highly ambitious idea for 

the person we would like to approach to 

be the narrator. This person is a national/ 

international level NRL player, but as 

this is obviously a long shot, we would 

welcome any ideas about other suitable 

people that we could approach. 

SSS Cellists Georgia Lloyd, Alison Chapman & Ebony Cafarella in final rehearsal for the BSP concert this term 

First Violinists Liam Smith & Liam Law-Smith and Second Violinists Angus Cornell & Amber Anderson in the Super Smart Semibreves.

REPORT 

Beginner Brass Program 

This year, the two NECOM beginner brass 

ensembles participated successfully in 

the chamber music section of the eisteddfod, 

during which they acquired the names: “Shiny 

Golden Things” and “Nine Valves”. We are not 

sure if these names will stick, as they may be 

more than nine valves in next term’s ensemble. 

All players demonstrated polished performances 

and well-developed sound concepts. Well 

done for adding a fresh impulse to Armidale’s 

brass scene! We would like to thank pianists 

Naomi, Sheila and Wendy for their wonderful 

accompaniment during the events. 

We are looking forward to the upcoming Junior 

Band Workshop at the end of this term and the 

ensemble’s concert on 19th June in which “Nine 

Valves” will rotate and “Shiny Golden Things” 

will certainly shine. 

Rob Woodhouse with Raquel Remigio-Smith , kieran Wicks, 

James”Fitz” Hadley & Courtney kelly, all members of the Beginner 

Woodwind Ensemble ready to open the Concert. 

The Intermediate Wind Ensemble 

The end of Semester One 2011 has seen yet another successful 

series of rehearsals and performance. Although the ensemble 

is still only small it has seen the students demonstrate a good 

quality sound. Intonation and timbre/texture is improving all the 

time and the students are learning to listen to each other more. 

Most (if not all)have given their best, attendance has been superb 

and dedication to the music is getting better all the time. The 

Ensemble now needs some lower wind players, and a Bass clarinet 

and/or Baritone sax would be a welcome addition. Everyone is 

looking forward to another Semester with the ensemble. 

Nick Negerevich 

Lisa Malyusz From left to right: Max Fairy, Sam Wright, Lily Baber and Albie Woodhouse performing 

in the BBP Copncert. 

Beginner Woodwind Ensemble 

The Beginner Woodwind Ensemble has been meeting every 

second Tuesday for 45 minutes during term time since the 

beginning of the year. With players of different experience 

and skills involved we encourage the older members to take a 

leadership role and help the younger, less experienced musicians. 

One of the great pleasures of playing a wind instrument is being able to 

read music and play duets, trios and more with others. For that reason 

we have been focusing our energy on musical literacy and ensemble 

dynamics. We have not tried to play difficult music but have spent time 

on simple pieces encouraging everyone in the group to listen to all the 

parts and see how their part fits into the piece as a whole. So far this has 

been working well. We are looking forward to the groups performance 

on at the concert on June 19th. Congratulations to all involved for your 

hard work and patience this year so far. 

Rob Woodhouse 

Members of the Intermediate Woodwind Ensemble, Will Smith, Oliver 

Bruhl and Lindsay Symons, await their turn in the BSP, BWP, BBP Concert. 


REPORT 

Cantilena 

Cantilena shone at the Armidale Eisteddfod again this year 

taking out 2nd place in the Unison Event and winning the 

overall trophy for the 2-part event. Although a young group 

this year, they have worked hard to develop their choral sound 

and to learn to follow and respond to a conductor. Cantilena 

chorale have also continued to be one of the premier primary 

choral groups in Armidale, winning their event with the quirky 

Hungarian song ‘The Handsome Butcher’ and the lilting ‘Skye 

Boat Song’. They are now developing their sight reading 

skills and learning to maintain a melodic line more securely. 

Congratulations to both of these groups. 

Rowena Tall 

NECoM Seniors Choir 

The NECOM Seniors Choir began at the beginning of Term 3, 

2010 under the baton of Wendy Huddleston and with Peter 

Maddox at the piano. The choir consists of a small group of 

“retired” folk who enjoy their hour of singing once a fortnight. 

The attendance is “flexible” with an average of 12 to 15 keen 

singers each rehearsal. 

NEW England Singers 

Report 

New England Singers have had a 

fantastic start to the year. The choir 

has more than doubled in size and has 

become an SATB Choir (Soprano, Alto, 

Tenor and Bass). We are now able to 

cater for our increasing number of male 

singers as their voices change, this has 

added great depth to the choir. Our 

numbers also swelled from the large 

number of singers who graduated from 

Cantilena last year. These students have 

been a welcome addition to NE Singers 

and have had a great grounding in 

singing from their time with Rowena 

Tall. The kodaly program that forms the 

basis of the choral program from Minisingers 

through to NE Singers is really 

coming to the fore. 

Another exciting initiative has been 

the formation of a NE Singers Vocal 

Ensemble led by Hannah Grigg, a 

talented Year 11 student from PLC, 

Armidale. Hannah has been fine tuning 

her conducting skills with this new 

ensemble and had great success at the 

Armidale Eisteddfod gaining first place 

in the Open Vocal Ensemble section. 

We are pleased to announce that this 

ensemble will continue next term and 


will be held at 5:15pm after the NE 

Singers rehearsal. We also worked with 

a number of small vocal ensembles this 

year, achieving a first and a third in the 

Small Vocal Ensemble section. 

This year we farewelled our wonderful 

accompanist Rebecca Simon when she 

moved to Canberra with her husband 

Daniel, they are expecting their first 

baby and we wish them all the best. 

We welcomed Euna Yom as our new 

accompanist just weeks out from the 

Armidale Eisteddfod. Euna moved to 

Armidale from Sydney where she trained 

at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, 

she has fitted right in and is a versatile 

and accomplished pianist. 

We had a busy program for the start 

of the year, especially as we rehearsed 

two choirs (often simultaneously) in 

preparation for the Eisteddfod. Thank 

you to Heather Pavel and Constance 

Rolfe who have been the NE Singers 

support crew and have organised 

Music, t-shirts, supervision and so the 

list goes on. Thank you also to NECOM 

and the Acting Director Corinne Arter 

for supporting the choral program, it is 

exciting to see students from Uralla and 

every high school in Armidale joining 

together to sing, especially as they sing 

so beautifully! 

Leanne Roobol, Director NE Singers 

Cantilena enjoying their afterschool rehearsal 

The choir presented a Service of Lessons and Carols in the 

Uniting Church last Christmas which was much appreciated 

by the singers and the congregation. The lessons were read 

by members of the choir. We were also privileged to enjoy the 

performance on the organ of 2 Bach Chorale Preludes played 

by Peter Maddox. 

The choir has continued into 2011 with Rebecca Simon at the 

piano during 1st term and Sue Metcalfe in 2nd term. 

Wendy Huddleston 

The new additions to NES – the wonderful 

tenors & basses. 

Leanne with Ensemble Stanthorpe who won 

the Open Small Vocal Ensemble at the recent 

Eisteddfod. 

Conductor Hannah Grigg, with NES Vocal 

Ensemble members Tom Henderson, Nicola 

Traise & Nick Kelly, displaying their winning 

trophies.

PROFILE 

Introducing Gerard Larkins 

am pleased to have this opportunity to 

I introduce myself, Gerard Larkins, local 

Armidale resident. My area of interest is 

flute performance and music education, 

specifically woodwind teaching. After 

many years away from Armidale, I was 

fortunate to have had the opportunity 

to return to the New England area about 

four years ago. 

Currently I have a modest flute teaching 

studio with a variety of students ranging 

from children to adults, from beginners 

to diploma and tertiary students. I also 

work part time for Orpheus Music, a 

specialist on line instruments & music 

store run by Zana Clarke. It is invigorating 

working in such a creative environment 

with a modern approach to business. 

I attended Ben Venue Primary and Duval 

High schools. I was a flute student 

of Margaret Hawkins, a wonderful 

teacher who would not shy away 

from any piece of music and was an 

organiser extraordinaire managing to 

regularly arrange for students to play 

in Eisteddfods in Tamworth and Inverell 

and encouraging annual music exams for 

a huge number of candidates. Margaret 

also had several A Mus A recipients 

including myself in 1985. In my last 

year in Armidale I was able to travel to 

Sydney to take lessons with the very 

accomplished flautist and teacher, Prue 

Page; whose efforts ultimately helped 

me to gain entry to the B Mus (orchestral 

MiniSingers 

We have enjoyed a great start to the year 

in Mini Singers! The group have been 

working very hard on lots of new repertoire 

and have been enjoying lots of fun singing 

games to get their voices in tune. Mini Singers 

enthusiastically performed at the Eisteddfod 

and the experience was fantastic. After the 

Eisteddfod, Mini Singers have been learning 

lots of new warm up songs, some very tricky 

repertoire and just loving singing together. It 

has been lovely to see some new people join 

our wonderful group. 

Amy Walsh 

performance) course at the Canberra 

School or Music in 1987. It was wonderful 

to learn for three years with Vernon 

Hill and in 1991 I attained the L Mus A 

diploma. As far as future aspirations go, I 

am contemplating working towards the 

F Mus A - a wonderful qualification to 

have as well as a goal to get my playing 

in tip top order. 

My teaching as a peripatetic staff 

member has included schools in 

Canberra, Queanbeyan, Goulbourn 

and Bowral and tertiary colleges such 

as Goulburn TAFE, Goulburn Regional 

Conservatorium Music Centre and 

Australian International Conservatorium 

in Harris Park. 

Since returning to Armidale, I have 

gained a great deal of pleasure from 

voluntary work that I do including 

Gerard performing at Autumn Lodge on Mothers’ Day 

regular performances at local nursing 

homes - Strathlea, ken Thompson Lodge 

and Autumn Village. I enjoy playing in 

the local musicals, at the March Choral 

and Orchestral weekend, and in the 

Market Sunday Concerts at the Uniting 

Church. In 2009, I gave the Australian 

premiere performance of an American 

Flute concerto “The Spirits of The Mask” 

by Bruce Miller with the ASO. 

I enjoy my teaching work and have 

experience teaching beginner single 

reed and recorder students. I have a 

fully equipped studio with recording 

and computer facilities. I also do music 

typesetting including transposition for 

singers/instrumentalists. Enquiries can 

be made by email to woodwindteacher@ 

dodo.com.au or by phone on 

02 6771 4245. 

MiniSingers and Amy enjoying a singing-guessing game 


NECOM EDUCATOR MEMBERS - 2011 

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: 6772 4257 

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 

DEBUS, Sofia 

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

S.A., Advanced Certificate in Music 

Performance & Communication Skills, 

Guildhall S.M.D. London U.K. Violin 

Cello Specialising in the Suzuki 

Method Violin, Cello 

Accredited, Suzuki Talent Ed. Assn. of 


Australia in Violin & Cello 

Tel: 6772 1710 

sydodds@hotmail.com 

www.heart-strings.com.au 

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 

suncrest1@bigpond.com 

FINCO, Al 

BA (UNE) Dep Ed (UNE) 

French Horn Teacher 

Ph: 0438 235 467 

afinco@as.edu.au 

GALLAGHER, Aidan 

Gde 8 Clarinet 

Part-time teacher NECOM Beginner 

Woodwind Programme – Clarinet 

only 

Ph: 6772 7203 

aidang@nsw.chariot.net.au 

GRIFFITH, Debra 

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

Accredited 

Piano – Beg. to Adv; HSC reqs. All 

ages; Piano for leisure; AMEB & 

Trinity exam prep; Musicianship; 

MusicCraft. 

Ph: 6771 1019 

Mob: 0421 843 398 

babygrand13@hotmail.com 

GUYMER, Sheila 

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

MMusSt. (Solo Piano), MMus 

(Accomp). 

Piano, Theory, Musicianship, 

Accompaniment. All ages and levels 

welcome. 

Ph: 6772 7013 

Mob: 0422 379 044 

pianoplus@me.com 

HAN, Woo-Hwa 

Adv Dip Mus (Osaka), Piano – Young 

Beginners 

Ph: 6772 1275 

woohwa@aapt.net.au 

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.net.au 

HILL, Jennifer 

MTA NSW Accredited Piano/Theory/ 

Musicianship 

All Grades. Inverell only. 

Ph: 6721 3888 

HUDDLESTON, Wendy 

AMusA, L..Mus, FFCSME, 

DSME, Accompanist 

Conductor, Accompanist/ Coach; 

Examination prep. 

Ph: 6772 8514 

Mob: 0411 436 194 

wwhuddle@bigpond.com 

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 

A Mus A, L Mus A. 

Woodwind Teacher. Instruments 

taught include Descant Recorder, 

Single Reeds (Clarinet & 

Saxophone) – beginner to 

intermediate. Specialist Flute 

Teacher including tertiary and 

diploma students. Fully equipped 

teaching studio with digital recording 

facilities located in quiet position 

in north Armidale. 25 years of 

instrumental teaching experience at 

regional conservatoria, schools and 

privately. Happy to give lessons in the 

student’s home if preferred. Flexible 

lesson times. Beginners encouraged. 

Ph: 6771 4245 

Mob: 0410 444 850 

woodwindteacher@dodo.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 

mlawrence-fairy@bigpond.com 

LEWIS, Nicole 

BA 

Piano, Piano Accompany- Beginners 

to intermediate. 

Tel: 0410 616 518 

cnlewis03@gmail.com 

MALYUSZ, Lisa 

B. Mus (Dist) Uni of Arts, Graz; Dip Mus 

(Dist) Sydney Con. 

All Brass instruments Beginners to 

Advanced. NECOM tutor. 

Former member of the Thessaloniki 

State Orchestra. 

Ph: 0451 821 099 

lisa@necom.org.au 

MALYUSZ, Gergely 

M. Mus (Dist) Uni of Arts, Graz; 

Austrian Ministry Award of 

Excellence. Former Principal Horn of 

Thessaloniki State Orchestra. French 

Horn, Trumpet, Trombone and 

Euphonium. Experienced teacher 

of all Brass, keyboard and Music 

Theory (Austria). 

Ph: 0433 379 597 

gergely@necom.org.au 

MATTHEWS, David 

LRAM, ARAM 

Violin/Viola 

Chamber Music Specialist 

Former Member Medici String 

Quartet, WAO & Violin Lecturer UQ, 

Beginner-Advanced NECOM 

NECOM Inverell Co-ordintor 

Ph: 6721 5271 

Mob: 0429 190 943 

d.vln.matt@gmail.com 

MATTHEWS, Sarah 

Dip.Ed., Dip.Orch. Stud., BA Mus.Ed, 

Cello 

Former Member Christchurch 

Symphony Orchestra, Lecturer in 

Cello Charles Darwin University, 

QSO/QPO & WASO Player 

Beginner-Advanced NECOM 

NECOM Inverell Co-ordinator 

Ph: 6721 5271 

Mob: 0428 190 962 

sarahcelloyates@gmail.com 

McDONALD, Fiona 

BA Hons, Dip Ed 

Flute, Baroque Flute, Recorder 

Beginners to Advanced. Children & 

Adults. 

Ph: 6772 8863 

atholglen@ozemail.com.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, Cécile 

Dip Recorder Teaching (Netherlands); 

Cert. Musicianship (France) 

Recorder, Carte Blanche recorder 

ensemble, Musicianship (Jaques-

Dalcroze), French music (toddlers, 

children) Ocarina, School Holiday 

Workshops, Exam Prep., Community 

Projects 

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. 

Mob: 0414 294 287 

bruce.roger.myers@gmail.com 

NEGEREVICH, Nick 

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

Flute, Piccolo, Clarinet & Saxophone 

– Tutor – NECOM Woodwind 

Program Currently AMEB Examiner 

in Woodwinds – Instrumental 

teacher in Woodwind 

Mob: 0427 796 701 

nnegerevich@necom.org.au 

NIEMEYER, Belinda 

Cert IV Assess&Wkpl Train, Dip 

Children’s Services 

NECOM Early Childhood Music 

Program. 

Ph: 6775 1808 

Mob: 0409 034 686 

NOLAN, Matt 

Studying BA(Mus) UNE 

(Mainly) Classical and Accoustic 

Guitar PH: 6771 5627 

mnolan4@une.edu.au 

PARKER, Robyn 

BA, Dip.Ed, Dip.Spec.Ed 

Recorder - Beginners to advanced. 

Fontegara and Ribatutta Recorder 

Ensembles Ph: 6772 7976 

PROSSER, Sam 

Gde 8 Saxophone 

Part-time Teacher NECOM Beginner 

Woodwind Programme 

Ph: 0412 357 829 

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 

Community Choir. Ph: 6772 3265 

chrispurcell2@bigpond.com 

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 

Mob: 0427 712 548 

ROWLANDS, Lindsay 

B.A, Dip.Ed, MLitt 

Guitar – Classical, Electric, Folk; 

Ukelele; Bass – Electric; West African 

Percussion – Djembe; Shakuhachi - 

beginner 

Mob: 0411 614 033 

lrowlands@exemail.com.au 

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 

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); M.Mus.(Vocal 

Pedagogy) M.B.B.S., BFA 

(Hons Ceramics) 

Former Member Opera Aust. 

Voice - All ages, Beginners to 

Professionals; All styles with 

healthy technique; Musicianship; 

Audition & Exam prep;. 13 yrs 

teaching exp. 

Ph: 6772 0258 (evenings) 

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: 6778 3293 

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, 

Aeolian Players (adult recorder 

group). 

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 

TRELOAR, Anna 

MA LTCL (T) MMTA 

Piano, beginners to intermediate 

skylinestudio70@yahoo.com 

TREVES, Elliott 

A. Mus., working on B.A. Music at UNE. 

Specialising in Drum kit, Didgeridoo, 

Tupan, Djembe, Cajon, & Doumbek 

All ages and styles welcomed. 

Mob: 0423 080 183 

improoveurgroove@gmail.com 

How to contact us 

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(T) 

Piano/ Musicianship; 

Piano (Prel-Gde 8); specialising 

in Musicianship Gdes 4-7; 

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 

WOODHOUSE, Rob 

BA (UNSW) 

Teaching Saxaphone, Clarinet & 

Flute. Conductor and Arranger. 

Mob: 0425 212 874 

woody@hilife.com.au 

New England Conservatorium of music 

Office: CB Newling building, 

cnr Mossman and Faulkner Sts 

Armidale NSW 2350 Australia 

Mail: PO Box 1313, Armidale 2350 

Tel: 02 6772 7203 

Fax: 02 6772 7511 

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

ActingDirector Corinne Arter - corinne@necom.org.au 

Admin Jan kirk - admin@necom.org.au 

Accounts Heather Maciver - finance@necom.org.au 

Office Hours: 

Monday, Thursday, Friday, 9:00am – 5:00 pm 

Tuesday, Wednesday, 9:00am – 6:00 pm 

Inverell Campus 

Music Conservatorium 

79 Moore St, Inverell 2360 

Mail: PO Box 1242, Inverell 2360 

Coordinator: Sarah and David Matthews 

Tel: 6722 2023 

Mob: 0428 190 692 (Sarah) 

Mob: 0428 190 943 (David) 

Email: inverell@necom.org.au 

ABN: 16 104 329 446 ACN: 104 329 446 


WHAT’S ON @ THE CON - 2011 

July 

Friday 22 Musica Viva: Australian String Quartet @ 7 pm Town Hall 

Saturday 23 ASQ Masterclass NECOM 

August 

Friday 12 Australian Youth Orchestra Auditions NECOM 

Friday 12 Mozart & More @ 7 pm TAS Hoskins Centre 

Sunday 14 Armidale Symphony Orchestra Concert 

Friday 19 Musica Viva: Saguaro–John Chen Trio @ 7 pm Lazenby Hall 

Friday 26-28 SSO Playerlink NECOM 

Friday 26 Brass Workshops@ SSO NECOM 

Sunday 28 Fiori Concert 2-30 pm Uniting Church 

Tuesday 30 Australian Youth Orchestra Auditions NECOM 

Wednesday 31 konstantin Shamray Concert @ 7 pm Auditorium CB Newling 

September 

Thursday 1 Piano Masterclass with konstantin Shamray NECOM 

Tuesday 6 Open rehearsal with AYO & William Barton NECOM 

Wednesday 7 AYO Yr 12 Performance CB Newling Building 

Wednesday 7 NECOM Choral Concert NECOM 

Friday 9 Walk through the Orchestra @ William Barton @1.30pm NECOM 

Friday 9 Musica Viva: Synergy Percussion @ 7 pm Town Hall 

Sunday 11 BBP & BWP Solo Concerts CB Newling Building 

Friday 16 AYSO Tour (Glen) 

Saturday 17 Inge Southcott Studio Concert @ 1 pm G36 CB Newling Building 

Sunday 18 BSP Solo Concerts CB Newling Building 

For further details phone (6772 7203) or email: admin@necom.org.au NECOM 


Free Fees Term 3 2011 

Congratulations Carolyn Vivian, 

mother of Randall Bollenhager our winner of free 

fees for Term 3 2011 

Anna Lawlor, our newest member of staff, draws 

out the free fees for Term 3 supervised by our 

accounts lady Heather Maciver.

Volume 23, June 2011 - New England Conservatorium of Music

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