mitchell conservatorium newsletter term 2

Newsletter Issue 2 2014

Mitchell Conservatorium Inc │ www.mitchellconservatorium.edu.au │ Lithgow Bathurst Lachlan

Index

The Mitchell Young Voices

Allegri Singers Concert

Brassed Off! Page 3

School Workshop Days Page 4

Masterclasses in May Page 5

Visiting Artists Program Page 6

Dear Folks, Going over some draft materials recently for a partnership we are developing with a state-wide community organisation; I came across the above quote. You may have heard it before, but I must admit, that in all the academic materials I've read and all the presentations on the value of music I've seen, the issue of just what it is that makes music the most powerful expression of emotions and cultural values, has never been more simply and accurately defined.

And now to the business of promoting that understanding…

Coming up soon are -

Four Fantastic Workshop Days for instrumental and vocal students. Colossal Choral Day, Monster Band Day, Awesome Orchestra Day, and our newly expanded Rock School. While the first three are for school-age students, and take place mid-week during term, the Rock School will run over three days, be open to

"Music is what feelings sound like"

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students of all ages, and take place during the second week of the mid-year holidays. These workshops are a great opportunity to roll our sleeves up and “get stuck in" to some intensive activity, work with fantastic specialist MItCon staff, and share our talents and enthusiasm with other students who we can both learn from and assist with their progress along the way. See page 4 for dates. All enquiries to 6331 6622, or to [email protected]

Some Staff Changes Christine Sweeney, previously our Promotions and Publicity Officer, has had a change to Projects and Communications Manager. This is an expanded role, with all publicity and project logistics, internal and external communications, being her responsibility. Congrats Christine! Other expanded roles include Hollie Coleman taking on the task of Schools Program Coordinator, and Phil Braithwaite, that of Ensembles Coordinator.

Sydney Conservatorium Musicians

Brass Masterclass Page 3

Nick Parnell

Percussion Masterclass Page 6

Daniel de Borah

Piano Masterclass Page 6

Graham Sattler



I'm very excited that Phil and Hollie have agreed to take these duties on and assist us with the operation of these two highly valued core areas.

The big Lachlan Division news is the appointment of Janell Facey in the new position of Operations Manager, Lachlan Division. This part-time position takes over the responsibility of coordinating and building our activities in the region, and means that the Forbes office will be open five days a week during term time. Janell has a wealth of experience in customer service, event and program coordination and relationship build-ing. Welcome Jan!

Selected by Song Company Artistic Director, Roland Peelman, she will be working intensively with him and the highly esteemed Song Company. Another great success story!

And lastly, Mitchell Conservatori-um has just entered into a Partnership with the Kowmung Music Festival and Oberon High School, which will see two great developments.

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In our Lithgow Division we are preparing to launch our new adult learning program, as part of the world-wide New Horizons phenomenon. This group learning program is for the "50's and bet-ter" - starters and restarters, and we look enormously forward to the Mitchell NH program kicking off in Lithgow. With the launch at 10.30am Thursday 10 April. Thanks Annette! A great commu-nity, a great facility, great new horizons in adult learning! And also from Lithgow, news that Veronica Milroy (ex-student & many times scholarship winner) has just been selected to take part in the Sprogis Woods Smith Young Artist Program, Canberra International Music Festival .

Friends for Life A moment now to say thank you for all the wonderful support I have already experienced from the incredible Friends groups in each of our divisions. Community organisa-tions like ours COULD NOT survive without the support of these essen-tial teams of supporters. As you may be aware, Friends are groups that comprise of parents and com-munity member who support MitCon’s staff and their students’ music education activities through-out the year. The Friends activities include decisions on expenditure of the Levies collected. All current fi-nancial members of Mitchell Con-servatorium Inc are eligible to be nominated and sit on our Friends Committee’s which means all indi-viduals reading this newsletter should already be qualified to join. Please, if you are not already a Friend, consider becoming one. Any questions regarding what it means to be involved can go to Christine Sweeney, email: christine.sweeney @mitchellconservatorium.edu.au. It's a great way to have your say about our activities and to support the music education of our great community.

Firstly, a Chamber Music program substantially funded by a gift from the folks at the Kowmung Festival; and secondly, a relationship with Oberon High School which will see us providing music education re-sources and performances to and for the students. Our photo, cour-tesy of the Oberon Review, shows the all-important cheque handover from Rohan Smith (founder and Director of the Kowmung Festival) to yours truly, with OHS Head of Performing Arts, Amber Couch, Kowmung representative, Graham Parker, and DEC Bathurst Schools Director Peter Harvey looking on. This partnership is breaking news, so more details will emerge over the next few weeks.

Enough from me, except to say that I appreciate ALL feedback from you, our valued community members. Feel free to get in touch via email graham.sattler @mitchellconservatorium.edu.au or call 6331 6622 to make a time to come in for a chat. Please check out the Events Calendar on the back page of this newsletter, and. have a great term 2!

Jan Facey

Rohan Smith, Graham Sattler,

Amber Couch, Graham Parker

and Peter Harvey



Brass Instruments Masterclass 11am Sunday 11 May $10 fee includes 3.00pm Concert admission

BRASSED OFF!

Join brass instrument players from around the region for this exciting new

masterclass from the Sydney Conservatorium’s Brass Quintet of two trumpets,

horn and trombone. A must for all brass players of all levels. The workshop at

11am and concert at 3pm is $10 per musician—both events at the MitCon in

Bathurst. Brass instruments and brass chamber music will be the focus of this

workshop. Please call 6331 6622 to book and for further information.

Rehearsals are well advanced for the Allegri Singers` first concert for 2014. On Saturday, 17th May, the Allegri Singers will present two performances of their cabaret style concert, under the title Regards to Broadway un-der the musical direction of William Moxey. Tinkling the ivories, will be the amazingly accomplished piano accompanist Ian Bates. As the title suggests, the programme will include a num-ber of items from Broadway musicals, many of which will be familiar to the audience. There will, however, be excursions to “off Broadway” shows – even as far off as London`s West End. The choir will be at full strength for much of the concert, with smaller groups providing some light relief(!), plus some captivating solo perfor-mances. The mood will swing from joyful to sweetly in-nocent, to frankly sentimental, to downright wicked. So there should be something for everyone! And of course, the audience will have at least one chance to join in and sing their hearts out – or lungs – or both. The format is cabaret style – the audience is invited to join a table, or make up a table. Tea and coffee will be provided at both performances. For the evening show, guests may bring their own supper and liquid refresh-ment. This year, the Allegri Singers are excited to be performing at a new venue: Assumption School Hall, cnr. Mitre St. & Lambert St. Bathurst. They are even more excited – and so is their accompanist – at the pro-spect of singing with a lovely grand piano for company! Tickets will be available at Books Plus Cost: Adults $25. Concession $20. Children $10. Date: Saturday, 17th May. Times: Matinee: 3.30 pm. Evening: 7.30 pm Venue: Assumption School Hall

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Mitchell Conservatorium Inc │ www.mitchellconservatorium.edu.au │ Lithgow Bathurst Lachlan 4

Conducting Workshop Opportunity The Mitchell Conservatorium invites you to join us for an exciting professional development opportunity. The Syd-ney Symphony Orchestra are currently taking expressions of interest to participate in a Conducting Workshop for Music Teachers and Community ensemble Conductors on Friday 1 August 1.30-3.30pm hosted at the Mitchell Con-servatorium. The workshop will be led by conductor Daniel Carter, and is accredited for professional competence through the NSW Institute of Teachers. There will be a fee (amount TBA) for this workshop. Expressions of interest can be emailed to [email protected]

More about Daniel Carter: Daniel Carter graduated from Melbourne University with a Bachelor of Music (Honours) having studied Composi-tion and Piano. In 2012, he won the Brian Stacey Memorial Award for Emerging Conductors after completing a two year period as a Developing Artist Conductor/Repetiteur with Victorian Opera, working as Assistant Conductor on over 15 main stage productions as well as working as Richard Gill’s assistant. Daniel is a graduate of the Symphony Services International Core Conductors Program where he has been awarded a Podium Scholarship and has worked with orchestras in Melbourne, Adelaide, Hobart, Perth, Sydney and Auckland under the tutelage of conductors such as Bernard Labadie, Arvo Volmer, Lutz Köhler, Sebastian Lang-Lessing and Christopher Seaman. Daniel has also taught for the past three years at Symphony Ser-vices International as part of their Scholar Conductors Program.

If you have any questions please contact Rachel McLarin, SSO Education Manager on [email protected], (02) 8215 4615 or toll free outside Sydney 1800 789 709 (x4615)

school ensembles cannot replicate. This can be a

really good challenge and can also be a bit scary in

a good way! Attending the workshop means

children end up performing alongside other

children they may not have even met before. New

music and different setting to their normal re-

hearsal routine allows the children to extend

themselves and their abilities. Students are able to

connect with others and really that is what music

is all about, coming together and connecting.

We expect up to 100 children to attend each of

these workshops. The day is a fun, engaging way to

introduce students to playing music in a large

group. We have some wonderful conductors and a

great program of music on offer. These events and

workshops are offered completely free however

the experiential reward from the day is priceless.

For this years Monster Band Day we look forward

to welcoming musicians and tutor Justin Screen

from our Lachlan Division!

School Music Workshop Days

Monster Band Days are back and Bathurst school halls will

soon be alive with the sound of music. MitCon has now

announced dates for our annual school music workshop

days, held this year for the first time at Charles Sturt Uni-

versity. Colossal Choral Day, Monster Band Day and Awe-

some Orchestra Day are open to all school age musicians in

the region. Our focus is giving student musicians an oppor-

tunity to come together in a very large group and play their

instruments in an environment that their smaller

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


Mitchell Conservatorium Inc │ www.mitchellconservatorium.edu.au │ Lithgow Bathurst Lachlan 5

4.00pm to 5.00pm Wednesday 14 May Mallet Percussion Master-Class FREE

Learn from Australia’s leading vibraphonist and percussionist all about the latest playing tech-niques in this interactive master-class. It covers topics from how to get started on playing tuned percussion instruments through to the latest mallet techniques. Whether you play percussion in a school band, play piano or drums at home, or are interested in learning for the first time, this class will give you detailed tips on how sound the best you can! Age Suitability: Age 10 and up Ideal for: Percussionists, drummers, piano play-ers and anyone interested in learning mallet percussion Numbers: Up to 20 participants Venue: Orchard Room MitCon Bathurst

About Nick Parnell Born in the Australian outback, Nick Parnell be-gan teaching himself drums in his parents’ sheep shearing shed at the age of ten. Such humble beginnings ignited a passion in Parnell that has led to accolades including first place in the Inter-national Melbourne Percussion Competition, a Centenary of Federation Medal awarded by the Australian Government and the Dame Roma Mitchell Churchill Fellowship. He holds a Ph.D. in performance from the University of Adelaide.

This masterclass is open to all individual and percussion group

musicians, call the office on 6331 6622 to enrol. We look for-

ward to seeing you at Nick’s concert at 7.30pm following on

from the masterclass. The concerts is free for all Mit Con

students. Adults $30, concession $20 and family of four $80.

Nick Parnell Masterclass

4.00pm to 5.00pm Wed/Thur/Fri 28, 29, 30 May Bathurst, Orange and Forbes Paul Meyer Masterclasses FREE Age Suitability: Age 10 and up Ideal for: Woodwind players with experience Numbers: Up to 20 participants Venue: MitCon Bathurst, ORC, MitCon Forbes About Paul Meyer Meyer is possibly the most well-known contemporary solo clarinetist from France. He is known for his solo recordings on the Denon label, notably in collabora-tions with Jean-Pierre Rampal and Eric Le Sage. He studied at the Paris Conservatoire and at the Basler Musikhochschule. In 1982, he won the French Young Musician's Competition and in 1984, the Young Con-cert Artists International Auditions. A noted champi-on of new music for the clarinet, Meyer plays on a Buffet Crampon Divine model clarinet.

Please call 6331 6622 to book your master-class place.

Paul Meyer Masterclass

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denon

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean-Pierre_Rampal

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/fr:%C3%89ric_Le_Sage

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paris_Conservatoire

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Young_Concert_Artists_International_Auditions

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Young_Concert_Artists_International_Auditions

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buffet_Crampon



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2014 Visiting Artists Concert Series

Daniel de Borah in Concert

An evening of delightful classical piano from Daniel de Borah major prize winner at the Sydney International Piano Com-petition, soloist with the English Chamber Orchestra, the London Mozart Players and with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, London.

7.30pm Fri 11 April MitCon Lithgow 7.30pm Sat 12 April MitCon Bathurst 3.00pm Sun 13 April Forbes Town Hall Forbes

Masterclass available in each division please call 6331 6622 to book

Tickets: Adults $30, Concession $20, Family of four $80 MitCon students FREE

Nick Parnell in Vibes Virtuoso

In the hands of Nick Parnell, the vi-braphone is an instrument of great virtuosity and musicality. In concert, the vibraphone superbly melded with piano gets its moment in the spotlight, ranging from the technical-ly challenging to sheer lyrical beauty in the space of a heartbeat.

7.30pm Wed 14 May MitCon Bathurst

Masterclass in Bathurst 4pm to 5pm FREE


Omega Ensemble with special guest clarinetist Paul Meyer

OE was established by its Artistic Director David Rowden in 2005, when he and ten other young musi-cians sought to redefine the classical chamber music landscape, perform-ing programs of “classical” and “contemporary classical” music.

7,30pm Tues 27 May Hoskins Church Lithgow 7.30pm Wed 28 May Abercrombie House Bathurst 7.30pm Thurs 29 May ORC Orange 7.30pm Fri 30 May Forbes Town Hall Forbes 7.30pm Sat 31 May All Saints Canowindra

Masterclass in Bathurst, Orange, Forbes 4pm to 5pm FREE


Jane Rutter in French Kiss

Renowned for her classical, multi-media and cabaret perfor-mance Jane Rutter is a trailblazer who has taken classical music to plac-es previously unheard of, and paved the way for many.

7.30pm Sat 26 July All Saints Cathedral Bathurst 3.00pm Sun 27 July Forbes Town Hall Forbes

Masterclass in Bathurst, Forbes FREE for more information call 6331 6622


Yvonne Kenny and Simon Tedeschi in Concert

Regular central west visiting musician Simon Tedeschi is back with a fresh, new program of beautiful music with his current performing partner supreme soprano Yvonne Kenny. Not to be missed.

7.30pm Thur 4 Sept Hoskins Church Lithgow 7.30pm Fri 5 Sept All Saints Cathedral Bathurst 3.00pm Sun 7 Sept Forbes Town Hall Forbes

Meet the Artist Saturday 6 Sept 10.30am Bathurst


Touchstones Song Cycle con-ducted by Richard Gill

Commissioned by MitCon and composed by Andrew Robson, this song cycle was especially written for the Andrew Robson Trio and the Mitchell conservatorium Musicians. Celebrate local, live music at it’s best.

7.30pm Sat 11 Oct ORC Orange 7.30pm Sun 12 Oct All Saints Cathedral Bathurst 3.00pm Sun 19 Oct Sydney Con Sydney

2.00pm Sunday 12 Oct Bathurst Music Forum BMEC FREE


mitchell conservatorium newsletter term 2

Documents

continued page

school workshop days

borah piano masterclass

mitchell conservatorium

visiting artists program

schoolage students

expanded rock school

fantastic workshop days