Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Drumming up a beat

James Vanderhel, 2011 Scholarship concert

One of the most popular choices at Mitchell Conservatorium is percussion. Did you know that percussionists have over 600 instruments to hit, scrape or shake?

There's a lot more to being a percussionist than playing a drum kit, though that might be what we first think of when we use the word.

In this clip on ABC Central West's website, Mitchell Conservatorium teacher, Jamie Briton shows his wizardry on the tympani, which are drums played in a symphony orchestra.

Monday, September 19, 2011

Time for a windfall?

windfall, noun

1 an apple or other fruit blown down from a tree or bush by the wind.
2 a large amount of money that is won or received unexpectedly
3 dynamic ensemble of wind instruments, sometimes also including a piano

Mitchell Conservatorium has not gone into greengrocery and has not become a bank, with free samples for everyone, but next month, we do have a windfall for you.


The group members are
Jocelyn Edey-Fazzone (flute)
Teléna Routh (oboe)
Carol Coomber (clarinet)
John Cran (bassoon)
Graham Nichols (french horn)
and
Julia Brimo (piano)

You can expect to hear music from the Baroque and Classical eras, but also music that was written this century. These soundfiles demonstrate the kind of music that the group performs. I wonder if they will play any of those particular pieces for us?

Windfall is coming to Bathurst to perform at Mitchell Conservatorium at 7.30 PM, on Friday, 28th October. And at 10 AM on the following Saturday, they are providing a masterclass for wind players. This is an opportunity to get expert advice, whether you come to perform or listen to others get taken through their paces.

Please contact Mitchell Conservatorium on 6331 6622 or come into our office in the West Wing of the Court House, in Russell St to book tickets for the masterclass and concert.

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Gil Sullivan

Gil Sullivan: Mozart K498a First Movement from David Banbury on Vimeo.


On Saturday 22 October 2011, distinguished Australian pianist, Gil Sullivan will play some delightful piano music at Mitchell Conservatorium in Russell St, Bathurst at 7.30 PM

The program will include works by Liszt, whose bicentenary we are celebrating this year, Mozart and Tristram Cary.

Mr Sullivan's previous concert in Bathurst a few years ago was warmly received. i particularly enjoyed the Polly Fillers by Tristram Cary.

You can order your tickets, during office hours, Monday to Friday, by ringing 6331 6622

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Putting your toe in the water

Do you rush straight into the surf? Or do you walk in gingerly and only put a bit of you in at a time, until you have adjusted to the temperature of the water?

How would you like to be able to do it gradually with your Piano exams? The new AMEB P Plate Piano exams allow you to do just that.

There are three terrific full colour books of interesting pieces to choose from, but you only have to play three pieces in your exam. This can include a duet with your teacher, parent or friend, too.

You can take Mum along with you if you'd like.

There are no other requirements. No scales, no sight-reading, no general knowledge or aural requirements.

And every student receives a written report and an attractive colour certificate.

Will Schoenmaker

We think Will Schoenmaker is Mitchell Conservatorium's first P Plate Piano graduate, but please give us a shout if you got there before him!