Sensational performances

Lithgow Show 2013 highligts

Two Mitchell Conservatorium students performed at the recent Lithgow Show on Saturday 16 March to very appreciative audiences.

Silas Burbank , electric guitar, played a number of well known pop tunes as well as improvisations of classical standards such as Bach’s Toccata & Fugue. One audience member stated “ He was so good that I thought it was a recording until I looked into the stage area and saw this young boy playing. Absolutely amazing!” Silas used his effects pedal to add extra variations to his music and demonstrate his skills of improvisation.

Mitchell Conservatorium student Callum Woodrow

Callum Woodrow also entertained a large and appreciative audience with his skills on the xylophone. Playing pieces such as Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, Flight of the Bumble Bee and 1st movement of a Mozart violin concerto, Callum demonstrated his ability to play pieces with vastly different tempos and which used the entire keyboard of his instrument. He mesmerised the audience with the speed of his mallets which at times appeared to be no more than a blur.

Well done to both musicians, your performances were fantastic!

Music for the People!

The newly established Lachlan Community Orchestra has received a boost after Parkes Shire Council agreed to contribute $1500 towards operating costs in its first year.

At its meeting last week, council decided that future funding for the orchestra would be reviewed on an annual basis. Council would not agree to the request for funding until they had a chance to hear first-hand the background. Mr Andrew Baker, Director of the Lachlan Division of the Mitchell Conservatorium lodged the application with Council and it was tabled at a meeting in Peak Hill on March 5.

Trundle resident Paul Heves (cello) with cello tutor William Tu

Council however, felt it was important for Mr Baker to address them before a decision was made. This he did last Tuesday, where he pointed out that $1500 was also being requested from Forbes Shire Council, along with a funding request of $1100 to Northparkes Mines. With the orchestra in its infancy, the initial financial burden has fallen on the Mitchell Conservatorium.

However, to advance the orchestra’s future sustainability, Mr Baker prepared a budget which he presented to Council. Membership currently stands at 30 who all contribute the minimal of $10 per school term to participate.

Mr Baker said the philosophy behind the community-based orchestra was one of inclusiveness.

“Players are not auditioned or pre-selected in any way and may join the group at any stage of their musical journey,” he said.

He pointed out that members ranged in age from five to 82. The orchestra currently rehearses in the hall at the Assemblies of God Church after school on a Tuesday afternoon. “The orchestra is very grateful to pastor Andrew Taggart for providing the hall at no cost which has allowed us to begin rehearsals before acquiring any funding.”

It was also pointed out that rehearsals could also be shared between Parkes and Forbes, depending on the needs of the players. The inaugural performance of the LRCO is planned to take place in the middle of the year.

Cr Kenny McGrath congratulated Mr Baker on his presentation.

“I was the bloke who knocked you back at the meeting in Peak Hill, but your presentation here today was terrific,” Cr McGrath said. “I can now see how it will benefit all the interested people across the shire.” Councillors agreed, later voting unanimously to support the orchestra to the tune of $1500 and to review funding support each financial year.

Council in Tune

Andrew Baker addressed Parkes Shire councillors at Tuesday’s meeting in his role as Director of the Lachlan Division of the Mitchell Conservatorium. He requested funding of $1500 which was unanimously agreed to.

The newly established Lachlan Community Orchestra received a boost this week after Parkes Shire Council agreed to contribute $1500 towards operating costs in its first year. Future funding towards the sustainability of the orchestra will be reviewed on an annual basis.
Mr Andrew Baker, Director of the Lachlan Division of the Mitchell Conservatorium lodged an application with Council which was tabled at a meeting in Peak Hill on March 5.
At that meeting it was decided to invite Mr Baker to address a future Council meeting before a final decision could be made. This he did on Tuesday, where he pointed out that $1500 was also being requested from Forbes Shire Council along with a funding request of $1100 to Northparkes Mines. With the orchestra in its infancy, the initial financial burden has fallen on the Mitchell Conservatorium. However, to advance the orchestra’s future sustainability, Mr Baker prepared a budget which he presented to Council. Membership currently stands at 30 who all contribute the minimal of $10 per school term to participate. Mr Baker said the philosophy behind the community-based orchestra was one of inclusiveness.
“Players are not auditioned or pre-selected in any way and may join the group at any stage of their musical journey,” he said. He pointed out that members ranged in age from five to 82.
The orchestra currently rehearses in the hall at the Assemblies of God Church after school on a Tuesday afternoon.
“The orchestra is very grateful to pastor Andrew Taggart for providing the hall at no cost which has allowed us to begin rehearsals before acquiring any funding.” It was also pointed out that rehearsals could also be shared between Parkes and Forbes, depending on the needs of the players. The inaugural performance of the LRCO is planned to take place in the middle of the year.  Cr Kenny McGrath congratulated Mr Baker on his presentation. “I was the bloke who knocked you back at the meeting in Peak Hill, but your presentation here today was terrific,” Cr McGrath said. Councillors agreed, later voting unanimously to support the orchestra to the tune of $1500 and to review funding support each financial year.

Concerts this weekend

A musical weekend for the Lachlan Region

The Mitchell Conservatorium is please to host two fabulous concerts this coming weekend.

Saturday at 2pm: ‘Bass Clef Goes West’ series of workshops will end with their community concert. Participants from the Lachlan Region will perform on lower-bass instruments such as Bassoon, Bass Clarinet, Baritone Saxophone, Tuba, Trombone and Euphonium. Lead by local woodwind specialist Justin Screen with Craig Alloway (Brass), this program will feature a range or classical and contemporary music including a version of 'Hey Jude' on Euphonium. This concert is presented with thanks to a CASP grant through ArtsOutWest. Concert: This Saturday 23rd March, 2pm, St John’s Anglican Church, Forbes. Entry by gold coin donation.

Sunday at 3pm: International prize-winning concert pianist Daniel De Borah will perform a recital of significant concert piano repertoire on the recently renovated piano at All Saints Church Canowindra. The program will include Schumann and Brahms. This concert is presented with thanks to Arts NSW. Concert: This Sunday 24th March at 3pm, All Saints Church Canowindra. Tickets $20, $15 (conc) School age children free.

Daniel de Borah

Mitchell Conservatorium looking for a place to call home in Parkes

Mitchell Conservatorium – Lachlan Division has been providing community-focused music education activities in Parkes and Forbes since 1984 with over 100 Parkes based students  receiving individual and group music lessons in a variety of community and school spaces each week.

 

Mitchell Conservatorium is now looking to expand further into Parkes by finding teaching studio and office space; a place that students and parents can come to engage in music lesson, workshops and concerts. We are looking at options including partnering with other organisations or business in sharing space. We are asking the community to support us with any ideas or assistance.

Back Row Left to Right: Mitchell Conservatorium teachers Andrew Baker (Director), Doug Richards, Micheile Blunt, Alyssa Miller, Justin Screen Front Row students: Parkes Public School Junior and Senior Band

Showcase Concert

Showcase concert a big success!

We were pleased to host our 2012 Staff and Student Showcase concert at the Forbes Public School Hall on Friday 30th November. We are very grateful to Denise King and the Staff at Forbes Public who are most willing to let us use their new hall. 

The concert showcased an eclectic mix of ages stages and instruments. Student Scholarship Winners who performed included (left to right) Vince Umbers, Sam Williams (Forbes High School), Ruby Stitt (Forbes Public School), Emma Greenland, Thomas Haynes (Forbes High School) James McKay and Nicholas McFadyen (absent – Natalie Sharp) Staff performances included a fiery duet by Micheile Blunt and Kerriean Hood; performances on Clarinet and Saxophone by Justin Screen; and a final trio of Andrew Baker, Doug Richards and Justin Screen performing 'I Know Him So Well' from the Musical 'Chess'. We are also grateful to the Lachlan Friends, Barbara Bruce and Margaret Willmott for presenting their scholarships. 

Learning to play the Violin

Gustaw Joseph Szelski is a violinist who brings forty years of teaching experience to the Lithgow and Bathurst branches of the Mitchell Conservatorium. In previous years he has taught violin at Cranbrook School in Sydney, Aschem Girls, Sydney Grammar and Blue Mountains Conservatorium.


His performing career began with his appointments as Leader of the Sydney University String Quartet, the Winbourne string quartet and subsequently with Symphony orchestras throughout Australia. Since 1978 Gustaw has freelanced, performing with orchestras, quartets, trios, and recorded for commercial studios and ABC radio. He has also backed many artists including Rita Hunter, Shirley Bassey, Frank Sinatra, Peter Ustinov, Marcia Hines, John Denver and Tommy Tycho.

As a member of the Tarantella Trio, Blue Mountains Trio and the Paganini Duo he has done several interstate tours and in 1999 a tour of South Asia. He currently performs in a regular concert series at Jenolan Caves as part of the Paganini Duo. Gustaw is also conductor of the Lithgow orchestra, which plays an eclectic mix of music ranging from classical, jazz to originals.

Pictured is Gustaw giving a lesson to his student Tara Chan, who has just been awarded the A.MusA. He comments that Tara is an exceptional student, and it is a great achievement for one so young. Gustaw is now preparing Tara for the Licentiate. This final exam requires a complete understanding of Violin technique and repertoire. Gustaw points out that there are many aspects to technique. It requires an understanding of the way the fingers interact with the strings and the way the bow moves along the string, but always keeping in mind that this technique is a means to an end, which of course is the music. Understanding the notes in a phrase to be able to produce the music are all integral aspects of technique. In other words, one has to transcend the notes.

The only way to achieve this is a complete understanding of the instrument. If you want to learn to play the Violin, either with a view to serious technique and achieving your diploma or simply for enjoyment, contact Mitchell Conservatorium on 6331 6622 and learn from Gustaw Szelski.

Early Childhood Music

New Early Childhood Music classes to begin in Parkes


“Music is one of the greatest gifts a parent or caregiver can give a child…”

Mitchell Conservatorium's Early Childhood Music classes are a wonderful introduction to the world of music for children as young as one year of age.

The carefully planned program starts with one year-old children and continues until preschool age. Children are welcome to join at any time.

In these classes, children find their musical voice; grow in their self-esteem and self-confidence through exploring the colourful world of music. With a selection of songs, children gain an understanding of beat, rhythm, pitch, tone, colour and dynamics. Playing a variety of tuned and un-tuned percussion instruments provide further stimulus to children’s coordination skills and musical awareness in small group settings.

Mia Miller enjoys Early Childhood Music classes at the Mitchell Conservatorium

Parents and carers are valuable partners as two and three year old children enjoy singing and memorizing tunes and works of simple song and rhymes, honing fine and gross motor skills as they jump, run, tap sticks and clap hands, listen to sounds in their environments, on tape or CD and learn to share with others.

By developing solid foundations of musical activities in a stress-free environment, children learn a lifelong love of music. Our teachers greatly appreciate the wonderful musical foundations these Early Childhood programs develop in children prior to learning an instrument. Musical study and performance is seen to be linked with above average academic performances and early involvement leads to a lifelong love and understanding of music, be it classical, jazz, country, folk, rock, rhythm & blues, heavy metal or rap. Music is one of the greatest gifts a parent or caregiver can give a child.

NEW ECM classes are starting in Parkes in term 1 2013. LIMITED PLACES AVAILABLE!! Call now to register your interest.

For more information please call Andrew or Jane on 6852 3766; or email lachlan@mitchellconservatorium.edu.au

Happy Musical New Year

Happy New Musical Year

In my inaugural monthly column for the Forbes Advocate, I would like to wish you a happy new year! The celebrations can continue, since for the Mitchell Conservatorium, this year marks 35 years of service to the community!

Rewarding Families for their loyalty and service
We value the time and effort that families put in ‘behind the scenes’ to support the musical tuition of students. Most notably is the significant financial commitment to equipment and lesson fees that families make each term. In acknowledging this commitment, we now pleased to offer family rewards for new student referrals.

If you refer a student and / or family to the Mitchell Conservatorium (and that new student enrols in instrumental or vocal tuition), you will receive a discount of around 10% per referral off the next term’s account for one child! To take part in this program, you must contact Andrew or Jane on 6852 3766.

Bass Clef Goes West
Thanks to the CASP grant through ArtsOutWest, the ‘Bass Clef Goes West’ workshops, headed by local woodwind teacher Justin Screen, continue this year. Workshops are beign held for Baritone Sax and Euphonium - Saturday 16th February in Forbes; Bassoon and trombone - Saturday 23rd February in Parkes; and the final concert being held at St John’s Anglican Church in Forbes on Saturday afternoon 23rd March at 2pm. it only costs $8 to take part and players of all ages and stages are welcome. Please call 6852 3766 to register.

Daniel de Borah – internationally acclaimed pianist
Prize-winning concert pianist Daniel De Borah will be coming to the region to perform a recital on Sunday 24th March at 3pm. With many thanks to Arts NSW for their grant, this concert will showcase significant concert repertoire. Venue to be confirmed, please watch this space! Students of Mitchell Con instrumental and vocal tuition will receive FREE ENTRY to this concert. Please contact the 6852 3766 for more information.

And finally, we still have some Vacancies for Piano, Guitar, Voice, and Woodwind instruments. Students may be eligible for a discounted lesson cost if they take their tuition at school.

I look forward to engaging in community music making with you!

Andrew Baker – Director, Lachlan Division

Bass Clef Goes West

We are holding some exciting workshops over the next few weeks. Thanks to a Regional Arts Australia CASP grant, the Bass Clef Goes West workshops, headed by local woodwind teacher Justin Screen, continue this year.

Workshops are being held for Baritone Sax and Euphonium - Saturday 16th February in Forbes; Bassoon and trombone - Saturday 23rd February in Parkes; and the final concert being held at St John’s Anglican Church in Forbes on Saturday afternoon 23rd March at 2pm. it only costs $8 to take part and players of all ages and stages are welcome. Please call 6852 3766 to register.

[Attached photo: L to R – Von Janetzki, Hannah Potts, Justin Screen (workshop leader)]