Mitchell Conservatorium Alumni blitz The Voice auditions

Two former students of the Mitchell Conservatorium have made an early impression on judges and audiences alike in the blind audition round of of the televsion sensation The Voice.

Celia Pavey from Forbes and Ryan Sanders from Bathurst both enjoyed learning music at The Con, Celia studying guitar (with Doug Richards) and violin and Ryan studying singing with Jon Lewis successfully completing his HSC music subjects with Jon in 2011.



Celia Pavey with Delta Goodrum of The Voice

Ryan Sanders

We wish them both much success in the next round of The Voice!

photos couretesy of the Parkes Champion Post and Western Advocate.

CONversation

CONversations - Forbes Advocate Column

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April 2013

2013 marks the 35^th anniversary of the Mitchell Conservatorium – here’s a note on how it all began:

“Let’s grasp the baton” was the community call for the establishment of the State’s first regional, community-based, pre-tertiary and non-profit Music Centre in Bathurst and Orange, which became a reality in May 1978. The move to the West Wing of Bathurst Court House in 1980 was far-sighted and positive. Lithgow and Forbes Divisions (and for nine and a half-years, Wentworth Falls) subsequently joined under our umbrella. In 1995, Mitchell Conservatorium became incorporated and one year later, the Orange Regional Conservatorium became independent. We celebrated our Silver Anniversary in 2003 and our 30th Anniversary in 2008, to great acclaim in the community.

 A full house in Canowindra

Prize-winning concert pianist Daniel De Borah performed on the newly restored Collard and Collard Piano at All Saints Church, Canowindra. With thanks to Arts NSW, Daniel performed a program of Romantic period piano repertoire including Schumann and Brahms. We also thank the 90-odd audience members who turned up to support the concert.

Bass Clef Goes West – a Grand Finale

Thank you to our two tremendous tutors Justin Screen and Craig Alloway who led the final concert for these workshops at St John’s Anglican Church in Forbes. This community concert presented an eclectic program on instruments such as Bass Clarinet, Bassoon, Baritone Saxophone, Tuba, Trombone and Euphonium. A hearty congratulations to all the participants.

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

Andrew Baker

Director, Lachlan Division

 

 

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