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Upbeat! - Director's newsletter Spring 2008 Musings in this edition: Building a better Business – Consolidation at last! After many years of attempting to secure funds to relocate the Lord’s Place studios, it looks like we’ve finally cracked it! Thanks mainly to Orange City Council, we are likely to have eight new teaching studios and one new small-ensembles studio in place at Hill Street by early 2009.This will allow us to finally vacate the Lord’s Place cottage and consolidate all operations onto one site. And not a moment too soon! In addition to the new block, which will be erected at the western extremity of the car park, you’ll notice some improvements to the Auditorium and the toilet facilities. Divide and Conquer - the Jazz explosion! In just one year, the ORC Jazz Band has become one of the most energetic in-house ensembles. The enthusiasm bursting forth from the Auditorium every Friday afternoon is an absolute joy to experience, with the twenty-plus students committing everything they have to the highly focused sessions. A sign of the success of the group and their insatiable appetite for new repertoire caused Prem and Gerry to make a flying visit to Sydney to purchase more than twenty new charts for the onset of term 4. Congratulations to all involved. Another indication of the popularity of the group is the commencement of a Junior Jazz Band in term 4, with plans for a more advanced Stage Band soon after. All enquiries re these groups, as with all other ensembles, should be directed to Prem Love. Eisteddfod Success – a cause for celebration! There’s no doubt about it, Orange is a committed Eisteddfod Town! When I first came here in 2001, I was amazed at the level of involvement across Orange in what is clearly, a significant part of the cultural diary of Orange. What also became apparent very quickly was that ensemble members expected to be entered into the competition - and that was that! Regardless of people’s opinions as to the pro’s and con’s of this type of competition, it is clear that performance practice and an identifiable achievement milestone can be very positive components in a performer’s program. This year, over a staggering 6 weeks, I am very proud to say that ORC students presented confidently and most successfully. Congratulations to all participants, every one of you did yourself and your community proud! I won’t mention all individuals, because I would run to several pages, and quite possibly miss an individual or two, which would be unfair and unforgiveable. I will however, attempt to mention all ORC Ensembles – To all individuals, and members of the following ensembles… Junior Strings, Ensemble Mystique, OYO Strings, OYO, Junior Clarinets, Junior Flutes, Senior Flutes, Saxophone Ensemble, Jazz Band, Encore, Brass Ensemble, Symphonic Wind Ensemble Junior Youth Choir, Chamber Choir and Symphonic Choir; Congratulations! And… what a great performance by Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Sarah Ismail at the Vice-Regal Grand Concert! Just Keep Singing – sol-fa, sol-good! I’m thrilled to report that I have had feedback from a number of students, students’ families, and teachers alike, that the Saturday singing sessions are having a real impact on confidence and capability in ensembles. Remember, these sessions are not designed to teach singing as such. They’re designed to provide and develop confidence in sight-singing, pitching and ease with music reading, facilitating a reliable connection between what you hear, what you see on the music page, and how what you play fits in with those around you. Confident sight-singing increases accuracy in any musical activity you choose. Recent Performances – the ORC on show Over the past few months there have been more than a few highlights on the ORC calendar. First up, Lior. This talented performer gave a beautiful set of solo songs from his two albums, demonstrating a level of professionalism that all performers aspire to. A great talent and a fantastic example to students of all ages. To complete the special quality of the evening, Kyle Manning and Rachael Thoms provided the support act for the show, reinforcing the depth of professional talent associated with the ORC. For all those folks who’ve asked, and those of you haven’t but still may be interested, Yes… the ORC is going to continue presenting independent contemporary performers as part of the ongoing performance schedule. Keep your eyes and ears open for news on that front! Another recent highlight was the recital given by Tatiana Kolosova, the second place winner of the 2008 Sydney International Piano Competition. Given the International standing of this young virtuoso, evidenced by her award from what is one of the world’s major competitions, I was disappointed at the half empty hall. I was not, however, disappointed by the grace, poise ad technical brilliance of Tatiana’s performance. I can certainly now say that I have witnessed, and been genuinely moved by, one of the great musical experiences. I do have to comment that a half–empty house will force me to think very carefully before taking on such concerts in the future. Not being able to host such profoundly affecting performances would be tragic The trials and Tribulations of AMEB – a system explained We had mixed experience with the AMEB instrumental and Vocal exams this year and I think it’s timely that I make a few comments regarding the system and the benefits of utilising it for our students. First of all it is far from perfect, and that’s no secret. What it is, however, is a nationally (and to a large degree, internationally) recognised system of grading students’ demonstrated ability and achievement. While it does not provide a curriculum, and this is a very important point, it does provide a framework of assessable repertoire and technical requirements, which are uniform across the country. All reputable teachers and performers have an understanding of what achievement in a particular instrument, at a particular grade indicates in terms of capability on that instrument (including voice). Having said all of that, we do not make AMEB exams compulsory for instrumental and vocal students, appreciating that the system is not necessarily appropriate, every year, for every student. Unlike the Musicianship (including Theory and Music craft) courses, Curriculum is set by the teachers, with the milestones represented by the exams being available as a tool when relevant. This may not be every year, and may not work for every student. One final point relating to this year’s examination period – Anyone who has feedback about their experience(s) should let me know. My feeling is that the (Australian Music Examinations) Board deserves feedback from organisations like ours to keep them informed about the reality of the process. Term 4 Ensembles and Classes With the exception of Orange Symphony Orchestra, Encore and Junior Flute Ensemble all groups and classes recommence during the week of Monday, October 13. Encore will recommence on October 20, Junior Flutes will recommence on October 22 and OSO will recommence on October 25 The Financial Reality - fees please And the financial reality is……………. Up and Coming Events - October through December Particular events to look out for include: Term 4 events/ important dates Please don’t forget- Graham |