Donna Riles

Donna has recently joined the Orange Regional Conservatorium as Head of Keyboard and Academic Studies after a long and outstanding career as a Music Educator with the Department of Education and Training. Donna, a graduate of the New South Wales Conservatorium of Music, with a Bachelor of Music Education, grew up playing in the Blue Mountains Youth Orchestra and the Ars Viva Repertory Company Orchestra, together with being a chorister in the Conservatorium Choir. Donna gained her Certificate III in Music (Contemporary - Midi Music Systems and Song Writing) and plays a variety of string and brass instruments as well as keyboard. She is a member of the long running music duo the "Jam Tarts" which has entertained Orange residents for many years.

Her illustrious career as an educator with the Department of Education and Training was recognised in 2002, with the presentation of a Director-General's Award for Excellent Service to Public Education. Donna has taught all NSW Board of Studies Courses in Music from Kindergarten to Year 12, and has also been an HSC marker in music. She has prepared students annually for NSW Secondary Schools Choral Concerts at the Opera House and conducted the Orange District Sing 2001 Choir at that venue in 2001. As an audition accompanist and conductor from 1998 - 2001, Donna helped prepare students for both the Olympic and Paralympic Games, a highlight for all those involved.

A co-ordinator of a variety of Western Region Music activities, including study days, festivals and camps, Donna has also been the musical director of school and community performances and productions. Donna enjoys her role as piano accompanist to both experienced and beginning musicians in a variety of musical genres, thus giving many groups within the community the opportunity to participate in musical activities, consequently fostering individual talents and community appreciation of music.