Woodwind
Laith Ismail | Head of Woodwind, Oboe, Saxophone, Clarinet, Bassoon
Laith Ismail graduated with a Master in Fine Arts from Gnessin State Musical Pedagogical Institute, Moscow, where he qualified as a Concert Performer in Oboe, Music Teacher and Orchestra Conductor. He joined the Iraqi National Symphony Orchestra and toured Iraq, Russia and Azerbaijan. In 1991-92, Laith conducted the Jordanian String Orchestra at the National Music Conservatory, Amman, Jordan, and performed in concerts as oboe soloist in numerous symphony and chamber concerts with the above orchestras and the Baghdad Chamber Music Group.
He has taught Theory, Aural, Music Appreciation, Flute and Recorder at the Music and Ballet School, Baghdad and Musicianship at National Music Conservatory, Amman. Since coming to Australia he has played oboe with Willoughby Symphony Orchestra (1993) and Balmain Sinfonia 1994-95 and is now a resident in Orange teaching and performing in many of the concerts undertaken by Orange Regional Conservatorium.
Kylie Gregory | Flute
Kimberly Pearson | Flute
Kimberley began learning the flute at 5 years old, inspired by the older students in her primary school music program. At the age of ten, while participating in the Sydney Symphony Playerlink Camp in Wagga Wagga, Kimberley realised she wanted to develop her musical skills and knowledge as much as possible so she could bring that knowledge to regional communities. With this in mind, she auditioned and was accepted to the Conservatorium High School from Year 7 to 12 and completed her honours degree from the University of Sydney’s Conservatorium of Music in 2009. During her studies, Kimberley had the fortune to learn from Rosamund Plummer, James Kortum and Emma Sholl and performed with SBS Youth Orchestra and various chamber ensembles.
In Sydney, Kimberley worked as a flute specialist teaching in several schools including Greenwich Public and Middle Harbour Public schools as well as privately in the region when her students moved on to high school. Kimberley has also been a guest tutor at Moriah College band camp and Regional Youth Orchestra camp. Kimberley was delighted when the opportunity arose to move to regional NSW in 2015, fulfilling the dream she had for over 10 years.
Currently, Kimberley continues to play with the Dubbo District Concert Band, for which she is also the librarian, tutors with the Symphonia Jubilate Outback Orchestra and is on the committee for the Dubbo Eisteddfod. Kimberley looks forward to continuing to teach in the Central West with her husband Neill and two German Shepherds, Wagner and Holly. Their goal is to continue to work with students, parents, schools and community groups to develop a strong music culture which is both engaging and entertaining for all involved.
Glenys Ramage | Clarinet, Recorder
Glenys has been involved in music since childhood learning brass instruments first, then moving on to Clarinet and Piano which became Major studies at Alexander Mackie College of Advanced Education in Sydney where she completed her Music teaching qualifications. She has taught piano, clarinet and recorder privately for over 40 years with students of all ages including adults.
She has worked many years with bands of different types, playing in, tutoring and directing. As a school music teacher, Glenys has had experience with all ages of students, from infants to year 12, in private and State schools, in Sydney as well as overseas. Part of this teaching has involved directing many different ensembles, choirs, bands and recorder groups.
Elizabeth Sargeant | Symphonic Wind Ensemble Conductor
Liz is an experienced conductor and music educator who has had a long career working with instrumental players of all ages and stages.
Over Liz’s career she has worked in a variety of school and community settings and is called upon frequently to conduct and lead music festivals, community workshops, camps and concerts.
In 2017 Liz was accepted as the only Australian to travel to the USA to participate in conducting symposiums at the University of Minnesota, University of Michigan and Northwestern University, Illinois.
Liz brings this depth of experience to her role as conductor of the ORC Symphonic Wind Ensemble. This growing ensemble is flourishing under her expert guidance.
David Shaw | Executive Director, Flute
David Shaw is a multi-instrumentalist, specialising in flute and piano. He has extensive experience in many genres of music, including performing, arranging and teaching. As an orchestral musician, David has performed with several state orchestras in Australia and enjoys chamber music collaborations and projects with colleagues Australia-wide. David is a champion of new Australian music, with a long list of composer collaborators and premieres.
In Orange and the Central West, David has been involved in innumerable musical offerings. He has been a repetiteur and music director for the Orange Theatre Company in more than a dozen shows, and has performed in many school musical theatre shows. He has also led the Orange Symphony Orchestra as music director since 2017. David is a regular performer in the Orange Chamber Music festival and has also been onstage as part of the Orange Winter Jazz Festival. He founded the ORC Chamber Academy to give students a chance to explore the complex nature of chamber music while still at school and is always looking for innovative programs and ideas to share with new students. In 2023, David gave his first public performances on two new keyboard instruments – the piano accordion and the church organ – both of which were joyously tackled. David loves to connect with community and engage with the many varied musical offerings around him.
John Tallis | Highland Bagpipes
John has learnt the Bagpipes from the age of 18, when he joined the Scots Guard in Stirling, Scotland. He regularly features in the ANZAC Day March in Orange. John can offer tuition in the Highland Bagpipes from 12yrs and above.
Glen Wholohan | Saxophone, Schools Band Conductor/Tutor