News Archive
Bands and Orchestras 2011
The Bands & Orchestras sections of the Australian National Eisteddfod, held from 19-26 May 2011 in three venues around Canberra, were a great success.
Over 3,000 individuals and 106 school and community groups from Canberra, Sydney, Wollongong, Hunter Valley, Melbourne, Young and Yass participated in the event.
The Adjudicators, Dr Mark Fonder from Ithaca College in New York, Debbie Masling and James Luke, were extremely well received by participants, and consistently highlighted the high standard of performances. All sections over the weekend produced a high level of musicianship, and much enjoyment for both players and audience.
Most sections were conducted on a non-competitive basis, with assessment based on attainment levels of Gold, Silver or Bronze. A total of 32 Gold trophies, 30 Silver and 12 Bronze reflects the high standard of performance.
Canberra City Band, Hunter Central Coast Regional Wind Ensemble and Wollongong Conservatorium of Music Wind Ensemble won the Open A, B and C Grade Concert Band sections respectively.
Other winners included Twilight Jazz
Band (Open A Grade Jazz Bands), Venom Inside (Open Rock Bands), Hall Village
and Secunda Brass (Brass Bands), Wollongong Conservatorium of Music (Open
Orchestras) and Radford College (Open String Orchestras). Five Platinum awards,
to recognise excellence in non-competitive sections, were made.
Interstate groups to participate included Hunter Central Coast Wind Ensemble, Northcote High School (from Melbourne), Wollongong Conservatorium of Music and Young Public School.
All sections over the weekend produced a high level of musicianship, and much enjoyment for both players and audience.
Bands and Orchestras Newsletter - Apr 2011
Music Workshops
Michael Griffin will be the main adjudicator for the Choirs Eisteddfod on 12 - 13 August.
Michael has a wealth of experience both here and overseas in leading significant and unique education and music workshops for students and staff. A description of these workshops and Michael's contact details can be seen at www.musiceducationworld.com if you would like to arrange for him to run one of these at your school prior to the Eisteddfod.
Choirs Eisteddfod Convenor
The Choirs Eisteddfod is now regarded as one of the best choral competitions in the country. A new Convenor will be needed, however, after this year's event. If you are interested in this voluntary position, please contact the present Convenor Dianne Anderson to find out what is involved. (Editors Note: Dianne has kindly agreed to continue in this position)
Choirs Eisteddfod - New Dates for 2011
The date has moved back to the original advertised dates of 12-13 August. We hope that this does not cause a problem for Choirs at this stage.
Primary School Choirs will be held on Fri 12 Aug at Llewellyn Hall, ANU and for 2011 the Open Sections and all Championship Sections (12 years and under, 19 years and under, Open Popular and Australian Open) will be held at the wonderful Canberra Girls Grammar School Hall, Melbourne Avenue, Deakin (due to a double booking at Llewellyn Hall) on Sat 13 Aug.
Any questions please contact the Convenor, Dianne Anderson on 02 6295 1213 or fill in the form on the contacts page.
Bands and Orchestras
Over 3,000 individuals and 100 groups will perform over four days in the Bands and Orchestras section in 2011. The majority of performers are from the Canberra region, including leading ACT school and community groups, and there are also a number of interstate groups from Melbourne, Sydney, Young and Wollongong.
Full program for the event is:
- Thu 19 May – Jazz Bands, Lyneham High School Performing Arts Centre, 5pm-10.30pm
- Fri 20 May – Open Concert Bands, Llewellyn Hall, ANU School of Music, 6pm-100pm
- Sat 21 May – U16 and U18 Concert Bands, Llewellyn Hall, ANU School of Music, 9.30am-5.30pm
- Sat 22 May – Orchestras, Llewellyn Hall, ANU School of Music, 9am-1.30pm
- Sun 22 May – ACT High School Bands, Llewellyn Hall, ANU School of Music, 2pm-5.30pm
- Wed 25 May – Primary and High School Bands and Orchestras, Lyneham High School Performing Arts Centre, 10.15am-1pm
- Thu 26 May – Rock Bands, CIT Southside Auditorium, 4.30pm-10.30pm
Tickets for all events will be available at the door. Tickets for Llewellyn Hall events are also available for pre-purchase from the Society or through Ticketek on 132849 (transaction fees may apply).
Sun 27 Mar 11 The Music Makers - Strike up the band for flood relief
A musical afternoon to raise money for the Queensland Flood Relief appeal will be held on Sunday March 27. Held in the beautiful grounds of 25 Mugga Way Red Hill, the concert will be from 1-3pm, with gates open from 12.30pm.
Come along and be entertained by the Blamey Street Big Band. Conducted by Ian McLean and featuring Leisa Keen on vocals, the group will present a wide range of swing hits and jazz standards. The band is based on swing bands like the Count Basie and Duke Ellington ones of the 40's/50's and the big bands of more recent years like the Daly Wilson Big Band and James Morrison. Repertoire includes songs like In The Mood, Satin Doll, Take The A Train, Over the Rainbow, All of Me, and Georgia On My Mind.
The event will also launch the 2011 program for this year’s Bands and Orchestras program of the Australian National Eisteddfod, which will take place in May.
Entry is by donation to the Queensland Flood Relief appeal. Bring your own picnic or make use of the food and drink available – sausage sizzle, soft drinks, cupcakes, ice cream, fresh fruit and more.
Enquiries: 6281 3725 or 6295 2386.
AGM
This year's AGM will be held on Tue 29 Mar 2011 in the Ainslie Arts Centre.
Bands & Orchestras 2011
Bands & Orchestras dates for 2011 have been confirmed. They are: 19-22 May and 26 May 2011.
Schedule is to be confirmed once entries have been received but likely to be:
Thu 19 May - Primary School Bands and Orchestras and Jazz Bands
Fri 20 May - Open Concert Bands and Open Brass Bands
Sat 21 May - Concert Bands - 16yrs and Under and 18yrs and Under
Sun 22 May - Orchestras and ACT High School Bands
Thu 26 May - Rock Bands
Australia's Open Garden Scheme
57 Arthur Circle, Red Hill 23-24 Oct 2010 10am - 4.30pm each day
The Australian National Eisteddfod will benefit from the proceeds of this day.
The Anderson Garden (a formal garden with sweeping lawns on a large block; mature trees, a gorgeous allée and many cottage plants) is a beautiful established garden on 4,000sm.
There will be musicians performing at 11am and 3pm each day, a sausage sizzle and tea and coffee available and delicious Christmas Puddings from Newcastle for sale at reduced prices. $6 entry at the gate (free under 18)
COME ALONG WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND SUPPORT THE EISTEDDFOD SOCIETY!