The month of August has shot through like a whirlwind! As soon as Term 3 began it was back into the final weeks of preparation for all our talented students presenting for the yearly AMEB Practical Exams sessions held at NECOM in weeks 3 and 4 of August. The examiners have usually travelled from Sydney and stay for a few days in Armidale to examine our many candidates. For the run-up to the exam period our teachers held Studio Concerts to enable one more performance practice before the big day. This is something that NECOM provides in abundance, many performance opportunities. It is no wonder our students present as such confident performers. Results for the exams have been received by now. There are many happy smiles from students realising that all the hard work has paid off along with the welcome affirmation of having claimed a major musical milestone!
Many of our staff are currently participating in support roles for Year12 HSC Music Extension performance ensembles and composition recordings. We wish all our NECOM Year 12 HSC Performance students all the best in their upcoming exams.
Con Brio, NECOM’s adult string ensemble, gave a rousing lunchtime concert on August 26 as part of the Sunday Market Concert Series held monthly at the Uniting Church, Rusden St.
With a membership of 16 players, this ensemble is proving to be a most rewarding and enjoyable experience for all members.
Upcoming Music Camps
There are a number of String Music Camps that school-aged children may be interested in attending in the next holiday period and over the summer holiday period. These types of holiday activities are highly recommended as a stimulus to encouraging ensemble and chamber music experiences outside of Armidale.
There is a String Camp organised by the Coffs Harbour Conservatorium of Music from Oct 9-12; visit their website for further information http://www.coffscon.org.au/event/coffs-harbour-regional-conservatorium-string-camp/
Summer School Music Program from 7 -18 January at St Aiden’s Anglican Girls’ School. Brisbane www.soundthinkingaustralia.com/summerschool
2019 Riverina Summer School for Strings (this camp also caters for guitar and mandolin and has a world music component) 12-19 January at Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga riverinasummerstrings.com