Students and staff from NECOM’s many programs shared the limelight at Armidale’s “Colour New England” street art festival on Saturday 6th April. The day started with students from our instrumental studios busking in front of stores and entertaining shoppers who made their way through the colourful displays. The Junior Percussion Ensemble known as Repercussion held their first public performance in the Armidale Mall as part of the festival, assisted by three members of the Senior Ensemble. The group entertained a large crowd with original works specially composed by the CEO, Mr Russ Bauer. A vast array of tuned and untuned percussion instruments were transported to the Mall for the occasion, ranging from a huge five-octave marimba to our premier set of timpani. In all, fifteen different percussion instruments were played by the 12 students during the half hour concert, and the audience was surprised to learn that the youngest musician is just four years of age. From Term Two, Repercussion will resume practising from 5 – 5.30pm every Thursday, with the Senior Percussion Ensemble (approx. Year 8 – 12) from 5.30 – 6.10pm. If any students would like to join either ensemble, please contract NECOM – admin@necom.org.au.
NECOM’s Dixieland Band, The Dixie Six, continues to win audiences over with their infectious brand of traditional jazz music with a great performance on the Armidale Mall stage for the festival. Having been a headline act at the Tamworth Country Music Festival and then the entertainment at the recent Rotary District Conference, the seven-piece band has put together a wide selection of repertoire ranging from traditional New Orleans style to country and even rock’n’roll (in a jazz style, of course). The group is made up of local musicians with a connection to the Conservatorium, and NECOM’s Woodwind Specialist, Mr Paul Marshall, demonstrated his multi-instrument prowess by improvising on both clarinet and saxophone. The Dixie Six is proudly sponsored by Galletly’s Saddlery.
At the end of a long day, Mr Bauer brought festivities to a close by presenting Charlie Chaplin’s beloved silent masterpiece, The Kid with live piano accompaniment for a crowd of more than 200 people.
NECOM would like to thank the Armidale Regional Council for the opportunity to perform at this exciting new festival, and KL Robinson Removalists for transporting the equipment so carefully to and from the venue.
Mr Russell Bauer
Director