Coffs Instrumentals Commence

The instrumental sections of the Coffs Harbour Eisteddfod have arrived for this year. I am really looking forward to this year’s eisteddfod since it will be the first time I have students taking part. Students of mine from Coffs and Bellingen will be competing, and I am quite curious to see the results obtained.

Personally, I see this is a stepping stone and a great opportunity for students to perform in front of not only a panel similar to an AMEB examination, but an audience as well. Regardless of whether students win or not, the real crunch will occur in August when even more students I am teaching will sit their AMEB exams in clarinet and saxophone. In general the preparation has been really good, taking advantage of the full 12 months. The only exception has been with Bellingen students since I began teaching them Week 2 of Term 1 this year, but I will be looking at altering and modifying practice routines and programs previously set. The aim will be to bring a greater discipline, work ethic, and most importantly enjoyment out of the instrument and the music performed for as many students possible.

I have found that the new music year works similar to that of a financial year; everything ends and begins anew at the beginning of July. Being the mid-point of the year students are thought to be set in homework and study routines through their schooling education. Music examinations in the region occur around this time, and the start does feel very fresh for teachers and students as repertoire is organised and handed out immediately towards the end of Term 2, or at the beginning of Term 3. Something to do with organisation and already knowing what will occur. Ah yes, being prepared feels so good.

Getting back to the eisteddfod, I am very keen to see how my Coffs-based students do perform. Normally one would feel quite nervous, and I have a feeling the nerves will hit the students later today, but there is a supreme confidence going through these kids. They’re only in primary school, but they are not going to back down. If anything they are feeling relaxed because they know they can play the music, and regardless of whether they win or lose they know they are in for better things to come. It’s like the old saying of “you’ve got nothing to lose”, but in a more optimistic fashion. You trust in your own skills and abilities and let nothing else trouble you regardless of other people and their actions or abilities.

Saturday evening or during Sunday I’ll compile a list of results, and give a wrap of the instrumental eisteddfod. With all of the rain we are receiving, and what is forecast ahead, I sincerely hope this does not become a flooded out event.