Time to "BUSK" out!

So from my last entry, I mentioned that the HSC music performance examinations were on. All of the students I was involved with either for performing or teaching from Grafton, Coffs Harbour and Bellingen did a fantastic job on the day. There was a great feeling of satisfaction from everyone in terms of how they performed, even for one student who had a technical hiccup with some electronics for his instrument (fortunately it wasn’t that deterring for him). All performance programs were at a high standard allowing students to provide their best on the day. So now we will have to wait for the results after all of the other exams have been completed.

I also mentioned in the previous blog entry the Helfgott Scholarship finalists had been announced for next month. A point I presented, but did not raise much concern about, was the fact that four finalists had been chosen for the instrumentals instead of three. While I have nothing against this decision made, I would like to pose a question. Two years ago when there were six finalists (three for the vocals, and three for the instrumentals) the Jetty theatre that hosts the event was a full house. From where I was sitting up the back there was not one free seat, from the 250 available, with the place an absolute buzz of excitement. So if we have another finalist thrown into the mix, and mind you there is a lot of support and interest in the musicians for this event, could this possibly mean people being turned away from being able to attend?

As local people would gather from the title, the International Busker and Comedy Festvial commences today in Coffs Harbour. Over the years, this event has become something of debate amongst people involved in the arts in Coffs Harbour. And even then, there have been people I have met who have an interest or take part in an artistic activity that hold their own views.

This event has proven to be great for businesses, especially for those located in the Palms Centre and the mall. People gather to see the busking acts in the fenced off areas, and have the opportunity to grab a coffee, something sweet to eat, or maybe even purchase something fashionable while being entertained. On the other side of the fence, artistic integrity has been criticised and slammed in comparison with other local artistic events. The festival is held in areas of town, such as the Palms Centre and mall, where busking is normally a fineable offence. Years ago, when I was really young, you could freely perform in this area of town with no complaints. Years later you had to purchase a busking licence in order to be able to perform. Now it is completely outlawed for anyone to busk in this area without being first fined, and then perhaps arrested later with a second fine.

The quality of entertainment, without a doubt, is of an international standard. Some of the acts have been incredibly popular amongst locals and they continue to return. At the same time, no local acts are being permitted to perform. To think that Coffs Harbour has schools of music, dance, drama, and even circus, and not one can be given the chance to exhibit or promote what they do. The Bellingen Music Festival was a great promotion for international-standard performers, while being supported by local groups and musicians to make it a tremendous event. So why can’t this festival do the same?

Without a doubt the event should be a success business-wise and great exposure for the international buskers and comedians, but yet again this could be a kick in the guts for the local arts community with entertainment being brought in displaying no signs of development in the area.

And just to cap off this entry, a “Happy Birthday” shout out to my mum as she celebrates today! Hope she has a wonderful day.

The Upcoming Events

It was my birthday last Friday, and I didn’t have much time to put together another entry for the blog. Students are keeping me on my toes as events quickly approach. Some of the things that will be coming up very soon...

HSC Performances

For some, HSC performances in music will have commenced. Students I am involved with teaching or participating in ensembles will all be performing next week in Coffs, Bellingen and Grafton. A lot of work and preparation has gone into these works, and we are looking forward to seeing these students impress and show what they are capable of achieving as musicians. The Bellingen High School students will be giving one last public performance this coming Sunday afternoon at 2pm at the Memorial Hall. Some of these students had the opportunity over the course of last weekend to workshop some of their pieces with members of the AYO Wind Quintet. This was definitely appreciated by the students and teaching staff. You will not be disappointed by the calibre and standard of this year’s class.

Helfgott Scholarship Finalists Announced!

The Helfgott Scholarships Finals will be held on the 9th of October. What is quite extraordinary this time is that four finalists have been selected for the instrumentalist scholarship, instead of the standard selection of three. The standard of the musicians’ performances in the finals two years ago was quite high and captivating, and this year should be no exception. More details can be found at the con website here.

Clarinet Capers

For the first time in several years, I will be giving a public recital in Grafton as part of a very successful staff concert series that has been hosted by the Clarence Valley Conservatorium. I will be accompanied by fellow staff member Leanne Taylor as I give a recital primarily on clarinet, featuring a few saxophone works. Works by Piazzolla, Reade, Castel-Nuovo Tedesco, Bozza, Cockroft, and few others will be featured, including (hopefully) a world premiere of one of my own compositions. This concert will be held October 16th at 7:30pm at the Clarence Valley Con.