When did you play with the BYO?
I started back in the day at the very first rehearsal in 2007 and played consistently in the orchestra until I finished high school in 2014. I returned during university holidays to join rehearsals and concerts when I was back home. Once I moved back to Bellingen to teach cello, it became a regular occurrence to see me at String School, Orchestra, and Sinfonia each week.
What instrument(s) do you play?
Cello is my main instrument, which I pursued in university, but violin was my first instrument. I was taught by Lizzie Scott from Year 1 to Year 10. I also played percussion in the High School Concert Band for most of my high school life. In recent years, I’ve become rather handy with piano, guitar, ukulele, and singing for my job as a classroom music teacher!
Where could we find you now?
After completing two years of studying my Master’s in Teaching in Primary Education, you’ll find me up in the cold mountains of Armidale, teaching cello lessons at the New England Conservatorium of Music in local schools around Armidale and delivering classroom music education in Inverell through the conservatorium. I also assist with the choral ensemble Cantilena and other groups.
What was your favorite memorable moment with the orchestra?
Most people would probably say their favorite moment was performing the 1812 Overture in 2018—definitely an unforgettable experience for me as a tutor! As a student, some of my fondest memories are from our performances away from Bellingen, like when we went to the Gold Coast and performed at the Jupiter Hotel, and whenever we had visiting ensembles for workshops, like the ACO.
What’s on your playlist this week?
Where do I even start? Right now, I’m really into folk music, with an English folk band called Sleep Walking Animals being my main obsession, along with the new album Keel Road by the Danish String Quartet. As when I was a student, I still always keep movie/TV soundtracks on my playlist. I’m currently enjoying the Rings of Power soundtrack by Bear McCreary. His music’s range of ideas always keeps me on the edge of my seat.
What’s the best thing you took away from the BYO?
The best thing I took away from BYO is not only the strong sense of community I felt but also my newfound admiration for different musical genres. When I first joined, I mostly enjoyed classical and folk music. Now, I have a greater appreciation for all kinds of music, seeing something special in each genre.
We have lots of new players every year…do you have any advice for them?
With the amount of schoolwork and musical commitments, it can get tiring to keep up with extra music events and performances on top of your regular ensembles and lessons. Sometimes, you might even feel overwhelmed. But remember, in a small regional area, these opportunities are a rare gift! Say yes to extra workshops, performances, camps, and concerts with visiting artists. You’ll appreciate these experiences more as you grow as a musician. Oh, and make sure you’re practicing consistently—small, regular practice sessions are more effective than one long one each week!
What essential creative experience should we add to our ‘to-do’ list this year?
One of my favorite ways to decompress from a long day of music teaching is playing board and card games. It’s a wonderful part of my day where I disconnect from the world and stay away from my phone.
If you could travel to one place in 2024, where would it be?
Since we’re nearing the end of the year, I probably won’t have time to travel until the next school year ends. But my plan is to travel back to England with my mum next year and maybe visit Scotland and Wales to see family. I might even pop over to Holland to see friends!
