What is your role in the Bellingen Youth Orchestra Ensembles?
I am a tutor for the second violin section in the BYO (our flagship orchestra).
What are some of your musical achievements?
In addition to being a music teacher for over 30 years, I have performed in a variety of groups.
I have been a keyboard player in several cover bands, including Fore & More (The Australian Huey Lewis Show), Gods of Surf, Sea of Horns, and Sparkle Debarkle, to name a few.
On the classical side, I have played with The Bankstown Youth Orchestra (the other BYO), The Armidale Symphony Orchestra, and The Northern Beaches Orchestra.
Somewhere in between, I also became a bass ukulele player for The Australian Ukulele Orchestra, where I performed for nine years.
What do you love about playing music?
I love playing music for so many reasons. I simply love music and performing. I also enjoy helping others get up on stage and experience the joy of performing for the first time.
What inspired you to teach music in Bellingen?
I only recently moved to this area, and while I knew there had always been a strong music culture here, I didn’t realize the full extent of it until I accidentally became involved with BYO. I have always taught music as a profession, but I have been pleasantly surprised by the enthusiasm from all age groups. This has reignited my passion for teaching, which may have waned in recent years—probably another thing to blame on COVID!