What is your role in the Bellingen Youth Orchestra Ensembles?
Together with Elizabeth Scott, I founded the BYO String School in 2018, recognising that there was a need for an Intermediate String Ensemble to help prepare the many talented young string players for BYO and Sinfonia. I am the Co-Ensemble Leader for the BYO String School and I also teach the violin and viola.
What are some of your musical achievements?
I studied with inspiring music educators Wendy Ireland & Elizabeth Holowell at Newcastle Conservatorium. After graduating from Newcastle University with BA Hons (1st Class), I spent several years in Sydney working in theatre, musical theatre and television, with a focus on children’s entertainment & education programming. I am a certified Suzuki Teacher, passionate about the philosophy which started my violin journey at age 3. I also perform as a singer and violinist in several folk & jazz/funk outfits around the area.
What do you love about playing music?
I love collaboration, singing harmonies, playing in string quartets and helping develop young people’s potential through teaching.
What inspired you to teach music in Bellingen?
In 2013, I moved from Sydney to Bellingen where I found a greater sense of community and an exciting arts culture. I was inspired by the other BYO teachers’ unerring passion for music education and have been working with the Bellingen Youth Orchestra for 9 years. (Also the BYO afternoon teas were a revelation!).
Email: jacqandgill@gmail.com
