Message from the Vice Chair
Music moves us – it brings us joy, lets us express sadness, makes us dance. Singing and playing an instrument also brings a sense of growth and achievement that builds confidence and wellbeing – particularly when we make music with others.
I am so proud of everything that our members, teachers and conductors have achieved throughout the year and very pleased that end of year performances could go ahead in person, including through Music on the Move. We are fortunate to have a highly skilled and dedicated team of artistic and admin staff who have enabled Music for Canberra to continue playing its vital role in supporting our members and nurturing their love of music.
The Board has been pleased to welcome Shane Dobbin to the role of CEO. Shane brings significant leadership experience from across the community, private and public sectors and has been getting around to meet everyone and support the development of new programs.
On behalf of the Board, I wish everyone a relaxing and happy Christmas. We can’t wait to see you all for a bright and exciting new year filled with music.
Yu-Lan Chan
Vice Chair
Music for Canberra
Message from the CEO
As 2021 draws rapidly to a close I want to take the opportunity to briefly look back on a year that turned out much differently than anyone could have imagined. While it was certainly challenging in many ways, it also showed how strong Music for Canberra is as a company – even in the toughest of times.
A huge congratulations and thank you to our teams across MfC who seamlessly and quickly adapted to moving lessons and rehearsals to online platforms, while continuing to provide an excellent and quality learning experience for all our students.
Since joining MfC, I have also met many parents, families, sponsors and supporters, receiving lots of new innovative ideas and positive feedback. I look forward to continuing the conversations and exploring these ideas with our members and the community in the New Year.
We have lots of exciting new programs planned in 2022 including the launch of the CYO scholarships. There are four half scholarships available to Viola, Double Bass, French Horn and Percussion players – so log in to the website www.musicforcanberra.org.au to find out more or apply.
CYO and JMO Live Auditions are now open together with String Stream auditions. Don’t miss out – check the website to register before the closing date.
Thank you again to all of the MfC teams, especially in Head Office who have worked tirelessly through 2021. Looking forward to a bright and exciting, musical 2022.
I wish you and your families a Happy Festive Season and a healthy New Year.
Shane Dobbin
CEO
Music for Canberra
Enrolments 2022 Now Open!
Music for Canberra has a wide range of offerings available in 2022 – including the return of both the Canberra Children’s Choir and Training Choir, as well as brand new programs such as Music Theory.
Secure your place!
Summer Holiday Program 2022
Looking for something fun and educational for your kids to do over the summer?
Music for Canberra is launching a brand new School Holiday Program this January jam-packed with a variety of musical activities for kids aged 6 to 12, including rhythm games, instrument craft, and an introduction to songwriting software.
No previous musical experience is required.
Click below to read more and secure your place!
January 2022 Auditions
Registrations Now Open
MfC is pleased to announce that a final round of live auditions to join our youth orchestras and string ensembles in 2022 is now open for registration.
Please note that registrations for January 2022 auditions are limited, and will be offered on a *first come, first served* basis. Closing dates for registrations are listed below.
Canberra Youth Orchestra & James McCusker Orchestra Auditions
When: 24 January 2022, 9am – 5pm
Where: Ainslie Arts Centre, 30 Elouera St, Braddon ACT, 2612
Registration Closing Date: 7 January 2022
String Stream Auditions
When: 25 January 2022, 9am – 5pm
Where: Ainslie Arts Centre, 30 Elouera St, Braddon ACT, 2612
Registration Closing Date: 8 January 2022
CYO Scholarships
Music for Canberra is pleased to announce that four half scholarships will be offered in 2022 to encourage students who play French Horn, Viola, Double Bass & Percussion to be members of the Canberra Youth Orchestra.
Each scholarship will cover half the annual tuition fee for CYO, valued at $560.
End of Year Concerts 2021
MfC had a huge day on December 11, featuring performances by our string ensembles in the morning, our soloists and ensembles in the afternoon, and closing that evening with a concert by the James McCusker Orchestra and Canberra Youth Orchestra. Congratulations to everyone on a fantastic showcase of your achievements throughout the year and a welcome return to live performance.
MfC extends a special thanks to Peter Hislop for his work in capturing the day on camera. More photos of the concerts will be available soon on our website.
Music on the Move
MfC would like to congratulate our Chamber Ensemble and instrumental students who successfully delivered three simultaneous concerts to residents at Goodwin Village in Ainslie and Monash, and Jindalee Aged Care in Narrabundah on Saturday 11 December.
These performances were part of MfC’s new initiative – Music on the Move – aimed at bringing the joy of music to aged care residents in Canberra, many of whom have been recently unable to leave their homes to see live performances.
The concerts were an extraordinary success, with overwhelmingly positive feedback from residents on the day, many of whom approached MfC players and staff after the performances to ask us to return soon!
Special thanks to our tutors Barbara Jerjen,Tom Sherringham, and Rita Woolhouse for their hard work in pulling the concerts together.