Yamaha Wind Orchestra brings together performance and professional development
Whenever one hears the phrase 'professional development', they could be excused for their eyes beginning to glaze over. It's Pavlovian. It's natural. Cue: Yamaha Education Outreach Clinician, Dr. Rob McWilliams, and the Yamaha Wind Orchestra Professional Development project.
After extremely positive beginnings in 2018, Sunday August 12, 2019 marked the end of a second successful delivery of the Yamaha Wind Orchestra Professional Development project.
Approximately 50 music educators from all around Australia came together over two weekends to form a high-level wind band, preparing a program of professional wind band repertoire, culminating in a breathtaking performance. This unique professional development concept allows music educators to further develop their skills in choosing repertoire, concert programming, score study/preparation, rehearsal techniques, conducting gestures, preparation and technique, all whilst using the high-level ensemble as a tool to demonstrate these techniques. This allowed these wonderful educators to learn during the process whilst experiencing the satisfaction and engagement of playing in a professional level ensemble.
The performance, held at the stunning new performance space at Presbyterian Ladies' College, featured the music of Dana Wilson, Michael Gandolfi and Marcel Wengler, as well as Australian composers Percy Grainger, Edward Fairlie and Ralph Hultgren. The performance was opened by the incredibly talented Rosanna Golf Links Primary School Concert Band.
Yamaha Music Australia is incredibly grateful to have the support of Fine Music, ABODA Victoria, Wesley College and Presbyterian Ladies' College throughout this Professional Development opportunity and we look forward to an equally fantastic and successful Yamaha Wind Orchestra, 2020.
