Gympie kids really do rock
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The Gympie Kids Rock program got off to a flying start on the 18th of February with fifteen students attending the first lesson. The classroom at the AICM building in Channon St reverberated to guitarists, bass guitarists, keyboards players and drummers taking their first steps into a life as a musician. The chords D and A7 never sounded so good. It won't be long until parents are sitting proudly in the auditorium listening to their children perform on stage.
Have a look here for a slide show of the kids in action. And here for different one.
We are looking at starting another Gympie Kids Rock class so if you are interested in your child learning to play music in a group situation, please call Debra on 5481 2355 or email her.
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music video - a seminar |
We all love music videos, but what makes a great one? Where do ideas for music videos come from? What's involved in their creation and how might you get started in Gympie? Come along and discuss all this and more with Natasha Pincus, director of acclaimed music videos for iconic musicians such as Paul Kelly and Kasey Chambers. This is a unique opportunity to gain insight into the creative process involved in making music videos, from their inspiration to the reality of production.
The seminar will be held on Friday morning March 27 from 9.30 - 12.30 in the AICM building at 28 Channon St. Cost is $50 for adults and $25 for students. Phone Heart of Gold on 07 5483 700 for bookings or AICM on 07 5481 2355 for more info.
About Natasha Pincus
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Formerly a solicitor at a top-tier Melbourne law firm, in 2004 Natasha hung up her suit to focus on her filmmaking career full time. Natasha has since written a number of successful short and feature film scripts, and has directed award-winning short films and music videos that have screened all over the world. Natasha won the 2007 Inside Film award for Best Music Video for Paul Kelly's God Told Me To and has since directed music videos for several of Australia's favourite musicians, including Kasey Chambers, Lior and rock band End of Fashion. Natasha was selected to be a part of Victoria's Who's Who of 2007 and 2008, and in recent times has been keeping busy writing the pilot episode for a new TV series in development with Channel 9. |
Claude wins in Warwick
Claude McLachlan entered into the Travelling Country Music Association Festival at Warwick on the weekend of 20 - 22 of February. The competition was called the Ultra Golden Music Festival and was limited to competitors 50 years and over. It was a very good weekend and there were many talented singers and song writers in the age group. Claude was fortunate (and talented enough) to get three trophies from the six events he entered - a first place in the Open Yodel, a second place in the Male Bush Ballad and a second place in the Male Gospel. |
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Charley Boyter hits town
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Charley Boyter (centre) with Don Reid (left) and Geoff Walden (right) |
A number of members from the AICM music programs attended a workshop hosted by Charley Boyter, the Penrith Picker last Wednesday night. Charley proved to be a very talented and enthusiastic character who taught us how to do runs and fills between the chords. He showed us first as a group and then he worked individually with each of us. The runs and fills add flavour to a song, particularly when soloing.
We were also able to take home a CD and continue to practise what we had been taught. Everyone enjoyed the evening and found Charley to be a very encouraging teacher, regardless of our level of skill. Charley's wife Sandy said," Charley's greatest pleasure is coming back and seeing the improvement in those whose paths he ad crossed.
Charley performed on his 1960 model Martin guitar which he had remodeled to his taste. Everybody loved the beautiful tones of this guitar and Charley told us how many people, including Slim Dusty, had offered him a great deal of money for the guitar.
Charley believes the music he performs is a dying art and is trying to encourage young people to go into this style of music (balladeering). He feels there is plenty of scope for this in the industry as it promotes an individualised style.
These workshops are a great opportunity to meet successful artists in the music industry, to learn some tips, maintain some enthusiasm and enhance your standard of playing. Thanks Meg for organising it.
Submitted by Robyn Hamilton
Cert III is on the way again.
The Certificate III in Music offered by AICM in conjunction with the Wide Bay Institute of TAFE has well and truly started with the biggest class we have had. As well as attracting students from James Nash High School, this year we have three students who are home schooled. It is very exciting to see these students attending our classes and we look forward to some interesting times together.
It is going to be a great year given that we have a couple of students who play brass/woodwind instruments. We are going to be looking for some country songs which include brass - "Ring of Fire" comes to mind immediately.
Click here for a slide show of photos of the Cert III class in action.
Aaron joins the team
Aaron Partridge is a songer, songwriter and guitarist who has recently completed a Diploma of Music Industry Business through Sunshine Coast TAFE and is currently studying a Bachelor of Learning Management (Music) at Noosa CQ University. He has had experience in music management having self managed his groups onto the top festivals in Australia and promoted their recorded product around the world.
Since moving back to Queensland in 2002, Aaron has been involved in the Brisbane Rockabilly and Alt-Country scene playing at major events on the calendar including the main stage at the Gympie Muster, Tamworth Country Music Festival, Port Fairy Festival, Narooma Blues and Rockabilly Festival and more.
Aaron is an international touring and recording artist who brings a wealth of industry experience to the AICM having toured to the USA in 2004, twice to New Zealand and numerous tours around Australia. He has had original releases on Californian record labels with Brisbane rockabilly band The Flamin' Locos and received airplay in Japan, the USA, the UK and Europe.
Record production is another area of interest for Aaron, having worked at Digital Wax Sound Studio in Brisbane for two years. He hopes to bring some of this knowledge into the AICM's programs.
A jack-of-all-trades within the music industry, Aaron is passionate about passing on his knowledge to the younger generation and help lift the reputation of modern Australian country music. He is excited about the talent he has seen at the AICM in Gympie and can't wait to see them develop into well rounded musicians with a firm direction in the music industry.
Certificate IV in music
The Certificate IV in music, offered in conjunction with the Wide Bay Institute of TAFE will begin "real soon now", probably in the second half of March. Classes will be held on Tuesday evenings and will be taught by Dr Geoff Walden. They are mostly offered to attract the adults in our community who might have an interest in upgrading their qualification. However, there will be an opportunity for high school students who have already started a Cert IV in other situations to follow that program through. Don't forget to call Debra on 5481 2355 or email her to sign up for the program.