Q and A
Question
Answer
Can you tell us a bit about you, and what you are up to these days?
Music has always been an important part of my life. There was always music at home, either the radio or records. I started studying piano early and took up bassoon in early high school. I knew early on that I wanted to be a musician.
After years of study in Australia and America and playing in most Australian orchestras, I took up the position of Principal Bassoon in the West Australian Symphony Orchestra where I remained for 32 years. I have now apparently ‘retired’ but find myself continuing to play and teaching bassoon two to three days a week. I find this very enjoyable as I start students in year 4 and watch them progress though to their final year of school. It is not without challenges and I am always looking for ways to adapt to the needs of the students and continuing to learn new skills.
After years of study in Australia and America and playing in most Australian orchestras, I took up the position of Principal Bassoon in the West Australian Symphony Orchestra where I remained for 32 years. I have now apparently ‘retired’ but find myself continuing to play and teaching bassoon two to three days a week. I find this very enjoyable as I start students in year 4 and watch them progress though to their final year of school. It is not without challenges and I am always looking for ways to adapt to the needs of the students and continuing to learn new skills.
What was a highlight of your time in AYO programs?
So many. Of course my first AYO. I was very young and in total awe of the other ‘more experienced’ older members – and the conductor was Willem van Otterloo! AYO's first overseas tour to Expo 70 in Japan has to be up there.
What skills, musical and otherwise, did you take away from your time at AYO?
Orchestral discipline. Making sure I was thoroughly prepared for rehearsal. Listening and being part of a special ensemble. Making friends and keeping important peers relationships.
Why do you think AYO is important to the Australian cultural landscape?
The training received for young musicians is invaluable as an introduction to an orchestral musician’s life.
Is there a piece of advice you received from a music teacher/mentor that has always stayed with you?
There is no such thing as a perfect reed.
How or why did you choose your instrument?
It chose me. I required a second instrument to study at university and the only one the school had available was the bassoon. Bassoon became my major study at the end of first year.
Would you rather: that you sounded like a tuba when you sneezed, or sounded like a piccolo when you laughed?
A tuba when I sneeze. Have you ever sat at the receiving end of a piccolo?
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Thank you AYO. You played a very important part in my orchestral education.
