A
little
about myself: Male of Scots, Irish/Scots and English descent, I
am
a third or fourth generation New Zealander, depending on which side of
my family tree you look. Born in Ashburton New Zealand, I have
lived
in Christchurch for 40 years.
Initially
a primary school teacher with a specialist interest in Music, I taught
at primary and intermediate schools in Christchurch for 12 years,
before
following my talents in woodwind playing and teaching, into the
secondary
school service where I teach as an itinerant or peripatetic woodwind
teacher.
i.e I travel on a weekly schedule to schools to teach woodwind
instruments
to small groups and individual pupils.
My
principal
performance instruments are:
Bassoon
(20
years principal in Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, ending in 1992).
Recorder
(intermittent appearances for Brandenburg 4 as well as baroque trio
sonatas).
Piano –
member of Hot Ora Combo trio – jazz and light music for weddings etc
Bassoon - member of Silencio New Music Ensemble established 2005
Other
woodwind
instruments on which I play and teach:
Flute
Clarinet
Saxophone
An
interest
in early music developed through my recorder playing has extended to
include
Renaissance instruments such as crummhorn, shawm, dulcian, gemshorn,
cornetto,
three-holed pipe, baroque flageolet, a variety of simple keyed flutes,
clarinets, French bassons. Some of these I perform upon, others
are
not currently in playing condition (or as in the case of the cornetto,
I have no talent or patience for).
As a
teacher,
I focus on the woodwinds listed above, taking a special interest in the
more specialised Bassoon and Recorder.
I
conduct
a variety of ensembles; the two principal ones being part of the Christchurch
School of Music :
Christchurch
Youth Recorder Ensemble
Christchurch
School of Music Sinfonia
This
page
will also serve as a noticeboard and magazine for young musicians and
instrumental
teachers in Christchurch and New Zealand. You are invited to
offer
information and links which will further the aspirations of young
musicians.Contact
me by email <forclift@ihug.co.nz>
If I
inflict
on you some of my creative writing
endeavours,
satirical and serious, browse as you please - take it or leave it.
Please
feel
free to provide feedback on this site by emailing me at forclift@ihug.co.nz