Townsville
Townsville is a major centre for musical activities in the north and the cooler winter months are particularly busy. In July the Australian Concerto and Vocal Competition is held which now attracts competitors from overseas. This is closely followed by 10 days of wonderful concerts in the Australian Festival of Chamber Music. The Townsville Eisteddfod is held at the end of Term Three.
The Townsvile QMTA celebrated 50 years in 2023. Currently there are 23 Members – including 4 Life Members, 18 Professional and 1 student. One member is outside Townsville, from Bowen. There are teachers for piano, keyboard, piano accordion, theory, musicianship, organ, woodwind, guitar, voice and strings. Various members are also available as accompanists.
The Committee
President: Robyn Shaw; Secretary: Michelle Rush; Treasurer: Jeanine Tegg.
Committee : Anne Milanovic; Shinako McDonald.
Townsville Branch launched their own website www.qmta-townsville.com at the beginning of 2015.
Professional Development
Members aim to raise the standards of the music teaching profession and promote their own continuing professional development. The Branch provides numerous and regular opportunities for teachers to take part in workshops and masterclasses and for their students to gain performance opportunities. Members are encouraged to attend music seminars offered by visiting professionals so enabling them to keep up with the latest information on teaching methods. Some members also travel to state and national level conferences. There are many advantages to membership, not least being the fellowship, mutual support and the chance to ask for advice about specific issues that may come up while teaching. An active Committee organises the programme and is always keen for suggestions from members. Recently members have also gathered to watch webinars, combining professional development with a relaxed social gathering.
Townsville Branch has previously hosted the Alan Lane Memorial Weekend Workshops in 2008 and again in 2018. Professional development workshops hosted by Townsville Branch in recent years have been conducted by the following presenters; Mark Hooper (2020, 2021); Alexander Hannemann & Susanne Heilig (2022); Sonny Chua (2010), Elissa Milne (2006, 2003); Therese Milanovic (2005); Stephen Chin, Michael Griffin, Cathy Sanger, Val Dickson, Mark Walton and Helen Smith. Various AMEB Examiners regularly present workshops in Townvsille.
Student Develolpment Opportunities
The Branch hosts several Masterclasses for students to participate in either in conjunction with Professional Development workshops of availing of presenters who are in Townsville for other events such as the AFCM. These have included Piers Lane (2021); 2005); Jason Xanthoudakis (Saxophone, 2005).
We held the Keys Festival in 2008 which promotes Australian music. For many years, an annual Sight Reading tournament was held. The Tournament was sponsored by the AMEB [Australian Music Examinations Board] and many entrants returned each year. The focus for this was to promote the skill of sight reading in an atmosphere of fun and enjoyment.
Student Performance Opportunities
The Branch hosts several student recitals each year. This gives students the opportunity for performance without the pressure of being a competition. Recently an Eisteddfod Winners Gala concert has been added to the annual program.