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wme news - 13th august 2021
original composition
Other Side by Liberty Hobbs
Liberty is currently in Yr 11 at St Brigid's College in Horsham.
While she has been involved in various areas of performance over the years: HPS Singing & Signing Choirs, Shine Youth Choir, Horsham School of Music (SOM), school productions and Horsham Arts Council (HAC), she is new to songwriting.
She is a self taught musician and began learning to play the keyboard and write her own songs in December last year.
This beautiful, heartfelt performance can be found on our Facebook & Instagram pages.
wme news - 11th august 2021
wimmera music eisteddfod showcase lifts spirits
The Weekly Advertiser
Despite the cancellation of this year’s Wimmera Music Eisteddfod due to COVID-19 lockdowns, the committee was able offer an online showcase featuring 82 performances across a range of disciplines.
Organiser Venetia Elbourne-Hobbs said although Sunday’s event was only open to registered competitors and their families due to copyright, the showcase was ‘extremely well attended’.
“Sunday’s showcase was the first time that we’d tried anything like it,” she said.
“We were able to livestream emcees in between the different sections and stream everyone’s pre-recorded entries. It all ran really smoothly, much better than we anticipated.
“We’ve had a lot of very positive feedback. The event ran for three and a half hours, so I think we had just the right amount of content to present.”
Eisteddfod competitors were given an opportunity to submit a recorded entry of an item they would have been performing at the Wimmera Music Eisteddfod if it had gone ahead.
“We had a very diverse range of entries, which made the showcase really enjoyable to watch,” Mrs Elbourne-Hobbs said.
“The newly introduced monologue section had four competitors in different age groups appearing in the showcase and they were just brilliant.
“It’s definitely a section that we’re going to continue with into the future.
“As always, the group entries in every category were a highlight. We had piano duets, vocal ensembles and trios, a wind ensemble and a family band.
“There really were a lot of highly entertaining, top-quality entries this year and it’s just a shame the whole community didn’t get to see them.”
After cancelling the previous two eisteddfods, the committee is looking forward to what members hope will be a live event in 2022.
“We are ever hopeful that we will be able to have an actual, live, adjudicated eisteddfod next year,” Mrs Elbourne-Hobbs said.
“However, if next year rolls on like the past two years, we will prepare an online eisteddfod from the beginning.
“It will have its challenges no doubt, but after putting together what we did on Sunday, we are confident we have the ability within our committee and our competitors to do that.
“The committee would like to thank all of those who submitted entries to make the Eisteddfod showcase happen.”
wme news - 10th August 2021
original composition
Skydancer by Nick Shirrefs
“I wrote Skydancer earlier this year after taking the family away for a holiday over the summer. We couldn’t go out of the state, so we decided to do a driving holiday to areas that maybe don’t get a lot of visitors. Our first stop was Castlemaine and when we left there to head to Wangaratta we drove past a sign advertising the ASQ Skydancers plant nursery and café. I always say to those who ask, I don’t go looking for inspiration, I wait until it finds me. Inspiration can take many forms. Something I see, something I hear, frequently something in nature. This time it was simply a word I saw on a sign. I started picturing someone dancing under stars on a particularly clear night. The kind we often get here in Horsham. My piece, “Skydancer” was born from that image.”
“I’ve been playing piano since the age of 6 and started on brass instruments at 12, specialising in trombone but then incorporating trumpet and all the other fabulous brass instruments that are out there. I’ve been composing music for years now. It’s my specialist music area, and was the main focus of my tertiary music education. I’ve written for solo instruments, small ensembles, jazz and stage bands, concert bands and orchestras. I’ve been fortunate enough to have some amazing musicians play my music. Mark Shiell played my flute sonata a few years back, and Wilbur Wilde played some of my jazz tunes back in 2008 (I think!).”
“I’ve been teaching at Horsham College since 2005 and love it there. I also teach a day a week out at Murtoa which is just as much fun. I love the fact that my instrumental kids can request certain pieces to play on their chosen instrument and I can make that happen for them by arranging it. They’re also always keen to play something original of mine which is a very rewarding experience for everyone, including me. I think I’m very lucky to work with students and staff that are so keen to play my original music.”
Photo: Paul Carracher
Find the performance on our Facebook page:
wme news - 21st july 2021
cancellation of a jam packed eisteddfod
Organisers of Wimmera Music Eisteddfod, due to start tomorrow, have cancelled the event and moved it online.
Committee member Venetia Elbourne-Hobbs said the continuation of a statewide COVID-19 lockdown meant the event could no longer continue ‘in any form’ this weekend.
The Wimmera Music Eisteddfod was due to kick off its jam packed program on Thursday morning.
With the lockdown continuing beyond the original five days, the organising committee had no choice but to cancel the event for 2021.
“We are obviously extremely disappointed with the outcome. Our ideal would have been to reschedule the event, but due to the logistical challenges of re-booking our adjudicator, accompanist and the venue, it just wasn’t possible”.
“The committee have worked tirelessly to put together an event that would have been our biggest and most supported Eisteddfod yet,” she said.
"The many unknowns surrounding the restrictions coming out of lockdown have made it difficult for performance events to plan ahead. Rather than risk the event being cancelled again or having no audience, the Wimmera Music Eisteddfod Committee has opted for a scaled down online event instead."
“We are planning to hold an Eisteddfod Showcase on Sunday the 8 th of August for any competitors
who wish to be involved. This will essentially be an online concert which will be available to view by competitors and their families. While this isn’t the ideal, it’s something that we can do in lockdown to give competitors the chance to perform what they’ve been working on.”
Prior to the cancellation, Mrs Elbourne-Hobbs said entries for this year’s eisteddfod included more than 30 individual adult vocal competitors across eight sections.
She said the number was even higher if you included open ensembles and choir group sections.
“We often think of an eisteddfod as a place of learning and encouragement for young people, which it definitely is, but it’s also great to see so many adults competing and honing their skills,” she said.
“The vocal sections have always been our strength and I think having someone like Dr Ian Nisbett adjudicating has encouraged the involvement of vocalists even more.
“Ian is a vocal coach with a PhD in musical theatre, a bachelor’s degree in drama, an AMusA in flute performance and a Graduate Certificate in Higher Education.”
Among new vocal sections to be included this year is a monologue for two age groups.
This is a four-minute spoken drama solo designed to capture a different aspect of performance.
“It’s worked out really well, that the year we introduce the monologue section we have an adjudicator with a proven strength in this area,” Mrs Elbourne-Hobbs said.
“This is a real bonus for any students interested in pursuing a career in the performing arts, as Ian will be able to provide invaluable feedback through the critique process.”
Photo: Paul Carracher
wme news - 10th june 2021
new sections added
Organisers of this year’s Wimmera Music Eisteddfod have been faced with a huge logistics challenge. The number of entries for this year has grown extensively from 2019, meaning that the event has had to schedule in another day.
“We have been overwhelmed by the response from both local and non-local competitors. As always, the vocal Sections are very well supported, but there’s also been a large increase in the number of Piano entries this year.”
“Because of this, we have dedicated the newly added Sunday afternoon and evening to piano alone. There are still some piano Sections taking place on Thursday, but a large number of them have been moved from the original schedule to Sunday.”
One of the new additions to this year’s Wimmera Music Eisteddfod is the Ann Adler Memorial Event for both Primary & Secondary students.
“We are very excited to be able to have a specific event in the competition named after and in honour of one of Horsham’s much loved piano teachers. There are 20 students across both age groups participating in this event, which is fantastic for its first year.”
New additions also include the Open Christmas in July with the winners going on to perform at the Horsham Carols By Candlelight and the Linda O’Brien Piano Championship Event.
“The Committee really wanted a Section that would challenge skilled pianists to perform something from the heart and preferably without music, so we created the Linda O’Brien Piano Championship Event. We are very fortunate to have Linda as an accompanist this year, so she will be presenting the Championship award to the winner on Thursday evening.”
The Wimmera Music Eisteddfod now runs from Thursday 22nd of July to Sunday 25th of July at the Horsham Church of Christ.
Photo: Paul Carracher
wme news - 10th june 2021
WME - a community event
While the Wimmera Music Eisteddfod has a large Corporate Sponsorship base, it also thrives because of local community members. Take time to look through this year’s Program to see the variety of Sponsors we have. Each one’s contribution is invaluable in the running if the WME.
Proudly supporting this year’s event are St. Brigid’s College & Holy Trinity Lutheran College, The RM Showcase, past and present music & vocal teachers and community members who are passionate about the Performing Arts and upskilling our next generation.
Pictured are our Sponsors of the Linda O’Brien Piano Championship Event, Simon & Tanya Mock.
wme news - 28th may 2021
sponsors
We can't run the WME without them!
We love being able to partner with local businesses here in Horsham. One of our fantastic businesses, sponsoring the Open Choir Section, is giving all our wonderful patrons a treat.
All you have to do is pop in to the Farmhouse Cafe • Firebrace St Horsham, present your WME Program & you can get one of their delicious slices & an awesome 'naked espresso' small coffee for $6
Limit - one coffee deal per program.
wme news - 20th may 2021
sections 6-9
Piano
Musical/Film/Pop : newly introduced for 2021
Here's the chance for piano students to have a little fun with some more modern choices. This new element of the competition strongly encourages the use of costumes to create a unique performance piece. Check out the General Conditions for more info.
wme news - 6th may 2021
section 18
Christmas in July - Open
This is a very exciting Section, with the winner or winning ensemble going on to perform at the Horsham Carols By Candlelight in December.
At the last Carols held in 2019, Sawyer Park hosted not only local performers, but also the lovely Silvie Paladino. So if you've ever wanted to perform at the largest event in Horsham, here's your chance!
This Section is open to individual or group performers and can include any instrument and or voice. This is one of only two Sections where music or vocal teachers are eligible to enter. We're looking forward to seeing a wide variety of performances for this Section.
wme news - 29th April 2021- The Weekly Advertiser
new venue for Wimmera Music Eisteddfod
Entries are now open for the 2021 Wimmera Music Eisteddfod.
This popular event went into hiatus last year due to the Covid 19 lockdowns. Organisers have been working hard to resume the eisteddfod, which now boasts new ‘innovative’ sections and a new website.
Committee member Venetia Elbourne-Hobbs said this year’s, from July 22 to 24, would be at the Horsham Church of Christ for the first time.
“Without the option of the Wesley performing Arts Centre, where the Eisteddfod has traditionally been held, there is no other economically viable venue that suits the Eisteddfod’s needs at this time.”
“The Committee is really looking forward to presenting the Eisteddfod in this beautiful and functional venue. We have multiple breakout spaces for competitors to warm-up in, catering and coffee facilities and a stunning auditorium space for our audience”.
Mrs Elbourne-Hobbs said the Wimmera Music Eisteddfod aimed to break down some of the stereotypes surrounding Eisteddfods.
“Traditionally Eisteddfods have been seen as scary; a little starchy perhaps,” she said.
“ We aim to create a very welcoming environment, where competitors of all ages and skills feel that they belong. It is a competition and competitors will be critiqued, but it’s about giving people an opportunity to perform and just have a go.”
“ If you love to play, sing, recite or perform as part of a group, then there’s a place for you in our program”.
Entries close on the 31st of May.
Photo : Paul Carracher
wme news - 24th April 2021
section 26
Monologue - Spoken Drama
This Section is brand new to the 2021 Wimmera Music Eisteddfod. It is divided into two age groups:
14 Years and Under & 15 Years and Over.
Each competitor has a maximum of 4 minutes of spoken dialogue. If you think you have what it takes to captivate the audience with your storytelling ability, using your face, body and voice, then check out our General Conditions for more info and get your entries in.
Photo : Paul Carracher
wme news - 19th April 2021
relay for life
Horsham & Districts 2021
Kasey Hair, one of our own WME Committee members, was able to share her very personal Cancer journey this week at the Horsham & Districts Relay for Life Carers and Survivors Function.
Kasey also shared her hauntingly beautiful original composition; Song of Hope - The Journey.
There is something truly profound and moving when an individual is able to infuse music with emotions and feelings that draw the listener in and carry them away with the story; a story that floats along with every note played.
This is the power of music.
wme news - 16th April 2021
section 17
Family Groups Open Age - Focus on Fun & Flair
This Section proved extremely popular at our 2019 Wimmera Music Eisteddfod. Not only were the entries of such a high caliber, but the emphasis on fun & flair made for a highly entertaining evening.
Hussle your family. Put together something the audience & the Adjudicator will L O V E.
Photo : Paul Carracher