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Welcome
Dear Teachers, Students and Friends of ANZCA,
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It’s been another busy start to the year. Time really is ‘flying’ again, and I know it’s not only us feeling it, as many of you saying the same! I hope your teaching is going well. Although economic conditions are a real challenge for many, I’m sure parents appreciate the value of music education and continue to prioritise this for their children.
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The office has seen a major change with Jo Roberts taking over the running of the ANZCA office. Jo asks that you be gentle with her when she answers the phone! Although there is much to learn, she is doing remarkably well in the short amount of time she’s been here. Jo has an ideal skill set as she comes from a school Music Director position, and has also been an examiner with ANZCA for some time.
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Greensborough PO Box Cancelled
Most of you are now aware that our current postal address is PO Box 3277, Nunawading Vic 3131. Please be aware that mail sent to our old PO box in Greensborough will no longer be forwarded to us! If you have old entry forms lying around in your drawers, please destroy them. To download the latest forms with current postal and banking details, click on these links for Australia and New Zealand.
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Vale Ivor Morgan
We were greatly saddened to learn of the passing in early March of ANZCA Founding Director Ivor Morgan. Ivor was well known to many teachers across all our examining regions. Ivor always approached examining with a warm and encouraging attitude, and this attitude was clearly evident in all areas of his life. From everyone at ANZCA, we offer his wife Elsie and their family our deepest condolences.
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Important Performance Examination Changes
Following the April Board Meeting, the Board of Directors decided on additional and significant changes to Performance Examinations from Series 3, 2023:
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- Performance examinations will now be offered in all instruments for Preparatory (where applicable) and Preliminary levels (previously Grade One). The format in these levels will be same as for existing grades, i.e. candidates must present four pieces only.
- For Pianoforte, a select list of five Modern-stream pieces per level/grade will now be offered as an alternative to the Classical List A requirement. It’s fairer to offer this option for students who would prefer to present an entirely Modern program, especially in the higher grades where they have developed a stronger liking for one genre or the other.
Please be aware that ANZCA has always believed that Performance-exam students should continue to learn the other areas of a ‘normal’ examination; Technical Work, Aural Tests, Sight Reading and General Knowledge are all important for the development of a sound musician.
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Update on Video Exam Format Revisions
As reported in the February edition of Stretto, planning is under way for an updated and simplified video examination format to be introduced in Series 3, 2023. Here is a summary of the format:
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- Video examinations will be available for Performance examinations only (and include the changes described above).
- Introductory Video examinations will continue to be offered, requiring Technical Work and two List pieces only.
- Videos can be uploaded at any time, but must be a single take without any breaks or pauses.
- Students only need to enrol when they have a recording ready to upload.
As mentioned by Chairperson Maureen Grieve in the following article, we will soon announce further examination options to commence in Series 3 this year, aimed at expanding our range of assessment options for students. Keep an eye out for details via email, our website and Facebook page over coming weeks.
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From the Chairperson...
by Maureen Grieve
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Several weeks ago I was driving past a bus shelter on Nepean Highway, Mornington (Vic) when three words on a poster caught my eye, seeming to jump out at me…Children Need Music. This of course highlighted something I have always believed and I was pleased to see this so publicly visible; ANZCA too has always endorsed this with its policy of encouragement by making music learning and examinations an enjoyable experience for students, offering a wide variety of styles to cater for all tastes, and fostering a love of music for life.
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But as we celebrate this year our anniversary of 40 years of successfully putting this policy into practice, we now look forward to the future and adapting to new situations, especially after COVID which necessitated so many interruptions and changes. At a time now when music is more than ever an important factor in children’s lives for their enjoyment, relaxation and mental well-being after the deprivations and stress they have experienced, the ANZCA Board is soon to announce new strategies for further assisting students in their musical journey, realizing that many students are not aspiring to be serious musicians. Examinations are still important, as they:
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- give students the incentive to practise and enjoy the process of learning their pieces to perform to someone;
- give endorsement for the effort made;
- give the satisfaction of an assessment to reward them for their achievement;
- give them tangible evidence of their progress and aid their well-being.
It is, however, important that the examination experience can be made less stressful where required, and the ANZCA Board believes that its coming announcements will alleviate the pressure felt by many students and enhance their enjoyment and satisfaction.
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Having recently held a very successful Graduation Concert and Ceremony for those students who have achieved their Associate, Licentiate and Fellowship Diplomas, ANZCA recognizes that there are numbers of students who do aspire to be successful musicians at the highest level and for whom the current examination system will not be changed. ANZCA has always been flexible in its approach to music education and its enjoyment for students, and as we look ahead to the next 40 years we are continuing to adapt to the needs of the times by offering alternatives to cater for as many students as possible… and perhaps a wish that there could be many more bus shelters throughout the country advertising that… Children Need Music.
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News
Webinars on YouTube
Recordings of our recent webinars for drum kit and piano are now available on our YouTube channel, including:
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ANZCA Graduation Ceremony and Concert 2023
After a three-year break due to the COVID pandemic, the ANZCA Graduation Ceremony and Concert returned on Sunday 19th March before a large audience at the James Tatoulis Auditorium at the Methodist Ladies’ College, Kew.
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An exciting and diverse concert programme from a selection of our Diploma Graduates was followed by the presentation of Encouragement Awards and Diplomas. In addition to our 2023 Graduates, we were delighted to welcome several from the preceding three years, and a number of Graduates from interstate and overseas.
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Congratulations to all Graduates and Encouragement Award winners! (See photos below; click on each to view in your browser.)
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For full list of 2023 Graduates and a gallery of photos from this event, see the Graduation page of our website.
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Forthcoming Events
ANZCA Annual General Meeting 2023
The 2023 ANZCA Annual General Meeting will be held on Friday 5th of May, commencing at 10:30 am.
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Venue: ANZCA Office, 18/125 Rooks Road, Nunawading Vic. 3131
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This meeting is open to the public; all teachers, students, parents and other interested parties are welcome. Please contact the office by phone on 03 9434 7640 or email [email protected] to confirm attendance.
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The legendary Hammond keyboard models are taking the world by storm. With unmatched sound and grunt, Hammond is the new partner for every keyboard player.
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See, hear and discover the hottest tips and tricks for playing Hammond SK PRO keyboards and the iconic XK5 organ at this hands-on workshop, presented by our special guest Hammond artist, Mark Nunis.
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- Famous Hammond sound combos from legendary organists like Jimmy Smith.
- The Hammond basics; buttons, controls, where to find things and what they do!
- Using Hammond with piano and other sounds.
- Tweaking your Hammond sound: how and when to use chorus, Leslie, and effects.
All levels of keyboard, piano and organ players welcome.
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When: Saturday, 6th May, 11:00 am–1:00 pm.
Where: Bernies Music Land, 381 Canterbury Road, Ringwood (Vic.).
Tickets: $25.00
Please call 9872 5122 or book online www.musicland.com.au/events/
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Subscriber's Super Special – 25% Off!
Drum Kit Performance
Grade Books
– Introductory to Volume 9 –
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Available exclusively to ANZCA subscribers.
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Please quote teacher number when ordering.
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Valid until the June 2023 edition of Stretto on orders placed through
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the ANZCA office (Australia) or Representatives (outside Aust.).
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Not a subscriber? Click here to learn more about the advantages
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