Conductor’s Workshop a Great Success

The Hamilton Eisteddfod’s workshop for conductors proved to be a valuable experience for the music teachers from Hamilton, Ballarat and Warrnambool who took part in the event.

The workshop, ‘The Band is the Mirror of the Conductor’ was held in Hamilton on Saturday 15 February 2020 and facilitated by Dr Ralph Hultgren. After his role as Music Adjudicator of the 2019 Hamilton Eisteddfod, Dr Hultgren offered to return and run a workshop on the intricacies of conducting.

The one-day workshop began with conducting basics, repertoire selection and score study, providing participants with useful opportunities to learn from both Dr Hultgren and each other.

In the afternoon, teachers participated in practical conducting activities. They were generously supported by students from The Hamilton and Alexandra College who joined with them to form a band for the occasion.

City of Hamilton Eisteddfod Inc Secretary, Denise Fenwick, attended the workshop and also found it a rewarding experience.

“It was interesting, thought provoking, educational and a wonderful opportunity for South West Victorian music directors and teachers.”

In support of Australian musical works

Dr Hultgren selected a number of Australian published works for the band to play at the workshop. He and his wife Julie Hultgren have also offered to sponsor the Junior and Secondary Concert Band and String Orchestra Sections in this year’s Hamilton Eisteddfod which begins on Monday 1 June 2020. The sponsorship of these sections seeks to encourage the performance of Australian published works.

The committee of the City of Hamilton Eisteddfod Inc is proud to provide professional development opportunities to musicians from South Western Victoria. The day was also made possible by the Southern Grampians Shire through their Greater Grants program.