Opportunities for our Flute Players

WollCon music teacher Suzanne Cowan was recently invited to tutor some of the most talented young musicians at the Regional Youth Orchestra (RYO) workshop in Sydney.

The week-long workshop hosted by the Association of NSW Regional Conservatoriums (ANSWRC) – the peak body for the 17 NSW Regional Conservatoriums – was an opportunity to learn from many inspiring and experienced tutors.

“I had the most incredible week with some of the most talented students from the state’s Regional Conservatoriums. We were also fortunate to work with the Australian World Orchestra and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, and as a finale to the week, perform at the Sydney Opera House.”

Suzanne Cowan

Flute Teacher, WollCon

Suzanne’s involvement was primarily tutoring the woodwind students, but has learnt a lot from the whole experience, seeing how much can be achieved in a week, particularly if the students are committed and are expected to play at an extremely high level.

“The flute students were fortunate to have a session with principal flautist Andrew Nicholson who was very inspiring and encouraging. I am hoping that next year we have students from WollCon attend, so that they too can benefit from such an amazing opportunity, and perform at the iconic Opera House.”

Suzanne said that these types of opportunities for students are instrumental stepping stones that create career paths and inspire students to achieve at the highest level – the RYO is considered the benchmark for orchestral training in regional NSW.

“I came back with more determination and enthusiasm to help my students achieve their very best so they too can experience being part of the Regional Youth Orchestra.”

WollCon’s holiday workshop for flute students also ran recently, with students of all levels and ages coming together to improve performance skills and to meet other students.

Modelled on the Regional Youth Orchestra format, the students also got to perform in a finale concert, at Wollongong’s Church in the Mall – the Wesley Uniting church.

Flute Ensemble Performance

“I was absolutely delighted with how hard the flute players worked over the 3 days and very proud and impressed with the final concert. Students learnt how to play in an ensemble, working on staying together, matching note lengths, blending sounds, and improving pitch.”

“The parents were extremely grateful for the opportunity their children had to play in an advanced ensemble. Many mentioned how inspired and enthusiastic their children were after the 3 days of intensive rehearsals and that they can’t wait to come to the next camp.”

Interested in joining a flute ensemble? Register your interest to audition for WollCon’s flute ensemble, meeting for lessons every Wednesday evening.

Sue is an accomplished and seasoned manager with a wealth of experience in government administration and community service delivery. With a strong background in strategic planning, organisational development, community engagement, project planning, and building strategic partnerships, Sue has consistently demonstrated her leadership and expertise and brings a wealth of knowledge to the board. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business focusing on Local Government and Creative Industries from the University of Wollongong, reflecting her commitment to public service and innovative leadership. Sue’s extensive career and dedication to community and social service make her a valuable asset, offering both strategic insight and practical experience to drive meaningful impact.

Anne has been a member of the Wollcon Board since 2019. She holds a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts from UNSW. She is an Accredited Specialist in Family Law and an accredited Mediator and Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner. She has taught family law and other subjects at Wollongong University.

For a number of years she has been a subscriber to the Australian Chamber Orchestra which regularly performs in Wollongong . She has been passionate about music and in particular music education to children and adults.

Jake has worked in the disability sector for 24 years- 17 of these with Interchange and 7 years as their CEO. Jake is passionate about inclusion and equality for both people with disability and their carers.

He holds an MBA, Bachelor of Commerce, Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, as well as completing Diploma’s in Case Management, Community Services Coordination and the AICD Company Directors Course.

Jake is also a committee member on the International Short Breaks Association Board and has been a Director on the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music Board since 2022.

Wayne is a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors as well as being a qualified company secretary and accountant with over 35 years experience in banking and finance. He performed for nine of those years as Chief Executive of IMB Ltd, and the preceding seven years as Company Secretary and Chief Financial Officer, also with IMB. Wayne’s primary expertise is in the areas of governance, management, accounting, risk management and banking and finance. He has spent his whole life living in the Illawarra and is passionate about ensuring the Illawarra can provide the best possible opportunities and lifestyle for its residents. In 2024 Wayne was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for services to the community.

Dr Terumi Narushima is a senior lecturer and Music Discipline Leader at the University of Wollongong. She is a composer, performer and sound designer specialising in microtonal tuning systems. Her works include Tritriadic Chimes, a sound installation for LA MicroFest, Hidden Sidetracks, a composition for custom-made instruments premiered by Ensemble Offspring at Sydney Opera House, and a project to build microtonal flutes using 3D printing. She has worked on theatre collaborations which have been presented nationally and internationally, including Yasukichi Murakami: Through a Distant Lens, Lost in Shanghai, and The Story of Chi. She performs with microtonal ensemble Clocks and Clouds, and her book Microtonality and the Tuning Systems of Erv Wilson is published by Routledge.

Nicky is the CEO of Community Industry Group. She has degrees in Dementia Care, Community & Environment and Marketing, and a Grad Dip in Project Management. She is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and an Honorary Fellow of UOW. In addition to Chairing the WollCon Board, she is Deputy Chair of the Regional Development Australia Illawarra Shoalhaven Board and an Independent Non-Executive Director of Warrigal, a large not-for-profit specialising in the provision of services for older people.

Her corporate governance and strategy experience extends through a 20+ year career on boards in the corporate, government and NFP sectors.