John Spence composition performed by all staff

WollCon’s own Head of Composition John Spence created a celebratory new work entitled Fifty Years, for the entire cohort of WollCon’s music staff to perform together in what was an amazing and unique world premiere performance for the organisation’s 50th birthday.

Fifty Years was composed to be a festive piece suitable for a group ensemble performance. The intention was a ‘coming together’ of sorts, in a way not previously achieved. For this to be possible, the music would need to be diverse and yet find common ground. In practical terms, having the entire faculty together in one room to rehearse was going to be a never-before event.”

John Spence

Head of Music Theory and Composition, WollCon

With only a single rehearsal, Fifty Years needed a way of holding everything together. There is a rhythmic thread that repeats throughout the piece. It is a 5/4 rhythm designed to be easy to learn by using words. Although the themes are easy to learn, the piece itself exhibits all the features and feel of a commissioned art-music work. There is a repeating chorus the sits amidst developmental moments that draw out the individuality of each performer.

The piece was premiered at WollCon’s Music Festival on the 11th of September 2022 at the Wollongong Botanic Garden. One inspiring feature was seeing the audience join in to clap the 5/4 rhythm.

John Spence

Thank you John Spence, and thank you to all the WollCon staff who performed the piece.

Poetry:
Faith Issue Focus Theme Young
Yield Exact Avoid Raise Story

Musicians:
Alex Masso – Drums
Chris Fields – Timbales
Abel Cross – Electric Bass
Callum Burns – Electric Guitar
Sako Dermenjian – Guitar
Janet Andrews – Tambourine
Luke Tierney – Claves
Paul Spencer – Xylophone
Sonia Sozio – Piano
Scott Taggart – Violin
Cecilia Bersee – Violin
Miffy Ryan – Viola
Ching Wen Hsu – Cello
Ethan Ireland – Double Bass
Suzanne Cowan – Flute
Ilaria Ramirez – Clarinet
Hayden Burge – Bassoon
Eric Dunan – Trumpet
Dave Reglar – Tenor Sax
Des Cannings – Trombone
Trish Delaney Brown – Voice
Kirsten Jones – Voice
Kate Whitworth – Voice
Anna Robinson – Voice
Sydney Parker – Voice
Erin Mascord – Speaking Voice

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.