WollCon’s CEO appointed President of the Association of NSW Regional Conservatoriums.
David Francis, CEO of Wollongong Conservatorium has been appointed to the role of President of the Association of NSW Regional Conservatoriums. The Association is the peak body for 17 Regional Conservatoriums, a network of organisations committed to music education and access to music across NSW.
The NSW Regional Conservatorium network is unique in Australia. Together the Conservatoriums provide life-long access to music education for the communities they serve. Many are the largest providers of early years music activities in their regions, provide the most individual music lessons, are significant promoters of live music events and festivals as well as facilitating the community ensembles and choirs in their locale. The network is also (one of) the largest employer(s) of musicians and music teachers in NSW with whom the Conservatoriums deliver music into schools, direct to the classroom and through band, ensemble and choir programs.
“It’s an honour to be appointed as President of this important association, which has such a crucial role to play in ensuring music is alive and well in all communities across the state and that everyone has access to music education. This is particularly important as music education in mainstream public education continues to be marginalised – something we’d love to see reversed.”
The network covers a vast geographic area from Lismore to Deniliquin and provides access to music to thousands of music students and participants on a weekly basis.
“Regional Conservatoriums are proud of the opportunities they provide musicians, audiences and students to perform, experience and learn music at whatever stage of their musical journey.” Said David.
The Association will continue to champion the value of music education and participation in music as an important part of the cultural life of NSW now and in the future.
“This new role means that I have a mandate to represent the work of Regional Conservatorium’s to NSW government as well as other policy makers whose work influences our sector.”
MORE ABOUT DAVID
David Francis is CEO of Wollongong Conservatorium, one of 17 regional conservatoriums supported by the Department of Education through the Regional Conservatorium Grants Program.
David was formerly Executive Producer of Four Winds (Bermagui) where he worked for five years in a regional context building a year-round arts organisaton with a significant music education program in local schools. He also facilitated the creation of Djinama Yiliga a female Indigenous choir based on the far South Coast of NSW.
Previously David was GM of Sydney Philharmonia Choirs and Director of Arts in Dartington (UK) home of the Dartington International Summer School.
