After 23 years of involvement with Young Regional School of Music (YRSM), Nonette Brown is stepping down as director.
Nonette began her association with the music school when her daughters started learning music in 1986.
The school was then a voluntary organisation with 45 students and three tutors who travelled from Canberra to teach each Saturday.
Nonette’s commitment increased over the years until she became director.
In that role she has established the School Instrumental Music Program, which sees students learning from YRSM tutors at various schools in the region and the teaching of music in Young, Cowra, Harden, Boorowa and Temora. She set up numerous ensembles and choirs, drum programs and Small Schools Music Program just to name a few.
Nonette also worked hard to have YRSM included in the Association of NSW Regional Conservatoriums.
This has seen the continued growth of YRSM and enabled it to receive some funding through the Department of Education and Training.
Finding permanent teaching facilities was one of Nonette’s goals and this she finally achieved in 2000 when the music school moved into its existing premises in Campbell Street.
A few years later, Nonette also acquired the building two doors down as more teaching facilities were needed.
Nonette leaves a strong and vibrant music school that now has over 700 students and 20 staff – one that is enabling students of all ages to learn an instrument, be involved in an ensemble and be part of music making within the Young region.
Nonette said she has been privileged to have worked with such wonderful people over the years, witness the progress of the students and to provide the Young community with opportunities to hear and enjoy music.
Stewart Bruce is the new YRSM director for 2010.
Stewart comes to the music school with a very musical background.
Having completed his associate diploma (AMusA) on piano at the early age of 16, Stewart went on to graduate with an honours degree in chemistry from Sydney University.
This, together with teaching qualifications, led to a 33-year career teaching in government high schools throughout country NSW.
Following positions as classroom science teacher, head teacher, consultant and deputy principal, Stewart became principal of Murrumburrah High School until retirement in 2006.
During this time, he fostered many musical activities in the Harden district, including the Harden-Murrumburrah Ensemble, which focus was community service.
Since retirement from teaching, Stewart has been increasingly involved with the YRSM accompanying students for their examinations, scholarship auditions and concerts.
Since the start of 2009, Stewart has been the accompanist for the music school’s adult Choir of the Southern Cross.
In the Harden-Murrumburrah community, Stewart regularly plays pipe organ for church services and provides music for local community events including Anzac Day, Australia Day and Carols in the Park.
He accompanies local singers, a professional tenor from Sydney on visits to the area and assists community organisations when background music or entertainment is required.
He has also conducted community choirs and has been accompanist for many amateur musical productions throughout his teaching career.
“It is a very exciting career move for me,” said Stewart.
“The opportunity to foster the love and appreciation of music – something which is my passion – with the YRSM is fantastic.
“I look forward to great musical times ahead,” Stewart said.
Stewart’s two children have studied music with the YRSM over many years, with his son now embarking on a career as a high school music teacher.
Stewart will ensure that Nonette’s devotion and dedication to her job will continue well into the future.
“I wish Stewart all the best, I feel sure he will lead the music school into the future, opening up new opportunities for students of all ages to participate in music making in our region,” Nonette said.
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