THE vision of a regional conservatorium on the Mid North Coast is finally to become a reality.
The board of Conservatorium Mid North Coast (CMNC) has received notification from the Department of Education and Training that it has been allocated seed funding for 12 months to establish CMNC and prepare it for inclusion into the NSW Association of Regional Conservatoriums.
The money will largely be used to pay the salary of a project officer who will coordinate the establishment of the new "Con" under the guidance of the board of management.
"This has been five years in the planning and we could not have a better Christmas present," chair of the board Leigh Vaughan said.
The vision for the conservatorium is to provide equitable access for people of all ages to music of all genres, and music education in the full range of instruments and voices across the region, with a focus on musical excellence.
It will operate over three local government areas (LGAs) - Great Lakes, Greater Taree and Port Macquarie Hastings.
The Mid North Coast is one of the fastest growing areas of the State and there is an urgent need here for a regional Conservatorium of Music to provide opportunities for students of all ages and their teachers to further their learning and develop their musicianship.
"CMNC will not initially be a bricks and mortar institution. The model that seems to suit this situation at the present is of a central administration - agreed to be Taree - encouraging all existing teachers and their studios to become accredited with the Con and then drawing in other experienced teachers (in instruments not being taught at the moment) and tutors to operate in the various centres."
It is also feasible that satellite support office spaces (access to internet, desk space etc) in the other LGAs will be sought.
Support from all schools on the MNC is crucial as regional conservatoriums are funded by the Special Projects Department of the NSW Department of Education and Training and very close links need to be formed among all the schools with CMNC and its tutors. Involvement will also occur with existing performing ensembles both in the schools and in the communities.
The Great Lakes Learning Community has already signed a memorandum of understanding with CMNC and support from school organisations in other LGAs is in the process of being formalised
"I would like to acknowledge the support of Richard Holloway of Arts Mid North Coast who has supported us from the very beginning, first as an auspicing body, then later with legal framework, and encouragement," Cr Vaughan said.
"I also acknowledge the other members of the board who have worked so hard to bring this dream to a reality.
"We have written funding applications, we have written policy documents and business plans, become incorporated and developed a constitution.
"We have surveyed music teachers and large numbers of students in all areas.
“All the necessary, time consuming paperwork needed to establish a regional conservatorium is ready, and all prepared by volunteers.We are now ready to hand over establishment and day to day operation to a paid administrator and that is where the funding comes in."
Support chapters exist in three council areas, Great Lakes, Greater Taree, and Port Macquarie Hastings, which are supported by their own council.
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