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2010 National Awards
for Excellence in
School Music Education

2010 Awards

Special Commendation, Teacher Award

Ms Simone Bailey-Hough
Head of The Arts
Nagle Catholic College, Geraldton, WA

Simone Bailey-Hough has established a thriving music department from nothing through her enthusiasm and a genuine love for her students and her role in the school. Currently Simone co-ordinates a large instrumental program, providing support for instrumental staff who have little or no formal training. Following requests from school principals at the other local schools, Simone also regularly mentors music staff in Geraldton.

At Nagle College, there are many co-curricular ensembles, including jazz band, choir, and many rock bands, along with the concert band which Simone conducts. Among highlights of the music program are a student composition being recorded by WA Symphony Orchestra, rock bands earning paid gigs as well as the day to day excitement of students accomplishing things that they never thought possible.

A large part of the success of the music program comes from innovative classroom programs which are balanced by instrumental tuition. Simone incorporates three different levels within her classroom, for which she has written workbooks containing activities for listening to music, composition, aural training, performance and music technology. Students from a wide range of abilities are able to achieve success and to develop a lifelong love of music which then flows into the community. During her time in Geraldton, Simone has given the town a significant boost ensuring that music education is available for all.

Special Commendation, Teacher Award

Mr Craig McGown
Music/Concert Band/Boys' Education Coordinator
Erskine Park High School, Erskine Park, NSW

Craig McGown has initiated and driven remarkable breadth of opportunity for students at Erskine Park High School and for primary and secondary students across the whole Western Sydney region. His leadership, organisational skills and passion towards education and music education in particular have been apparent in his various roles as a classroom music teacher, a school concert band conductor / leader, a committee member on the PULSE Showcase in Excellence of Western Sydney Arts and as a Regional Arts Council member representing high school music teachers in the Western Sydney Region.

His tactful quest for continuous improvement and unceasing commitment to musical excellence are celebrated by students, colleagues and parents. He has overseen the development of a Gifted and Talented component in the band program, and is making use of technology to facilitate creative work and to extend learning outcomes in his classes. Craig promotes the achievements of Aboriginal students in Western Sydney and has supported these students in various ways, including providing opportunities for performances at regional events. Craig believes that through strong extra-curricular musical activities he can foster a love of music in students that is not always achievable at a classroom level.

As a teacher, leader, and practicing musician he has met the challenges of large comprehensive high schools with energy, reliability and an open mind.

Teacher Award

Mrs Susan Curbishley
Specialist Music Teacher K-6
St Matthew's Primary School, Page, ACT

Susan Curbishley is regarded as an inspirational and talented music teacher whose love and passion for music is infectious. Her contributions to St Matthew's Primary School and the wider school community are enormous. Susan's belief that music is for everyone regardless of age, ability and experience and her determination to expose all children to music education has ensured that singing and music are a part of every day at school. The students, classroom teachers, school leadership and parents of this diverse community greatly appreciate and value the significant contributions Susan makes in providing an innovative, sequential and developmentally appropriate music program.

Susan’s endeavours to empower all students to consider themselves as being musical also influences the work of other schools and their teachers. Her school practices and inservicing of teachers have ensured that she is recognised as a leading music practitioner in the region.

Teacher Award

Mrs Amanda Herriman
Music Specialist
Beaumaris Primary School, Ocean Reef, WA

In addition to developing a range of instrumental and choral ensembles, including a full primary orchestra, Year 5 and 6 training bands, Year 7 senior band and a senior string quartet, Amanda Herriman includes cross-curricular integration as a vital component of her classroom music program. She writes, produces and directs whole school productions, where the theme links into a specific whole school priority, and where every student is involved in some capacity, which not only enhances their understanding and appreciation for the performing arts and its context in society, but also gives them invaluable opportunities to explore learning in other curriculum areas.

Amanda’s commitment to providing a positive learning journey for all students along with her depth of musical knowledge and use of technology underpin her outstanding effectiveness as a vibrant music teacher.

Teacher Award

Mrs Jane Holmes a'Court
Music Teacher
Cranbrook Junior School, Bellevue Hill, NSW

Jane Holmes a'Court has a wide range of music education experiences from teaching pre-schoolers through to Year 12 students. She is currently working as a primary music specialist at Cranbrook Junior School. Jane’s career has been distinguished by her commitment to providing quality musical experiences for her students, particularly in the field of vocal and choral music. Over the years, Jane’s ensembles have had the opportunity to perform at major concert venues, and support major theatrical events.

At her previous school, Jane’s choirs performed the repertoire for the CD recordings of the ABC “Sing” series. Jane is particularly generous with her time as a workshop presenter and professional development provider.

Her understanding of children’s voices and choral music has been an invaluable asset in teacher resource development. Her passion can be summed up in her own words: “A class of excited, engaged students all composing and playing music is the most marvellous thing to behold!”

Teacher Award

Mr Antony Hubmayer
Director of Music, Head of Performing Arts, Classroom Music Teacher
Scotch College Adelaide, Torrens Park, SA

Antony Hubmayer is a dynamic and motivational music educator who inspires students and colleagues to strive towards excellence in music participation, performance and understanding. Antony has designed an innovative and sequential learning pathway from upper primary to senior secondary that includes formal and informal music learning experiences that extend beyond the curricular and co-curricular program.

Antony has provided leadership in the area of music technology education for students and teachers at Scotch College as well as across South Australia and nationally. He has initiated a highly successful holiday Rock School activity which develops new musical understandings through contemporary music and is accessible to all students in South Australia.

Antony has a holistic, broad reaching vision of building a cultural learning community through active participation in the Performing Arts and more specifically, in music. His approach to achieving this vision seeks to be inclusive, dynamic, appealing and celebratory.

Teacher Award

Mrs Margaret Overs
Head Of Department (The Arts)
Mansfield State High School, Mansfield, QLD

Margaret Overs, as Head of Department for the Arts, has played a pivotal role in both building and maintaining Mansfield State High School’s reputation as a school of academic and music excellence. Margaret is tirelessly dedicated to providing all students with access, equity, participation and engagement with music learning.

As a direct result of Margaret’s leadership, the music programme at Mansfield has increased dramatically in size, from 60 to 450 students. Margaret is an effective advocate for music both within the education system and in the wider community and is a member of the sub-committee responsible for the writing of the 2008 Music Extension syllabus which was implemented state-wide in 2009 with a dramatic increase in uptake.

Margaret’s professionalism, enthusiasm, commitment, passion and ‘can-do’ attitude have ensured that all students have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Teacher Award

Ms Jayne Plumridge
Music Specialist
Yeronga State School, Yeronga, QLD

Jayne Plumridge is an extremely effective, conscientious and talented music teacher, with a deep commitment to developing a community of music makers that has given Yeronga State School’s music program a new direction. Jayne has created an environment that not only encourages interest in music but a love for participation, sharing and freedom of expression. The choir selections, marimba band and the African drumming group mix with the other components of her program to reflect Yeronga State School’s multicultural setting.

Jayne’s remarkable song writing talent has led to the creation of school songs for assemblies, a book of original school rules and procedures songs for Early Years classes, and songs targeted for major school events such as Harmony Day and Anzac Day. Jayne is constantly seeking to introduce new ways of working and new concepts by her attendance at a large number of professional development activities. Jayne’s belief that everyone can be involved in the making of music has been embraced by both students and staff through her ukulele classes. Her talent and knowledge in the area of IT has impacted positively on the level of polished performance and presentation at music events.

Teacher Award

Mr Peter Quigley
AST 3 Learning Area: Music, Esk Band Program, LC Music Centre, UTAS/LC Summer School
Launceston College, Launceston, TAS

Peter Quigley’s dedication to music and to ensuring as many students as possible have access to an appropriate music program is palpable. Peter has developed from scratch a region-wide music program that has required of him a significant commitment, time and planning. His enthusiasm, drive and passion for teaching music has enabled Launceston College music programs, and in particular the Department of Education Esk Band Program, to achieve high success and excellent standing in the Tasmanian community and nationally.

He leads an extensive program and team of teachers, with an emphasis on ensuring that music is accessible regardless of socio-economic circumstances. Within the music program framework, the student cohort ranges from primary and secondary students from all education systems to the broader adult community.

Peter continually strives for high student outcomes, and he has shown himself to be innovative and a great supporter of his colleagues through his work as a curriculum developer, assessor, examiner and music adviser.

Teacher Award

Ms Sue Rodger
Director of Music
Immanuel College, Novar Gardens, SA

As Director of Music at Immanuel College, Sue Rodger co-ordinates the development and delivery of the music curriculum for Years 7-12, and oversees a large co-curriculuar program. Her consistently positive attitude and enthusiastic approach to the classroom ensures that all students can grow in their musical understanding, in their capacity to create and to perform, and in their appreciation of music. Her tireless efforts over many years have resulted in a music department where staff are inspired by her leadership and modelling, and where students find understanding, acceptance, a sense of self-worth, fun, laughter, challenges, creativity and inspiration.

Sue encourages a unique blend of theoretical and practical aspects, leading by example in the way that she teaches her own classes. Written concepts are always taught with relevant aural examples, historical information is connected to students’ experiences, and abstract ideas translated onto instruments so that students can experiences these for themselves.

Teacher Award

Mrs Merrilyn Watson
Specialist Music Teacher
The Essington School Darwin, Nightcliff, NT

Merrilyn Watson joined the Essington School in 1997. When she arrived at the school, there were only a few children learning instruments and the school lacked a musical culture. Merrilyn’s creation of a sequential, dynamic classroom music program, complemented by a stimulating choral program has resulted in the status of music being significantly enhanced within the school.

The culture of music which Merrilyn has been so instrumental in developing has seen the school recognised as a school of excellence in the National Review of School Music Education. A whole generation of children have benefited from Merrilyn’s programs and vision. A child entering Essington School is welcomed by a community where singing is the norm, playing an instrument is unexceptional, and the ability to read, write, perform and enjoy music is an everyday part of school life.

Teacher Award

Miss Georgina Wills
Music Teacher
Wangaratta West Primary School, Wangaratta, VIC

Georgina Wills has had an enormous impact on the whole Wangaratta West school community. She has created an inclusive music culture which is celebrated both within the school community and in the wider district and region. Georgina has developed a quality classroom program which is complemented by choirs, instrumental and drumming ensembles.

She believes that every child is musical and given the opportunity, can and will succeed. Georgina has established strong partnerships with community groups and performing arts agencies to bring to students a wide variety of music to foster a love for music from many different styles. A characteristic of her work has been to develop student mentors who assist both younger students at the school as well as providing workshops for secondary students. Georgina has given a great emphasis to composition in her programs and makes the performance of student compositions a priority.

The positive culture at Wangaratta West Primary School is enhanced by the quality music education experiences provided by Georgina Wills.