THE MEMORANDA
Visiting Artists Series
What's on in Term 2
Lessons at the Conservatorium: Monday 20 April - Friday 3 July (11 weeks) rd
Lessons in Schools: Wednesday 22 April - Friday 3 July (11 weeks)
Monday 20 April - Boom Bang Blast
Saturday 9 May - Visiting Artists - Acacia Quartet - 3pm
Tuesday 12 May - AMEB closing dates
Thursday 25 June to Sunday 28 June - CVCon ProductionNEWSIES JR
All students from Term 1 2026 have been re-enrolled for Term 2 2026, unless you have indicated otherwise.
MONDAY 28 APRIL 9:00AM-2:30PM CONCERT AT 2:00PM
The cast of Newsies JR. is busy in rehearsals, working hard to bring this high-energy production to life. Each week, the group is building momentum as choreography is refined, vocals are strengthened, and scenes begin to come together on stage.
There’s a strong sense of teamwork in the room, with cast members supporting each other while tackling the show’s demanding dance numbers and ensemble moments. The commitment and enthusiasm from everyone involved is clear, and it’s exciting to see the production steadily taking shape.
Audiences can look forward to a vibrant and engaging performance as the cast continues to develop this much-loved musical in the lead-up to opening.
There are five performances only between June 25 and June 28 featuring a cast of over 20 and a live band made up of staff and students. This is an experience not to be missed.
BOOK TICKETS
Student Profile
Tandia Cook
What instrument do you play, and how long have you been learning?
-I play piano, which I’ve been learning on and off since I was eight years old. I’ve been learning at the Con for about three years. I also do vocals, and had a couple of years of singing tuition.
What first inspired you to start learning music?
-I started piano when I was younger because my parents thought it would be a good skill to have. During my younger years, I didn’t really enjoy it, but as I grew older that quickly changed into a love for piano.
Do you remember your very first lesson? What was it like?
-My first lesson at the Con was definitely scary, as I was very young and unsure if I could learn quick enough and please my teacher. She was really lovely and I quickly learned that with practice.
What’s your favourite piece you ’ ve learned so far?
-Almost all of my pieces are my ‘favourite’ for different reasons, but I definitely love Moonlight Sonata just because I was able to fix up any mistakes I had previously made, and I love the sound of the piece. Another one I am currently working on is ‘The Heart Asks Pleasure First,’ from ‘The Piano,’ which reminds me of a river and is very satisfying to play.
What do you enjoy most about learning at CVCON?
-I enjoy the welcoming and warm atmosphere of CVCON. The staff are always smiling and will greet you in the hallways, even if you don’t do class with them. I think CVCON is putting a lot of effort into encouraging musicians to step out and perform and learn new things; you can tell that the people here love what they do and have a passion for music. For students, it’s a place that puts us at ease.
What has been the most challenging thing you ’ ve learned, and did you overcome it?
-The most challenging areas of learning here are probably the exams; just the desire to please the marker and get a good score, or you will let everyone down. I’ve always managed to pass well, but before and even during the exam, there are definitely many thoughts of doubt that you won’t succeed. PAN is a little challenging sometimes as it is performing in front of a crowd, but the more you do it, the more comfortable you get up there.
How has CVCON helped you grow as a musician?
-CVCON has helped me grow in many areas; mainly in my piano skills thanks to my teacher, but also in performing and even dueting/teamwork. I’m also really thankful to the teachers for letting me know when there are gig opportunities as well.
Do you enjoy performing? If so, what has been your most memorable performance?
- I don’t mind performing, but it is terrifying to start with, and then gets better over time. I like performing in front of strangers, but find it hard in front of people I know My most memorable performance was at a festival on the Sunshine Coast, as it was a really positive experience.
Who is your favourite composer, band, or musician? Why?
- My favourite artists are Coldplay, and the singer/song writer Jacob Collier. Coldplay creates a really ethereal vibe which I find really relaxing. Their talent is amazing. I find every song has good lyrics, a good beat, and a melody that sticks with you. Jacon Collier is more unique in his style, tending to do more jazz. His voice is really beautiful and his understanding of music is out of this world.
If you could perform anywhere in the world, where would it be?
- If I could go anywhere to perform, I would probably choose a country in Asia or a small European country; somewhere totally different to my culture here, with people who think differently and appreciate music in a unique way.
What do you like to do outside of music?
- Outside of music, I’m studying for my HSC, including subjects French and Art. I’m hoping to go to uni after a gap year of working and travelling.
If you weren’t playing your current instrument, which one would you love to try?
- Another instrument I would love to learn is the harp. I realised quickly this was not realistic, given the rarity of harps and teachers. I hope when I finish school I can pick it up. The violin is another one that would be so cool to learn. I’m currently teaching myself guitar. I also like the drums.
What are your musical goals for the next year?
- My musical goals for the future are sometimes unclear, but I want to finish my piano exams, which means my final grade 7 and 8 exams. I will keep doing gigs, recording privately, and possibly release some music on spotify down the track.
Tutor Profile
Melissa Davies
Melissa is our new trumpet teacher at the Conservatorium. Born in Greenville, South Carolina (USA), she began learning music at a young age, starting on piano at 5, trying flute at 7, and then settling on trumpet at 7—a decision that’s shaped her musical path ever since.
After finishing Year 12 at CVAS and being the CVCon Student of the Year in 2021, Melissa studied at Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, where she completed a Bachelor of Music (Performance) in Classical Trumpet. During her time there, one of her standout experiences was performing in the Conservatorium’s opera orchestra. As the only trumpet player, it was a challenging but rewarding opportunity, and one that sparked a real interest in opera. She performed in a Puccini double bill of Suor Angelica and Gianni Schicchi, as well as scenes from Elijah and Eugene Onegin. These projects were a highlight of her studies and cemented her love of performing in opera settings.
Melissa enjoys playing across the classical repertoire, particularly orchestral and operatic music. Outside of music, her taste leans more towards artists like Taylor Swift and Benson Boone. She credits much of her development to the teachers and conductors she has worked with and continues to value learning from those around her.
Outside of teaching and performing, Melissa enjoys reading—especially fantasy, rom-com and mystery— as well as creative hobbies like embroidery, painting, cross-stitch and crochet. She’s also recently taken up Pilates, running and going to the gym, doing one of those activities daily.
Friends describe her as bubbly, caring and confident. Her personal motto is simple: “I can do hard things.” She particularly loves this one because it can be applied to pretty much everything in life, whether it is music, crafts, the gym, or general life. It is a simple reminder that you can do anything!
Melissa is teaching trumpet in school band programs and lessons at CVCon. To enquire about trumpet lessons please contact the CVCon office.
Choirs, Ensembles and Groups at CVCON
Good Vibes Choir
Theory-Junior
Con Kids Chorus
Concert Band
Con Youth Chorus
Jazz Ensemble
Con Chorus
MONDAY
1.00-2.30
4.00-4.45
4.00-4.45
4.45-5.30
5.00-6.00
5.40-6.40
6.30-7.30
TUESDAY
Brenda Little
Peter Morgan
Fran McHugh
Peter Morgan
Carien Hoffman
Peter Morgan
Fran McHugh
Forget Me Nots
Rock Band
Beginner Strings
Guitarchestra
Squeeze Box Circle
Piano Ensemble
Strings ‘n’ Things
10.00-11.30
4.00-4.45
4.45-5.30
5.30-6.30
WEDNESDAY
1.00-2.00
4.00-4.45
5.30-7.00
THURSDAY
Jenny W & Leigh R
Wesley Chegwidden
Inanna Sage
Luke Gough
Greta Enns
Jayne Logan
Sarah Nicholls
Kidzjam 10.30-11.00
Wesley Chegwidden
FRIDAY
Strum and Drum
Theory-Senior
Flute Ensemble
Sax Ensemble
12.30-1.30
4.00-4.45
4.00-4.45
4.45-5.30
Luke Gough
Peter Morgan
Sharon Davidge
Peter Morgan
Who’s who at Clarence Valley Conservatorium
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
Chairperson
Vice Chairperson
Treasurer / Public Officer
Members
Parent Representative
Jenny Worrell
Mark Thompson
Mark Thompson
Paul Kennedy, Yvonne Ledingham, Fran
McHugh, Deborah Wray, Calvin Terry
Mark Woods
ADMINISTRATION
Director
Administration Manager
Finance Manager
Operations Co-Ordinator
Adam Wills
Vicki Forbes
Carolyn Maunder
Luke Gough
TUTORS
Brass
Clarinet, Saxophone
Flute, Fife, Piccolo, Panpipes
Guitar: Classical, Folk
Electric Guitar, Ukelele, Music Production
Guitar, Bass Guitar
Guitar, Ukelele
Percussion
Percussion, Rock Band
Piano, Piano Accordian
Piano, Flute, Accompanying
School Groups
Strings ‘n’ Things (ensemble)
Violin, Piano
Voice
Choirs
Melissa Davies
Peter Morgan
Sharon Davidge
Ryan Enns
Luke Gough
Chris Kay
Damien Sullivan
Adam Wills
Wesley Chegwidden
Greta Enns
Jayne Logan
Elizabeth Moore
Sarah Nicolls
Innana Sage
Kate Joseph
Brenda Little