september 13 - 19 | 2017
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Practice makes perfect By ANITA McPHERSON
ON THE FARM:
Regional living is no barrier to achieving your dreams, according to Thoona violinist Emma Amery. PHOTO: Carolyne Amery
GARDENING WITH
DEBBI
RSPCA
WITH
NARLA
MOVIE VICTORIA &
ABDUL
WINE TALK WITH
ANITA
PRACTISE and dedication to her craft will see Thoona resident Emma Amery take to the stage at the Melbourne Recital Centre this month to play violin in a performance of Homages with the Melbourne Youth Orchestra. The 18 year old who lives on the family farm and makes a 500 kilometre round trip each week to rehearse with the orchestra, holds the position of “associate concertmaster,” which could best be described as “second fiddle” to the lead violin sitting closest to the conductor. “If the concertmaster is away or sick I have to step up (to that role) and I also help with organising and assisting the section,” she said. Emma has come a long way since she began playing 12 years ago, starting when she was only six, although she can’t remember exactly why violin was her instrument of choice. “My Mum plays violin as well so I think I was kind of drawn to it,” she said. “I’ve always loved it and always been the weird one who liked to practise - and I love playing with other people.” Currently completing year 12 through distance education, Emma communicates with her teachers online, having been home schooled from an early age. After a successful audition in 2014 she joined with the Percy Grainger Youth Orchestra program, rehearsing each Saturday and gradually honing her technique and performance skills. Preparing for the performance of Homages which pays tribute to great German composers including Richard Strauss and Johannes Brahms - required orchestral rehearsals along with preparation of her own part at home. Describing herself as a classical music “geek”, Emma is looking forward to playing with virtuoso musicians as part of the concert on September 17. continued page |
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