CEO REPORT

We are all living through an ever changing world and NECOM students, families and staff have met this challenge head on with inspiring results. Almost all our students having individual lessons were able to jump online from March and this has been vital to keep our conservatorium up and running. Thank you all most sincerely for your continuing support of music while juggling multiple online learning environments and maintaining the evolving requirements for the wellbeing and safety of us all.

We are really excited to announce that the gradual return to individual and small group face-to-face lessons has recommenced. A conservatorium without the bustle, sound and energy of students is quite surreal so we are looking forward to welcoming students back and hearing their lesson here once again. To facilitate this we have implemented substantial protection and hygiene strategies for our staff and students so please continue to follow these so we can uphold the government requirements to control COVID-19.

In addition, many of our school principals have welcomed NECOM teachers back into their classrooms at Ben Lomond PS, Glen Innes PS, Newling PS, PLC, Ross Hill PS and St Patricks Primary at Walcha – a big thank you and congratulations for their commitment and support.

At this stage our early childhood, choral and instrumental ensembles here at NECOM cannot commence face-to-face yet but our Learning Hub is going strong, with our conductors and accompanists creating weekly activities to keep every student engaged. Our teachers are also developing their technical skills and creating online ensemble rehearsals and performances of students playing in isolation at Armidale Secondary College and The Armidale School with great results.

In these times where we hear of the plight of musicians and teachers who have lost their livelihood all over the world, the NECOM community’s support has been incredible and ensured that the show is going on – long may it continue.

Susanne James

CEO NECOM