President's
ARLIE'S ANECDOTES - September 2023
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Tēnā koutou, dear friends and colleagues. The 2023 Conference is now past and what a fabulous event. The three days just sped by and I was overwhelmed by the response given these trying times. Most notably many of the attendees were non-members so we are optimistic that this will result in new membership.
Dr Bartlett and Dr Morris were exceptional Key Note Speakers and I think we can all agree that they delivered on their promise of information overload! We also must thank our lunchtime presenters and guests, Claire Barton, Judy Bellingham, Scott Bezett, Sarah Hughes, Hinekoia Tomlinson and Sofia Kalogeropoulou They were all very unique and their topics all displayed what Aotearoa has to offer in the area of research in Music. Thank you for the excellent response to our Conference surveys. We really appreciate you taking the time to do this. It is vital to our development as an organisation and for the creation of future events and Conferences. |
We have a number of online events in the works as well as in person group workshops, something that is vital to our community so please stay tuned as more information becomes available.
Sadly we have said farewell to three of our Council members and I must thank Beverley Pullon, Cindy Jonker and Sarah Hughes for their amazing mahi. The council is extremely grateful for your contributions and we could not have achieved what we have this year, without all of you. We will miss you all very much but we would also like to welcome to the council Kylie Todd.
Stay warm, keep doing the mahi and I will leave you with this lovely Whakataukī. Kāhore taku toa i te toa takitahi, he toa takitini – We cannot survive without the support of those around us.
Kia kaha. Arohanui, whanau.
Sadly we have said farewell to three of our Council members and I must thank Beverley Pullon, Cindy Jonker and Sarah Hughes for their amazing mahi. The council is extremely grateful for your contributions and we could not have achieved what we have this year, without all of you. We will miss you all very much but we would also like to welcome to the council Kylie Todd.
Stay warm, keep doing the mahi and I will leave you with this lovely Whakataukī. Kāhore taku toa i te toa takitahi, he toa takitini – We cannot survive without the support of those around us.
Kia kaha. Arohanui, whanau.
Arlie's AnECDOTES - Welcome - MARCH 2023
NEWZATS Council would like to congratulate Arlie on her new role as President, and look forward to having her lead us into the July Conference and beyond. Hailing from Australia, Arlie's experiences and contacts through ANATS give her a great perspective.
Welcome members. I am so excited that the biennial NEWZATS Conference is taking place in Ōtepoti. As a native Australian the move to the ‘Deep South’ of Aotearoa in 2016 seemed like an unusual choice given that I’m used to the humidity of warm and sultry Brisbane, but I am thrilled to have a little bit of Brisbane in Dunedin for a few days in the form of our keynotes Dr Irene Bartlett and Dr Ron Morris both from my very hometown and University.
I first met Irene in 1998 when she was my voice teacher for my undergraduate in Jazz Voice at the QLD Conservatorium. I later met Ron when I embarked on my Masters in Vocal Pedagogy in 2014. Both are true legends who are at the forefront of Voice Science and Vocal Pedagogy and we are so lucky to have them attending. With their guidance and expertise, it will allow all attendees to focus on education, creativity, communication, professional development and to also spend time with like-minded people who want to develop their skills through a series of lectures and workshops.
Dunedin is also the perfect backdrop for this conference. It is a vibrant and diverse city that is steeped in musical history. From classical to musical theatre to the prolific Dunedin Sound, there is no shortage of inspiration for aspiring singers and teachers alike. Moreover, Ōtepotiboasts some of the most glorious scenery on the South Island even if I am a little biased.
So, I encourage you to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity and come down here and learn from the experts, connect with other teachers, and soak up the musical energy and the sun (yes it does come out down here) that is all around us. This is an opportunity that you don't want to miss, and I am honoured to be a part of it. Let's make some beautiful connections, learn some new techniques and make music together!
Welcome members. I am so excited that the biennial NEWZATS Conference is taking place in Ōtepoti. As a native Australian the move to the ‘Deep South’ of Aotearoa in 2016 seemed like an unusual choice given that I’m used to the humidity of warm and sultry Brisbane, but I am thrilled to have a little bit of Brisbane in Dunedin for a few days in the form of our keynotes Dr Irene Bartlett and Dr Ron Morris both from my very hometown and University.
I first met Irene in 1998 when she was my voice teacher for my undergraduate in Jazz Voice at the QLD Conservatorium. I later met Ron when I embarked on my Masters in Vocal Pedagogy in 2014. Both are true legends who are at the forefront of Voice Science and Vocal Pedagogy and we are so lucky to have them attending. With their guidance and expertise, it will allow all attendees to focus on education, creativity, communication, professional development and to also spend time with like-minded people who want to develop their skills through a series of lectures and workshops.
Dunedin is also the perfect backdrop for this conference. It is a vibrant and diverse city that is steeped in musical history. From classical to musical theatre to the prolific Dunedin Sound, there is no shortage of inspiration for aspiring singers and teachers alike. Moreover, Ōtepotiboasts some of the most glorious scenery on the South Island even if I am a little biased.
So, I encourage you to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity and come down here and learn from the experts, connect with other teachers, and soak up the musical energy and the sun (yes it does come out down here) that is all around us. This is an opportunity that you don't want to miss, and I am honoured to be a part of it. Let's make some beautiful connections, learn some new techniques and make music together!
BOOTH'S BITES - March 2023
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Tēnā koutou!
Nau mai haere mai and warm welcome to the new year of teaching! For many you will be well into your terms, while others may be launching into initial lessons with university students. Wherever you are in your beginnings, I hope you are starting the year feeling fresh, inspired, and excited for the road ahead. Of course, many have already experienced unexpected challenges with school closures and widespread devastation from Cyclone Gabrielle. Our thoughts are with those who are affected either directly or are supporting whānau in the recovery efforts. As a council, we are thrilled to be hosting our 27th Biennial Conference at the University of Otago in Dunedin this July. Despite our best efforts, we are aware of clashes with other events. However, those who are able to attend will be treated to world-class professional development, strengthen relationships and continue to deepen their teaching kete. |
Having led the previous conference in Wellington alongside the phenomenal support of the council, it is with a degree of surprise at the passing of time which indicates the approaching the end of my term as President – time flies when you’re having fun! It has been a privilege to stand on the shoulders of the passionate, committed and dedicated past Presidents. I look forward to welcoming our new incoming President in our next newsletter. We would also welcome anyone who is interested in joining the council – your ideas and input are important, and we welcome more voices at the table.
He waka eke noa, we are all in this together.
He waka eke noa, we are all in this together.
BOOTH'S BITES - December 2022
Kia ora e te whanau! As we wind down to Christmas, I can almost feel the sand between my toes, hear the chatter of family gatherings and taste the pavlova (I even have a vegan recipe if anyone requires!).
The last few months have been busy with exams, end of year shows and showcase performances across universities, polytechs, schools and private studios. A big congratulations to you all for the mahi you have put in to enriching your ākonga/students' technique and performance. More-so an acknowledgment to all the work you have done as mentors to guide your students towards joy, self-expression and the power of music.
Certainly in my own neck of the woods, we have farewelled our 2nd graduating class and although I’m astounded at the development of their craft despite enduring online learning and the hurdles of Covid, as a team we have been deeply enriched with the spirit of the cohort. The care for each other, the development of personal character and passion for their future pathways makes me love my job.
This isn’t in praise of our programme, it is in acknowledgement of what is worth celebrating as teachers. That if we ignite intrinsic motivation through creating meaningful environments and relationships, we have ignited the human spirit with which our students go into life. This is much harder to measure than ‘Distinction’ on an exam, which is of course also worth celebrating, but this more invisible impact is worthy of the spotlight and recognition.
Congratulations for this and may you find the space you need to regenerate, nurture and nourish your own ‘cup’ so you can return next year ready to do it all again! As a council we have been busy planning for conference next year and we invite you all to anticipate joining us to continue to develop your teaching resources, broaden Professional Development, and of particular importance in what can sometimes feel like an isolating profession; connect with your colleagues!
In the meantime, let’s join in Wellington’s footsteps and create some regional events to celebrate and share social time with friends and colleagues before Christmas. Meri Kirihimete, Merry Christmas and we look forward to reconnecting in 2023.
The last few months have been busy with exams, end of year shows and showcase performances across universities, polytechs, schools and private studios. A big congratulations to you all for the mahi you have put in to enriching your ākonga/students' technique and performance. More-so an acknowledgment to all the work you have done as mentors to guide your students towards joy, self-expression and the power of music.
Certainly in my own neck of the woods, we have farewelled our 2nd graduating class and although I’m astounded at the development of their craft despite enduring online learning and the hurdles of Covid, as a team we have been deeply enriched with the spirit of the cohort. The care for each other, the development of personal character and passion for their future pathways makes me love my job.
This isn’t in praise of our programme, it is in acknowledgement of what is worth celebrating as teachers. That if we ignite intrinsic motivation through creating meaningful environments and relationships, we have ignited the human spirit with which our students go into life. This is much harder to measure than ‘Distinction’ on an exam, which is of course also worth celebrating, but this more invisible impact is worthy of the spotlight and recognition.
Congratulations for this and may you find the space you need to regenerate, nurture and nourish your own ‘cup’ so you can return next year ready to do it all again! As a council we have been busy planning for conference next year and we invite you all to anticipate joining us to continue to develop your teaching resources, broaden Professional Development, and of particular importance in what can sometimes feel like an isolating profession; connect with your colleagues!
In the meantime, let’s join in Wellington’s footsteps and create some regional events to celebrate and share social time with friends and colleagues before Christmas. Meri Kirihimete, Merry Christmas and we look forward to reconnecting in 2023.
BOOTH'S BITES - September 2022
Kia ora koutou,
It has been a pleasure to see many of you over the course of our Sunday Series and recent ‘double bill’ in July, where we prefaced the AGM with a thought-provoking conversation led by Madeleine Pierard. Excellent presentations from Hinekoia Tomlinson and welsh tenor Tim Richards have also featured in recent months, with the Choral Panel with Morag Atchison and David Squire fast approaching this Sunday. One of the wonderful things about growing this virtual library is those past presentations are available whenever it suits and can spark new inspiration, nurture and replenish you when you give so much as teachers. A thoughtful message arrived this month from a member who found themselves with time to delve into past presentations and was inspired by Jo’s offering from earlier this year.
The potential for this butterfly effect between members sits at the core of who we are as NEWZATS, leaning into the wealth of knowledge that sits among our very own and supporting each other to learn and grow. I recently had the wonderful privilege of connecting with Arlie McCormick in Dunedin, where she was generous enough to give me a lesson. This open sharing and time to consider my own voice as an artist as opposed to as a teacher were long overdue, and I am so grateful for the opportunity. It may take courage, extra time (you might not have), or an open lesson with a trusted colleague, but I encourage us all, if you don’t already, to find time to sing for your own enjoyment through a lens of discovery and self-expression. What fun there is to be had with a little curiosity and exploration.
Speaking of fun, I once again welcome our newest council members and thank them wholeheartedly for their commitment to NEWZATS. We are looking forward to our upcoming fly-in meeting this month, where we can connect and explore what 2023 will bring. We are thrilled to be planning the next conference and will have another year of PD lined up. Remember, there is an opportunity to host special workshops or topics in your town, so please reach out with any and all ideas. May the sight of daffodils lift the spirit and the warmth of spring and longer days bring joy. Waiho i te toipoto, kaua i te toiroa. Let us keep close together, not wide apart.
It has been a pleasure to see many of you over the course of our Sunday Series and recent ‘double bill’ in July, where we prefaced the AGM with a thought-provoking conversation led by Madeleine Pierard. Excellent presentations from Hinekoia Tomlinson and welsh tenor Tim Richards have also featured in recent months, with the Choral Panel with Morag Atchison and David Squire fast approaching this Sunday. One of the wonderful things about growing this virtual library is those past presentations are available whenever it suits and can spark new inspiration, nurture and replenish you when you give so much as teachers. A thoughtful message arrived this month from a member who found themselves with time to delve into past presentations and was inspired by Jo’s offering from earlier this year.
The potential for this butterfly effect between members sits at the core of who we are as NEWZATS, leaning into the wealth of knowledge that sits among our very own and supporting each other to learn and grow. I recently had the wonderful privilege of connecting with Arlie McCormick in Dunedin, where she was generous enough to give me a lesson. This open sharing and time to consider my own voice as an artist as opposed to as a teacher were long overdue, and I am so grateful for the opportunity. It may take courage, extra time (you might not have), or an open lesson with a trusted colleague, but I encourage us all, if you don’t already, to find time to sing for your own enjoyment through a lens of discovery and self-expression. What fun there is to be had with a little curiosity and exploration.
Speaking of fun, I once again welcome our newest council members and thank them wholeheartedly for their commitment to NEWZATS. We are looking forward to our upcoming fly-in meeting this month, where we can connect and explore what 2023 will bring. We are thrilled to be planning the next conference and will have another year of PD lined up. Remember, there is an opportunity to host special workshops or topics in your town, so please reach out with any and all ideas. May the sight of daffodils lift the spirit and the warmth of spring and longer days bring joy. Waiho i te toipoto, kaua i te toiroa. Let us keep close together, not wide apart.
Booth's Bites - June 2022
What a joy it has been to celebrate the return of live performances over the past few months; from world premieres to local theatre, I feel the strength and purpose of what it means to empower people to use their voices for self-expression, artistic performance, and personal wellbeing. What a privilege it is to work with the most extraordinary instrument in the world. Not to mention the colleagues!
So it is with some sadness, yet complete support, that council acknowledges a new chapter for two of our colleagues. Please join me in honouring Cathie’s extraordinary contribution for so many years and on behalf of council and our wider membership, I thank her for the countless hours of service to NEWZATS.
Furthermore, with the resignation of our co vice-president, the fabulous Calvin Baker, it is fair to say that our council is changing shape. To all of our members, I welcome you to step forward for council nominations as we prepare for Conference 2023 – we do have some fun!
So it is with some sadness, yet complete support, that council acknowledges a new chapter for two of our colleagues. Please join me in honouring Cathie’s extraordinary contribution for so many years and on behalf of council and our wider membership, I thank her for the countless hours of service to NEWZATS.
Furthermore, with the resignation of our co vice-president, the fabulous Calvin Baker, it is fair to say that our council is changing shape. To all of our members, I welcome you to step forward for council nominations as we prepare for Conference 2023 – we do have some fun!
Speaking of fun, keep an eye our for the Waiata Mai Competition and get those self-tapes rolling. Let’s showcase the diversity of our collective voices and connect from wherever we are through shared music and passion for singing. Finally, in acknowledgement of Matariki I point you in the direction of Maisey Rika’s 2020 album Ngā Mata o te Ariki Tāwhirimātea. Tukua kia tū takitahi ngā whetū o te rangi; let each star in the sky shine its own light.
Booth's Bites - March 2022
Tēnā koutou Kia Ora koutou,
Despite the obvious hurdles we are currently facing, I am proud to say we came together for a most enjoyable Open Day hearing wise words from across our Membership, launching Sunday Series for Term 1 and sharing the plans for growth for our mentorship scheme. The spotlight on members was welcome and we look forward to doing more of this and sharing stories from our community throughout the year on our Facebook Membership Page.
If you have some ideas to contribute for development of resources for beginning teachers, please send your ideas to admin@newzats.org.nz. We look forward to celebrating the wealth of knowledge from within our community and supporting new teachers to engage with the joy of teaching with a new series of videos which will be available on the website.
Also watch this space for growing resources within the Te Ao Māori space of the mentorship scheme. Soon we will share more resources for everyone to learn and engage with our very own waiata Waiata Mai. Until we meet again face to face, keep lifting the spirits of the fortunate students who grace your studios and we will continue the mahi to lift yours.
Ngā mihi nui, Julia Booth
Despite the obvious hurdles we are currently facing, I am proud to say we came together for a most enjoyable Open Day hearing wise words from across our Membership, launching Sunday Series for Term 1 and sharing the plans for growth for our mentorship scheme. The spotlight on members was welcome and we look forward to doing more of this and sharing stories from our community throughout the year on our Facebook Membership Page.
If you have some ideas to contribute for development of resources for beginning teachers, please send your ideas to admin@newzats.org.nz. We look forward to celebrating the wealth of knowledge from within our community and supporting new teachers to engage with the joy of teaching with a new series of videos which will be available on the website.
Also watch this space for growing resources within the Te Ao Māori space of the mentorship scheme. Soon we will share more resources for everyone to learn and engage with our very own waiata Waiata Mai. Until we meet again face to face, keep lifting the spirits of the fortunate students who grace your studios and we will continue the mahi to lift yours.
Ngā mihi nui, Julia Booth
Booth's Bites - December 2021
Tēnā koutou,
Given the extraordinary and continued effect of Covid in the last quarter, I have struggled to find words to write this report. At a time when we are accustomed to celebrating the growth of our students, I am keenly aware of the pain of canceled events, the impact of navigating vaccine mandates and the uncertainty of the immediate future.
The council is working together to ensure we can continue with events and exciting professional development in 2022 within the new traffic light system. Although we aren’t entirely sure what this looks like across all of our events, what is most important now is to share a message of kindness. We are connected as members of NEWZATS and together we will move forward into unknown professional and social space.
I am particularly grateful for our council members who bring transparency and warmth to the table. Given the strength of our team, it is with mixed emotions that I announce a change to our co Vice-President position; Calvin has stepped back from the position as he prepares to engage with the final year of his PhD. Thankfully this isn’t goodbye; Calvin will remain on council until our next AGM.
It is with great pleasure I share that Dr Tessa Romano has accepted the position. We look forward to releasing the new Season of our Sunday Series and invite you all to join us in February for our Open Day and more details for 2022. In the meantime, and on behalf of council, we wish you joy for the holiday season.
Ngā mihi nui, Julia
Given the extraordinary and continued effect of Covid in the last quarter, I have struggled to find words to write this report. At a time when we are accustomed to celebrating the growth of our students, I am keenly aware of the pain of canceled events, the impact of navigating vaccine mandates and the uncertainty of the immediate future.
The council is working together to ensure we can continue with events and exciting professional development in 2022 within the new traffic light system. Although we aren’t entirely sure what this looks like across all of our events, what is most important now is to share a message of kindness. We are connected as members of NEWZATS and together we will move forward into unknown professional and social space.
I am particularly grateful for our council members who bring transparency and warmth to the table. Given the strength of our team, it is with mixed emotions that I announce a change to our co Vice-President position; Calvin has stepped back from the position as he prepares to engage with the final year of his PhD. Thankfully this isn’t goodbye; Calvin will remain on council until our next AGM.
It is with great pleasure I share that Dr Tessa Romano has accepted the position. We look forward to releasing the new Season of our Sunday Series and invite you all to join us in February for our Open Day and more details for 2022. In the meantime, and on behalf of council, we wish you joy for the holiday season.
Ngā mihi nui, Julia
Booth's Bites - September 2021
Tēnā koutou, dear friends and colleagues,
Kia mau ki te tokanga nui a noho; there is no place like home. As I write this from my home during NZ’s second experience of Level 4 Lockdown, I try to imagine the variety of circumstances this lockdown means for our community. For some perhaps various shades of silver linings while for others it represents cancelled rehearsals, postponed performances and a return to zoom; or perhaps a combination of both. Wherever home is for you, on behalf of council, our thoughts are with you and your whānau. The unexpected move of Alert Levels heightens my gratitude that we were able to host the Conference in Wellington. Three varied days of stimulating, meaningful and inspiring content and we were lucky enough to connect in person. Being together feels like a success in itself. It was an absolute joy to have so many friends and colleagues in the room together. I want to thank you for choosing to share your time with us. It was the vision of council to bring together a conference which reflected the rich tapestry of skills from within Aotearoa, but like all live performances, it is the dance played with the audience which creates the magic. And for me, the magic lay in the willingness to engage, learn, listen, contribute, contemplate, and connect. A special thank you to one of our newest members Rebecca Dai and her husband Dom who documented conference with fine photography and videography skills while also printing group pictures for our members upon the conclusion of the conference. This is a community I am proud to belong to. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. For those within our community who were unable to attend, I hope the ripples of conference will reach you too. Regional hubs are strengthening with local Facebook groups, meetings and events all in the planning. If you need help connecting with someone in your area, please reach out. We are working on establishing physical venues in each area where we can host Sunday Series events. If you have suggestions about a venue in your area, please reach out. Ultimately Sunday Series would allow for monthly regional get togethers while others can also tune in from the comforts of home (as and when alert levels allow otherwise!) Council accepted the resignation of Frances Wilson. We thank her for her generosity of time and contribution and know she will remain a meaningful support for NEWZATS in the Auckland Region. Council also welcomed Arlie McCormick back to council; we are thrilled to have you back with us! Moving forward we are excited to develop our mentorship scheme, support for beginning teachers, continue conversations around ethics and support for our members to engage more with tikanga (customs) māori and waiata (song). On a personal note, I learnt a lot. My ‘basket’ was filled. My own teaching was enriched and it feels so good to bring new ideas to the students. So from my home to yours, lets continue to share and learn from one another. Together but apart. It is a comfort and a joy to know that even in isolation, we are all connected.
Naku te rourou nau te rourou ka ora ai te iwi;
with your basket and my basket the people will live.
Julia Booth
Kia mau ki te tokanga nui a noho; there is no place like home. As I write this from my home during NZ’s second experience of Level 4 Lockdown, I try to imagine the variety of circumstances this lockdown means for our community. For some perhaps various shades of silver linings while for others it represents cancelled rehearsals, postponed performances and a return to zoom; or perhaps a combination of both. Wherever home is for you, on behalf of council, our thoughts are with you and your whānau. The unexpected move of Alert Levels heightens my gratitude that we were able to host the Conference in Wellington. Three varied days of stimulating, meaningful and inspiring content and we were lucky enough to connect in person. Being together feels like a success in itself. It was an absolute joy to have so many friends and colleagues in the room together. I want to thank you for choosing to share your time with us. It was the vision of council to bring together a conference which reflected the rich tapestry of skills from within Aotearoa, but like all live performances, it is the dance played with the audience which creates the magic. And for me, the magic lay in the willingness to engage, learn, listen, contribute, contemplate, and connect. A special thank you to one of our newest members Rebecca Dai and her husband Dom who documented conference with fine photography and videography skills while also printing group pictures for our members upon the conclusion of the conference. This is a community I am proud to belong to. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. For those within our community who were unable to attend, I hope the ripples of conference will reach you too. Regional hubs are strengthening with local Facebook groups, meetings and events all in the planning. If you need help connecting with someone in your area, please reach out. We are working on establishing physical venues in each area where we can host Sunday Series events. If you have suggestions about a venue in your area, please reach out. Ultimately Sunday Series would allow for monthly regional get togethers while others can also tune in from the comforts of home (as and when alert levels allow otherwise!) Council accepted the resignation of Frances Wilson. We thank her for her generosity of time and contribution and know she will remain a meaningful support for NEWZATS in the Auckland Region. Council also welcomed Arlie McCormick back to council; we are thrilled to have you back with us! Moving forward we are excited to develop our mentorship scheme, support for beginning teachers, continue conversations around ethics and support for our members to engage more with tikanga (customs) māori and waiata (song). On a personal note, I learnt a lot. My ‘basket’ was filled. My own teaching was enriched and it feels so good to bring new ideas to the students. So from my home to yours, lets continue to share and learn from one another. Together but apart. It is a comfort and a joy to know that even in isolation, we are all connected.
Naku te rourou nau te rourou ka ora ai te iwi;
with your basket and my basket the people will live.
Julia Booth
Booth's Bites - June 2021
Turning my memories of early performances, I recall one of the many hundreds of performances given in my teens as a member of the Langley Ukulele Ensemble. Our energetic director Mr Peter Luongo was a Paul Harris Fellow with Rotary International and one of the frequent keynote concerts the group would deliver was centred around 4 pillars of leadership. Peter would use the 4 letter names of the strings of the ukulele (tuned to D6 for those of you who take interest in such details) as an acronym for important elements of effective leadership; A for Administration, D for Destiny and F (#) for Friendship. The fourth string, the thinnest and most common to break, was an element Peter would stress as both the most important but like the string itself, the most fragile; it was B for Belonging. This idea that belonging was paramount for the success of not only organizations, but groups of all kinds including family, has always lingered with me. The difficulty with belonging is its fragility and individuality. What helps one person feel accepted can alienated the next. What lands beautifully in the heart of many might go unnoticed by another. It takes repeated encounters, meaningful nurturing and a genuine spirit to foster real, lasting belonging that connects people. And yet unlike the B string itself, belonging is not just thin and easily broken, it is invisible. The invisible thread that weaves itself in directions we can’t control, see or insist. How can we ever know just where the thread travels or how strongly it has secured itself?
There are times, of course, when someone shines a special kind of light and we can all see, for a moment, where the thread has spun, who it has touched and how we are all connected. The recent passing of our Life Member, friend and colleague Emily Mair is a moment such as this. Generations of teachers, students and singers have all expressed a special kind of love and acknowledgement of the incredible impact Emily made to our community, our country and the ripples that travel beyond Aotearoa. As I had never had the pleasure of meeting Emily myself, I have been particularly touched to see the strength of our community and the deeply meaningful impact she made on so many singers, teachers and friends. Thank you to those who have contributed beautifully crafted tributes. May her light continue to shine and we cherish her lifelong contribution to NEWZATS.
The strength of our community is evident with nine regions all submitting content for this edition of our newsletter. NINE! Ka pai everyone, your engagement both in your regions and with NEWZATS has resonated through council and we are thrilled we can be the voice that helps connect us throughout New Zealand. We are sorry to loose Claire Barton from the council and thank her for the time consuming work she had done for NEWZATSs and wish her well.
We promised lots of exciting professional development and networking opportunities and it has been fantastic to see uptake with our new Sunday Series. Remember these are now archived in your own private password protected area of the website so if you registered, you can view at any time. Finally, as you know Conference registrations are OPEN! Spread the word and do be sure to explore opportunities for your students to enter masterclasses – these applications are also open and will close in 1 week so please apply sooner rather than later!
It is fair to say that as a council, and as President, you can never be sure where that invisible thread of belonging is weaving itself through our community so let me be explicit in welcoming our record number of new members, again acknowledging the fantastic work our teachers are doing (particularly ahead of competition season!) and encourage you all to join us in Wellington where we can at last exchange the most important connection of all – a chat over a cuppa. Real conversations with real teachers. We are in this together. Thank you to each and everyone of you for being an important stitch of our invisible cloak that connects us.
Nga mihi nui, Julia
The strength of our community is evident with nine regions all submitting content for this edition of our newsletter. NINE! Ka pai everyone, your engagement both in your regions and with NEWZATS has resonated through council and we are thrilled we can be the voice that helps connect us throughout New Zealand. We are sorry to loose Claire Barton from the council and thank her for the time consuming work she had done for NEWZATSs and wish her well.
We promised lots of exciting professional development and networking opportunities and it has been fantastic to see uptake with our new Sunday Series. Remember these are now archived in your own private password protected area of the website so if you registered, you can view at any time. Finally, as you know Conference registrations are OPEN! Spread the word and do be sure to explore opportunities for your students to enter masterclasses – these applications are also open and will close in 1 week so please apply sooner rather than later!
It is fair to say that as a council, and as President, you can never be sure where that invisible thread of belonging is weaving itself through our community so let me be explicit in welcoming our record number of new members, again acknowledging the fantastic work our teachers are doing (particularly ahead of competition season!) and encourage you all to join us in Wellington where we can at last exchange the most important connection of all – a chat over a cuppa. Real conversations with real teachers. We are in this together. Thank you to each and everyone of you for being an important stitch of our invisible cloak that connects us.
Nga mihi nui, Julia
BOOTH'S BITES - March 2021
And we’re off! With the teaching year now well underway, our family holiday in the far north of Taupõ Bay, which featured the quintessential kiwi hammock hung between the pōhutakawa trees, seems a distant memory.
But there is something equally invigorating about the start of the year. A fresh page, eager students and the anticipation of progress and development. I am always surprised by the change, particularly in my younger students, after a summer holiday. They seem wiser and more mature after what is effectively only weeks of time! There is of course the brain drain that comes with creating momentum and learning new names and new stories.
But it’s what we do, isn’t it? We do so much giving that as teachers we need to remember to find ways to nurture our own learning and wellbeing. A vital part of that is the connection we share with our colleagues and fellow members.
But there is something equally invigorating about the start of the year. A fresh page, eager students and the anticipation of progress and development. I am always surprised by the change, particularly in my younger students, after a summer holiday. They seem wiser and more mature after what is effectively only weeks of time! There is of course the brain drain that comes with creating momentum and learning new names and new stories.
But it’s what we do, isn’t it? We do so much giving that as teachers we need to remember to find ways to nurture our own learning and wellbeing. A vital part of that is the connection we share with our colleagues and fellow members.
Thank you to everyone who tuned in for our Open Day and for those who have since contributed to the Repertoire Exchange. New injection of ideas and songs can be just the thing to fill our buckets for the year ahead. And course we will continue the get-togethers with the Sunday Series. As it happens one of our Vice-Presidents, Jo Fitzgerald, will be in Hamilton for the upcoming online workshop with Anne-Marie Speed on the 21st of March. Jo has reached out to see if we can watch it together. A resounding yes! As it is a Sunday morning, I suspect formal hubs might be tricky this time around, but these smaller bubbles of get-together are encouraged. Why not make it a shared morning tea?
The opportunity for togetherness is as broad as our initiative will allow (and indeed Alert Levels!) I know some of us hesitate to “host” so an alternative could be that members watch the online event individually but then arrange to meet at a café afterwards for a post-workshop korero. Your support to help organise these in your local regions would be greatly appreciated!
We are all of course looking forward to seeing as many of you as possible for our Conference in Wellington on the 23rd to 25th of July. How lucky we are to be able to plan for an in-person gathering. The opportunity to delve into the variety of expertise within Aotearoa is interesting and impressive. Save the date. Be part of the conversation. Together we will grow.
Ngā mihi nui, Julia
The opportunity for togetherness is as broad as our initiative will allow (and indeed Alert Levels!) I know some of us hesitate to “host” so an alternative could be that members watch the online event individually but then arrange to meet at a café afterwards for a post-workshop korero. Your support to help organise these in your local regions would be greatly appreciated!
We are all of course looking forward to seeing as many of you as possible for our Conference in Wellington on the 23rd to 25th of July. How lucky we are to be able to plan for an in-person gathering. The opportunity to delve into the variety of expertise within Aotearoa is interesting and impressive. Save the date. Be part of the conversation. Together we will grow.
Ngā mihi nui, Julia
Booth's Bites - December 2020
It is with absolute pleasure that, as the new President, I write an inaugural message to our members.
First and foremost I wish to extend my gratitude to our outgoing president Lisa Rangi. Her passion for NEWZATS is seen through her lengthy commitment to council and felt through her beautifully open spirit and genuine care for vocational teaching. It goes without saying that 2020 has brought challenges that no one could have anticipated, and I am enormously grateful that Lisa found the strength to extend her time as President to support our members and council as we navigated Alert Levels and the impact of Covid-19. Her warmth and passion will be deeply missed but I know her door is always open and no doubt we will share a cuppa in the coming months. Through conversation, honesty and vast experience she will continue to support myself, council and NEWZATS members in more ways than one. Until then, I’m sure you will all join me in a round of applause for Lisa as we say thank you. Time to put your feet up and take time to nurture yourself as you have for so many others.
There is no question, this year has been tough. Resilience and adaptability have featured highly for many us as we navigated the hurdles that Covid-19 presented. This is true for our council as well.
First and foremost I wish to extend my gratitude to our outgoing president Lisa Rangi. Her passion for NEWZATS is seen through her lengthy commitment to council and felt through her beautifully open spirit and genuine care for vocational teaching. It goes without saying that 2020 has brought challenges that no one could have anticipated, and I am enormously grateful that Lisa found the strength to extend her time as President to support our members and council as we navigated Alert Levels and the impact of Covid-19. Her warmth and passion will be deeply missed but I know her door is always open and no doubt we will share a cuppa in the coming months. Through conversation, honesty and vast experience she will continue to support myself, council and NEWZATS members in more ways than one. Until then, I’m sure you will all join me in a round of applause for Lisa as we say thank you. Time to put your feet up and take time to nurture yourself as you have for so many others.
There is no question, this year has been tough. Resilience and adaptability have featured highly for many us as we navigated the hurdles that Covid-19 presented. This is true for our council as well.
Faced with a changing environment and disruption to how we traditionally connect with one another, we have embraced the opportunity for online workshops and have been thrilled with the engagement from members. As the rest of the world grapples with escalating pandemic response, we are rediscovering the joy of “being in the room” with students. Performances have become an acknowledgement of our fortune, a time to appreciate with sweet gratitude that we are in the privileged position of coming together for connection through art, music and live performance.
As a council we are excited to be planning events for 2021 which include a combination of online delivery with a heavy emphasis on regional hubs and in-person conference. With border restrictions still in place and the possibility for international guests uncertain, we plan to deliver specialist key-note speakers through zoom as we know this works and, in many ways, the move to online learning has made access to new information and international speakers even more possible. We absolutely want to provide this level of training and insight to our members. The flip side of border restrictions is that it provides an opportunity for us as a community to look within ourselves and our surrounding networks to uncover depth and experience from within Aotearoa; a chance to explore our own diversity and learn from the wealth of knowledge that exists among us. Planning is underway for an in-person mid -year conference which along with a focus on regional hubs will provide more opportunity for our members to get together in person for conversation, collaboration and connection. Keep your eyes open for online discussion forums too. If anything, this year of unexpected isolation has reminded us how important relationships are, how vital collaboration is and how when we support each other creatively we will rise with more strength and resilience.
For those of you who I haven’t yet had the pleasure of meeting I will share a small glimpse into my life. From my classical training as a lyric soprano making my debut with NZO as Barena in Jenufa as Dame Malvina Major Emerging Artist, to fulfilling childhood dream roles in Phantom of the Opera (Christine) and Les Misérables (Fantine) I carved out a path alongside a performance career and have spent the past decade studying vocal pedagogy. I am interested in how vocal health and technical efficiency integrates with artistic fulfilment and personal wellbeing. As Head of Voice at Wintec I lecture voice topics including Vocal Anatomy and Physiology, The Musician’s Voice, and Performance papers in Musical Theatre and Contemporary Singer/Songwriting. In my private studio I work alongside ENTs and SLTs to support the rehabilitation of singers who have suffered vocal injury (typically not due to singing I hasten to add) and I continue to work with a small number of younger singers. I have had the privilege of teaching internationally, with an emphasis on pedagogy, and am passionate about enriching the quality of teacher training for our young emerging singers who wish to explore a career in teaching. I am invested in multi-disciplinary collaboration across a range of pathways including movement, osteopathy and performance psychology. I live in Hamilton with my husband Phil. He supports me unconditionally but can’t sing a scale. He loves going to the theatre, especially if it is preceded by dinner and good wine but he prefers to explore the many cycle ways around the country. We are raising three beautiful girls, aged 8, 5 and 2. That combined with our dog Hudson, cat Sweetie-Pie, 5 chickens and 3 fish, life is busy. With exams almost finished, I can hear Whangamata, our beach ‘spot’ for 5 generations, calling already.
Happy Holidays everyone. I do hope that we all take time to breathe, recharge, and reinvigorate for what will be a fabulous year of new offerings, new and renewed friendship and continued professional development. Can’t wait for us to be together again. Please please send me your ideas, your thoughts, your concerns. Anything at all. Your voice matters – on all levels!
Ngā mihi nui, Julia Booth
president@newzats.org.nz
As a council we are excited to be planning events for 2021 which include a combination of online delivery with a heavy emphasis on regional hubs and in-person conference. With border restrictions still in place and the possibility for international guests uncertain, we plan to deliver specialist key-note speakers through zoom as we know this works and, in many ways, the move to online learning has made access to new information and international speakers even more possible. We absolutely want to provide this level of training and insight to our members. The flip side of border restrictions is that it provides an opportunity for us as a community to look within ourselves and our surrounding networks to uncover depth and experience from within Aotearoa; a chance to explore our own diversity and learn from the wealth of knowledge that exists among us. Planning is underway for an in-person mid -year conference which along with a focus on regional hubs will provide more opportunity for our members to get together in person for conversation, collaboration and connection. Keep your eyes open for online discussion forums too. If anything, this year of unexpected isolation has reminded us how important relationships are, how vital collaboration is and how when we support each other creatively we will rise with more strength and resilience.
For those of you who I haven’t yet had the pleasure of meeting I will share a small glimpse into my life. From my classical training as a lyric soprano making my debut with NZO as Barena in Jenufa as Dame Malvina Major Emerging Artist, to fulfilling childhood dream roles in Phantom of the Opera (Christine) and Les Misérables (Fantine) I carved out a path alongside a performance career and have spent the past decade studying vocal pedagogy. I am interested in how vocal health and technical efficiency integrates with artistic fulfilment and personal wellbeing. As Head of Voice at Wintec I lecture voice topics including Vocal Anatomy and Physiology, The Musician’s Voice, and Performance papers in Musical Theatre and Contemporary Singer/Songwriting. In my private studio I work alongside ENTs and SLTs to support the rehabilitation of singers who have suffered vocal injury (typically not due to singing I hasten to add) and I continue to work with a small number of younger singers. I have had the privilege of teaching internationally, with an emphasis on pedagogy, and am passionate about enriching the quality of teacher training for our young emerging singers who wish to explore a career in teaching. I am invested in multi-disciplinary collaboration across a range of pathways including movement, osteopathy and performance psychology. I live in Hamilton with my husband Phil. He supports me unconditionally but can’t sing a scale. He loves going to the theatre, especially if it is preceded by dinner and good wine but he prefers to explore the many cycle ways around the country. We are raising three beautiful girls, aged 8, 5 and 2. That combined with our dog Hudson, cat Sweetie-Pie, 5 chickens and 3 fish, life is busy. With exams almost finished, I can hear Whangamata, our beach ‘spot’ for 5 generations, calling already.
Happy Holidays everyone. I do hope that we all take time to breathe, recharge, and reinvigorate for what will be a fabulous year of new offerings, new and renewed friendship and continued professional development. Can’t wait for us to be together again. Please please send me your ideas, your thoughts, your concerns. Anything at all. Your voice matters – on all levels!
Ngā mihi nui, Julia Booth
president@newzats.org.nz
LIsa's Latest and last - September 2020
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KALEIDOSCOPE: a continually shifting pattern, scene, or the like. If ever there was a time when we have had to be flexible and hold things lightly, it’s this year. Our daily lives have been tossed around continuously. Plans have been made, then changed, then cancelled. More than ever, the important things in my life have shown me why they deserve my time and energy.
Family - Dave and I made a spontaneous trip to Masterton on Saturday night to welcome our first grandchild, Ezra into the world. On Wednesday I helped my parents move from their home of 50 years-the place where I learned my love of music and the importance of whanau. Health - Illness this year has stopped me in my tracks to reassess everything and make changes to my daily routine. Music - I’ve continued to experience how music helps me and many others, to cope with the constant change. God - “In spite of the many songs I've sung if I had to chose there would be just one One message of love that I'd want to share of our heavenly Father and how much He cares.” |
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Your NEWZATS Council and Administrator continue to work to help you in your chosen profession. Later in September we will meet in Auckland for a day to reassess our future direction as an association. I will be resigning from Presidency and Council and we will elect someone to take my place to ensure you are heard and supported as a singing teacher. My time on Council has been life-changing. I’ve “walked with giants” such as Judy Bellingham who was given Life Membership at the recent AGM. Upon reading her extraordinary citation, which was researched and written by Gina Sanders, I was struck with how incredible it was that we have such a deserving person in our midst and that I have her cell phone number. Which I use. There are so many people within NEWZATS who have propped me up, guided me and encouraged me. They are the reason I will be a NEWZATS fan forever. Thank you to every single one of you for the skills and energy you bring to this association. I hope to see you again soon. God Bless Lisa x
Lisa's Latest - June 2020
As many of you have returned to face-to-face work in the last week, I would like to say how grateful I am for our NEWZATS community. You are diverse, resilient and creative. Thank you for the ways in which you have supported each other and me. Faith and hope are valuable at this time. I have strong Christian beliefs, which provide these for me, and I take great comfort in the following text: “For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the LORD, ‘plans for peace and well- being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
We have a future as an Association and our “Online Offerings” series of workshops this year are going to meet the needs and requests of our members. It was wonderful to log onto Tessa Romano’s Zoom workshop this month to, not only learn more about our beautiful craft, but to see so many dear and familiar faces.
We have a future as an Association and our “Online Offerings” series of workshops this year are going to meet the needs and requests of our members. It was wonderful to log onto Tessa Romano’s Zoom workshop this month to, not only learn more about our beautiful craft, but to see so many dear and familiar faces.
Your Council is continuing to plan for monthly sessions for the rest of the year. It might be a session you’ve been waiting for, a chance to learn something you didn't even realise you needed to know. If you have any suggestions of topics I would love to hear from you. Our wonderful conference is still on the burner and once we know that it is possible to hold it, we will set dates.
Along with other changes, two of our Council members have resigned. Sharon Yearsley has served on Council since 2014. I appreciated her vibrant energy and ideas that she brought to the table. Thank you for your time with us Sharon. Gina Sanders served on Council for....a very long time. I have valued her phenomenal insight into so many areas. Gina always made herself available to me and was always willing to help whoever needed help. Thank you Gina for your tenacity and great love for people.
God Bless
Lisa
Along with other changes, two of our Council members have resigned. Sharon Yearsley has served on Council since 2014. I appreciated her vibrant energy and ideas that she brought to the table. Thank you for your time with us Sharon. Gina Sanders served on Council for....a very long time. I have valued her phenomenal insight into so many areas. Gina always made herself available to me and was always willing to help whoever needed help. Thank you Gina for your tenacity and great love for people.
God Bless
Lisa
Lisa's Latest - MArch 2020
In 2011 at NEWZATS’ Wellington conference main speaker Gillyanne Kayes introduced me to the 4 Stages of Learning. It made so much sense and I’ve been using this ever since to show my pupils about the need for change and growth as a singer. The “Ouch” factor is also a part of this. Recently I found this simple diagram to use as well. One of the things I noticed was Stick Man A helping Stick Man B to move from Conscious Incompetence to Conscious Competence. It struck me how important it was to have guidance and support from others in the “Ouch” stage.
Already this year I’ve had many changes. My trusty Toyota Corolla, Lucy, who has visited many North Island NEWZATS members, decided she had done enough traveling and has been exchanged for Agnes the newer Toyota Corolla. It was quite “Ouchy” saying goodbye to Lucy who had been with me through the last 11 years of my life. Ruby, my 12-year-old Tortoiseshell Cat passed away and now Winnie and Tigger have come to keep me company.
Our Association has undergone significant changes in recent years. Singing and singing teaching has changed in significant ways, and while we have tried to embrace the new, we also want to continue to honour the beautiful culture that went before. Our April conference has been designed using the requests made by our members of all ages and singing styles. Although we have a more Contemporary-based conference this time, we have also catered for our Classical teachers and singers. This week we have listened to, and watched our Masterclass applicants, in order to choose singers who represent the kinds of pupils that walk into your studios. We are looking forward to watching experienced teachers: Jeanie LoVetri and Christine Douglas work with these young people. They might experience some “Ouch” but I’m sure they will grow from this wonderful opportunity.
If you haven’t already registered there’s still time.
We would love to see you there.
God Bless
Lisa
Already this year I’ve had many changes. My trusty Toyota Corolla, Lucy, who has visited many North Island NEWZATS members, decided she had done enough traveling and has been exchanged for Agnes the newer Toyota Corolla. It was quite “Ouchy” saying goodbye to Lucy who had been with me through the last 11 years of my life. Ruby, my 12-year-old Tortoiseshell Cat passed away and now Winnie and Tigger have come to keep me company.
Our Association has undergone significant changes in recent years. Singing and singing teaching has changed in significant ways, and while we have tried to embrace the new, we also want to continue to honour the beautiful culture that went before. Our April conference has been designed using the requests made by our members of all ages and singing styles. Although we have a more Contemporary-based conference this time, we have also catered for our Classical teachers and singers. This week we have listened to, and watched our Masterclass applicants, in order to choose singers who represent the kinds of pupils that walk into your studios. We are looking forward to watching experienced teachers: Jeanie LoVetri and Christine Douglas work with these young people. They might experience some “Ouch” but I’m sure they will grow from this wonderful opportunity.
If you haven’t already registered there’s still time.
We would love to see you there.
God Bless
Lisa
