M.I.B. ‘ VISIT TO CHINCHILLA
After corresponding with Stef Burke, the organizing teacher for the Chinchilla Christian Primary School for almost 12 months, who during this time successfully applied for CAP funding and support for the venture, Mandolins In Brisbane’s trip into the West happened the 2nd week-end in November.
Several cars were taken for he 3 – 4 hour trip and the first workshop for the mandolin students happened at 2 p.m. on Friday.
It was a surprise to discover the mandolin students knew 2 chords, which they bashed very enthusiastically, but no individual notes. However, the violins and guitars were reading music and knew where their notes were. This was the starting point for our workshops, with Allan Hall (plus helpers) taking the violins, Terry Madden with Clinton and Greta Mittelheuser looking after numerous guitar players and Anne Roubos and Willi Green taking the Mandolins. Doug Milne performed a small miracle by including a banjo player into the picture.
The students were all very keen to learn and enthusiastic about learning a piece of music which they could join in with M.I.B. for a concert that evening.
The impossible happened – we had violins, mandolins, banjo player and even 2 tin whistles on the stage, all having the best time at the Chinchilla Cultural Centre. Our own part of the concert, consisting of a very varied program was very much appreciated by the Chinchilla folks who had never experienced a Mandolin Ensemble. As for the students – the feed-back we received was they were disappointed MIB was returning to Brisbane on the Sunday, as more musical sessions were wanted.
The participating members of MIB
thoroughly enjoyed the wonderful country hospitality and were very appreciative
of the caring environment of the Chinchilla Christian School. As “Next Year” was already mentioned, we can safely assume that we are very able
to contribute to the musical appreciation of primary school students, as well
as having a great time ourselves.