The Australian National University’s School of Music has established a brand-new community advisory board, with a line-up of respected and diverse members to connect with Canberrans.
Looking to meet formally twice per year, the advisory board will play a key role in keeping the community updated and engaged in the School of Music and its talented staff and students.
Board member and Head of the ANU School of Music, Associate Professor Kim Cunio said the advisory board is vital in reconnecting with the Canberra community.
“I think most people know that in the past the School did have some troubles and we thought as it recovers, it would be nice for the community to know what’s happened,” he said.
“We thought the time around the end of last year to look at whose job it was to do that, and we formed the group.”
Other board members include Genevieve Jacobs, Catherine Carter, Tony Henshaw, Tim Benson, Robyn Holmes, Deputy Head of the ANU School of Music Dr Paul McMahon, and former federal Arts Minister Bob McMullan.
Mr McMullan, who will chair the advisory board, said they would look to build a long-stand partnership between the School of Music and the people of Canberra.
“The Community Advisory Board will both be a voice for the ANU School of Music to the community and ACT Government, as well as a way for our community to directly engage with the School,” he said.
“It will help cement and bolster the absolutely vital role the School plays in our capital’s vibrant cultural life, as well as ensure the School is recognised and cherished by the community for the crucial role it plays in our local artistic scene.”
The advisory board originally planned on engaging the community with an array of events involving the School of Music but have been unable to follow through within the constraints of COVID-19.
Instead, they are in the process of making a series of videos about the workings of the School and will be recording performances from their new orchestra in place of a real-life audience.
“We feel we have been able to make use of these two factions and build hybrid students and we want to meet these students, see what’s going on and tell the story,” Associate Professor Cunio said.
“We just want to continue the joy of keeping young people making music.”
