Creative ID: 101
Wellington region.
My arts or creative practice (including details about my specific focus within that art form/practice and my strengths)
I have been a professional musician for 20 years, practicing in a diverse range of musical fields. This has included performing in many celebrated jazz and popular music groups. I am a composer with a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in composition from Victoria University and have composed for the NZSO, international soloists and for dance and theatre companies. I am particularly interested in cross-genre work and enjoy bringing that to my teaching work which has included teaching saxophone and jazz ensembles at the New Zealand School of Music.
My track record of experience and success - or the track record of experience and success of the creative or artist that I will partner with
My international credits include with a Jazz Orchestra, two soloists, and have performed at Edinburgh Jazz Festival, Savassi Jazz Festival (Brazil), the Blue Note (Japan) and many more. I spent six years touring globally with a New Zealand band. I have produced many albums myself and have played on many albums by New Zealand musical icons. I have composed for the NZSO and had my pieces performed in France and abroad. I have worked extensively in the theatre with three main companies amongst others. I have won numerous awards for my work including the Harriet Friedlander New York Residency from the Arts Foundation, Wellington Theatre Awards for sound design, and several grants from Creative NZ.
Describe the experience you have had working with children or young people, teaching or facilitating creative processes
I was formerly an artist teacher at the New Zealand School of Music, teaching saxophone and jazz ensembles. I taught woodwinds and coached ensembles at various high schools. I taught woodwinds in Paris at an Academie. I have taught privately since 2001.
Why I want to be part of the Creatives in Schools programme and how my involvement will link to my creative practice
Teaching has long been an important aspect of my musical practice. It has allowed me to connect with young musicians, better articulate my methods and goals, share the benefits of my experience with others and assist in bringing out young people's awareness of their own creativity. It also makes me reflect on my own work and how I can connect better with others. I am excited about the Creatives in Schools programme because it will allow me to continue to go about my teaching practices in a broader way – most of my teaching is individual, one on one. I think I would be an excellent choice for schools looking for someone to come in and coach bands, give composition mentoring, organise concert programmes or work in the collaborative context of Musical Theatre.