Glenys Gijsbers

As a past National Membership Secretary and Conference Convenor, I am well-aware of the significant contribution made to the Kodály Australia community by Glenys Gijsbers.

Glenys has demonstrated longstanding commitment, loyalty and service as the administrator and public face of seven Kodály Australia National Conferences (beginning in Canberra 2008 and coming full circle back to Canberra in 2022). She has offered outstanding service as Kodály Victoria Branch Administrator (2004-2018) which included leading the coordination of 12 very successful Autumn Seminars. Furthermore Glenys has provided significant professional service supporting projects of Kodály NSW and Kodály WA.

What many may not know is that this journey for Glenys began through her commitment to Kodály-inspired music education as a parent and volunteer supporting the work of the Young Voices of Melbourne. Her support continued through the fostering of positive relationships and being an advocate of for Kodály-inspired music education through professional service to other music education organisations including the Victorian Orff Schulwerk Association (VOSA), the Australian National Council of Orff-Schulwerk (ANCOS), The Australian Music Association (AMA), Australian National Choral Association (ANCA) and the Australian Society for Music Education (ASME).

Ultimately it is her generosity of spirit through supporting all those interested in Kodály-inspired music education, often serving as the first point of contact for those engaging with our community that has made her such an inspiring model of service and commitment. It is for these reasons that National Council has awarded Glenys Gijsbers with Honorary Life Membership of Kodály Australia.

Jason Boron

29 September 2022