Enid Scott Conference Award (ESCA)

The Enid Scott Conference Award recognises members of Kodály Australia (KMEIA Inc) who have contributed exemplary voluntary services to the association and provides financial assistance towards attendance at the biennial National Conference. Refer to the information sheet and application form below for specific details.

The ESCA is not being offered in 2022. 

Enid Scott (1929-2014)

Enid provides us all with an extraordinary example of dedication and community service. She worked as a Secretary at O’Brien’s Electrics until her retirement. In the mid-1970s she accompanied Jean Herriot on a visit to the Developmental Music Project in the Metropolitan West Region of Sydney. This visit set Enid on a new path of contributing exemplary voluntary services to KMEIA for almost 40 years. During this time, she was the organiser of the first Kodály Summer Schools in Victoria, an executive member of KMEIA’s Victorian Branch and Secretary of the National Council. Enid provided an exceptional model of the way in which volunteers of any background can support music education for children and teachers across Australia. She became well known to all those attending Kodály national conferences and was honoured as a life member of KMEIA. Enid’s great service will be long remembered and admired.

Information Sheet and Nomination Form

2020 Enid Scott Conference Award Information Sheet and Nomination Form

Margaret Lange OAM (2020)
South Australian Branch (Founding President)

From humble beginnings as a country girl, Margaret Lange’s involvement in music-making and teaching would have far-reaching impacts on the education of hundreds of music educators and thousands of children. Margaret was key to nurturing the growth of choral singing in South Australia. What started as simple joyful singing with others at home and in the church community would grow to bring together people who wanted to make music well. She taught community choirs and conducted festivals with massed choirs. Her belief that a Kodály based music program is fundamental to the best music learning continues to be at the heart of her extraordinary commitment to fostering musical growth for everyone who seeks it.

Margaret has demonstrated commitment to education both as a teacher in the government and non-government systems, and continues to volunteer with Kodály Australia, Kodály SA and Young Voices of Adelaide. She has devoted her life to music education in SA for more than an astounding 65 years.

It was in 1977 that Margaret first became involved in the Kodály Music Education Program beginning in the 1970s by Dr Deanna Hoermann. Without hesitation, in June 1978 she convened her first Kodály Conference under the auspices of the Education Music Branch. As a result of this Conference, the South Australian Branch of the Kodály Institute (KMEIA) was established in Adelaide with Margaret as its first president.

Although Margaret has no formal music teacher training – as it did not exist at the time – she was mentored by some of the world’s great international exponents of the Kodály method in summer schools run by Dr Deanna Hoermann. This experience together with her rural class teaching survival skills, some handy piano technique, an AMusA in singing and a wonderful marriage to soul mate and fellow music educator, her late husband John, provided Margaret with the music teaching arsenal to begin her campaign to spread the Kodály-inspired teaching as far as possible.

Margaret’s strong determination and exuberant personality is admirable. In her advisory capacity in the Education Department, she made many friends and built up a support system for implementing Kodály methodology, reaching many schools and teachers throughout South Australia. She was able to use Salisbury Park Primary School initially and later St. Agnes School as pilot schools. This was an innovative program where teachers and college students (now Universities) were able to visit and see the program working at various levels.

As Music Advisor with the Education Department, Margaret was able to set up more intensive workshops and courses on a regular basis for teachers who wanted to learn about Kodály methodology. Never to miss an opportunity, 3-day courses were held in SA at the end of January on the years that famous international presenters were teaching at the National Summer School. This was an exciting time as the South Australians at the bottom of the world learned about the Kodály Program from expert exponents with exceptional musicianship skills.

Shorter courses were established to adapt to changes in the education system and these were supported using materials and techniques supplied by Judith Johnson, who was one of the leaders of the Kodály movement in Australia. Margaret Lange, in her influential advisory position, continued to be the main organiser of these training programs and served on the National Council for 5 years.

The ripple effect was widening. In January 1984 Margaret convened the National Kodály Conference in Adelaide held at Lincoln College, North Adelaide. In 1985 in her final year of school teaching she was invited to join the Wilderness School staff to improve their music programs in the Junior School. The Kodály based pre-school to year 7 program Margaret implemented was so successful it was extended to Year 10 students.

Margaret also lectured at Flinders Street School of Music in her increasing pool of influence and for some time at the Adelaide Conservatorium when the two Institutions were amalgamated. Another fruitful collaboration over many years started with Penny Byrne, from Seymour College. Together they suggested to private schools affiliated with the JSHAA (Junior Schools Heads Association of Australia) that a music festival similar to the Public Schools Festival be established to encourage raising the standard of music-making and learning within Independent schools.

In 1988 with co-director Deborah Munro, she started the Adelaide Girls’ Choir (now known as Young Adelaide Voices). In the first year, there were 300 girls involved at four different levels.  There are now several levels from 6 years to young adolescents and adults. Margaret is actively involved in YAV as a resource manager and runs Kodály based musicianship sessions to build music literacy in these young musicians. The two most senior choirs in YAV give numerous, impressive community performances and have travelled interstate and overseas to great acclaim.

In 1995 Margaret coordinated her second National Kodály Conference and seventeen years later, in 2012 she co-convened her third very successful National Conference in Adelaide.

Margaret has received many awards in recognition of her tireless work in music education. She was awarded Honorary Life Membership in 1998 to KMEIA, and in 2006 the South Australian Public Schools Music Festival. In 2007 and 2008 she received ‘Recognition of Excellence’ at the World Teachers Day awards ceremony presented by the Council of Education Associations of South Australia. In 2013 she was awarded the OAM (Medal of the Order of Australia) for her contribution to Music Education in South Australia. Her example of commitment and service is inspirational.

Margaret has served in every executive role of the Kodály SA Committee. This year she clocks up 15 years as treasurer. In 2015 – 2019 Margaret served as Administrator to support Dr Janelle Fletcher establish the Australian Kodály Certificate (AKC) in South Australia. One cannot imagine how many committee and sub-committee meetings she has dutifully attended, the amount of time spent at the computer and photocopier preparing documents, teaching materials and reports.

Margaret is often seen in the audience supporting young musicians and teachers at recitals and concerts. It seems that where there are people to support and music to be shared, it is a ‘Festival of Music’ for her. A total of more than 65 years of unwavering support, encouragement, practical assistance given to so many people on so many levels is worth celebrating. Margaret Lange is a very worthy nomination for the Enid Scott Conference Award for 2020.

Nominated by Andrienne Cullity

Past Recipients

Rose Bloom (2018)
New South Wales Branch

Rose Bloom is recognised for her significant voluntary service and contribution over 20 years as a Committee Member for the Kodály Music Education Institute of Australia (KMEIA) New South Wales Branch. This includes in the position of Public Officer (2004-present), Branch Treasurer (2002-2004 and 2008-present), administering the NSW Australian Kodály Certificate Course (2008-present) and presenting workshops for teachers.

The impact of Rose’s voluntary service is immeasurable. As a member of the NSW committee, Rose has always actively and publicly promoted quality music education inspired by the Kodály philosophy. Her work has contributed to enriching the lives of educators, parents and students. She has given her time freely and considerable expertise as Treasurer, over-hauling the financial management of KMEIA NSW, and stream-lining reporting systems to more easily meet the requirements of NSW Department of Fair Trading. Rose has regularly assisted with the organisation and administration of major events including NSW AKC courses, Back to School Days, a John Feierabend tour, and the 2014 Kodály National Conference. Her outstanding attention to detail and extensive personal time has been applied to marketing materials and even included preparing delicious morning teas and lunches for Branch events. All of which have enhanced the profile of KMEIA and more broadly the quality of music education across NSW.

As a highly respected teacher at St Mark’s Primary School, lecturer at University of Notre Dame and presenter at KMEIA workshops and conferences, Rose models the generosity exemplified by Zoltán Kodály to share her practice and materials. She has volunteered hours of her time and expertise in the mentoring of new teachers. Her belief in the importance of music in the early years of a child’s life drives her commitment. These important contributions are always achieved with good grace, humour, humility, passion and sincere concern for the development of the whole person, young and old.

Rose is a wonderful example of a committed, generous and hardworking advocate for KMEIA. Her passion is contagious! Rose’s efforts have made a huge contribution to the NSW Branch and have raised awareness of KMEIA across all sectors of the NSW school system (government, independent and Catholic schools). By contributing hours of guidance and training for new committee members, along with her attention to detailed record keeping and efficient systems, Rose has followed in Enid Scott’s footsteps as an exemplary model of supporting our community and affecting positive change for the benefit of teachers and children.

Nominated by Julie Logan

Patricia Casey (2016)
Queensland Branch: Mackay Chapter Founding Member

Patricia, known as Tricia, has been an active member of KMEIA for over 30 years. She was among the first teachers in regional Queensland to attend the innovative Department of Education 10-week course in Kodály inspired teaching, followed by two years of Judy Johnson’s community teacher education courses in Brisbane. Tricia wanted to know more and be part of this movement. On 13 October 1990, a meeting was held at her home and the Mackay Chapter of KMEIA was formed. Tricia was elected inaugural Treasurer and held this position for many years and meetings continued to be held at Tricia’s house for well into the 2000’s. The new Chapter immediately began planning to hold fun days for the Mackay students in addition to the ‘Winter Schools’ for teachers. They engaged respected Kodály leaders including David Jorlett, Dr Edward Bolkovac and Judy Johnson to visit and lecture in Mackay. They even managed to have visits from Lois Choksy and Denise Bacon. Tricia was the administrator for the inaugural KMEIA Mackay Choral Festival (now in its 24th year) and soon became the co-ordinator for 10 years – some of these years she was also the Treasurer. Even after retiring from these positions, she remained on the committee and helped out with catering, press releases and organising gifts for conductors and accompanists. Tricia enjoys making resources that brings teaching alive. She has produced several different resource books and aids, and has been asked to present at conferences to share her ideas. Another love of Tricia’s is to photograph and record memories. She has undertaken the challenge of recording the history of the Chapter’s growth over the years. She has made two large scrapbooking albums which are filled with newspaper articles, photos and relevant information. Over the years, Tricia has graciously offered her home for people who travel to Mackay to lecture or to attend lectures. Tricia’s longstanding voluntary service to the Australian Kodály movement is an inspiration for us all and future generations.

Patricia reflected the following on Enid:

I got to know Enid very well when I attended my first (of many) summer school back in the late 80’s and early 90’s and Enid was Boarding “Mother” to us all.  Her help at Clayfield Boarding school and later at Banyo, certainly made my stay easier and let me concentrate on my studies. She was such a support, not only to me but others, when we were missing our kids, struggling from being away from our families and having to contend with assessment pressures. I continued to keep in contact with Enid, over the many years in between, either at conferences or with Christmas newsletters and she stayed with my family on one of her trips North. She was a wonderful, tireless worker for the KMEIA movement. Enid was such a selfless giver to everyone she came into contact with and every task that was asked of her.