As we approach the end of 2023, I offer best wishes from Kodály Australia for the festive season and new year ahead.
Much has been achieved this year, including:
- Special events to celebrate 50 years of Kodály Australia
- More than 30 inspiring face-to-face and online professional learning activities hosted by branches and chapters featuring local, national and international presenters.
- Delivery of Australian Kodály Certificate (AKC) courses by Kodály NSW, Kodály Qld, Kodály SA, Kodály Vic and the Cuskelly College of Music.
- The delivery of the fourth Musical Foundations course by Kodály SA as part of the ongoing South Australian Music Education Strategy.
These professional learning opportunities are not possible without the support of our members. Sincere thanks to all who volunteer their time and expertise to advance Kodály-inspired music education through service on National Council and Branch and Chapter Committees. Special acknowledgement must be made of Sue Beech who has served our community with distinction as National Administrator (and Kodály Qld Branch Administrator) for more than 10 years. Thank you, Sue. We welcome too Margie Francis as our new National Administrator who I know will make an incredible contribution to Kodály Australia.
We also congratulate and celebrate:
- Our founder, Dr Deanna Hoermann who was acknowledged as a “Golden Honoree” during the recent International Kodály Society (IKS) Symposium for her service as first president of the IKS from 1975 – 1983.
- Judy Johnson who received the prestigious 2023 International Katalin Forrai Award.
- Dr James Cuskelly who was awarded honorary life membership of the IKS.
- Dr Jason Goopy (Immediate Past President) who received the 2023 Business Events Perth Aspire Award.
- Members who were awarded the Australian Kodály Certficiate: Johanna Clarke (Early Childhood), Elizabeth Courtice (Primary), Juliana Kay (Secondary), Simon Ranguis (Primary), Allison Nicholson (Primary) and Sarah Jane Whiteley (Primary).
We look ahead to 2024 with great excitement and I encourage you to check regularly our national website event listing. Some amazing professional learning opportunities have already been announced, with more to be added in the new year. Please take some time to explore the AKC Courses on offer. Each provider offers a unique learning mode (including intensive, block, weekly and hybrid) so this could be the perfect year to commence or continue your studies in the manner that best suits you.
Of course, the highlight will be our Kodály Australia Conference hosted by Kodály Vic in Naarm / Melbourne from 23 – 26 September 2024 at Ivanhoe Girls’ Grammar School. I am certain our keynote presenters Ed Le Brocq, Professor Deborah Cheetham Fraillon AO FAHA, Katalin Kortvési, Dr Candace Kruger and Assistant Professor Tracy Wong will inspire and help us to reflect on the theme “New Voices in Harmony”. Be sure to take advantage of the super early bird registration rates available until 19 February 2024 to secure your place.
Our work is incredibly rewarding, but it does not happen alone. It is through the support, inspiration and encouragement of colleagues that enables each of us to achieve our goals. Should you know someone who has made an outstanding contribution to our community, please consider nominating them for the 2024 Awards for Excellence in Australian Kodály-inspired music education. Nominations close 31 March 2024.
Finally, please accept my heartfelt gratitude and thanks for your continued membership and support of Kodály Australia. I look forward to working with you in 2024.
With best wishes
Jason Boron
President
Kodály Australia
(Kodály Music Education Institute of Australia Incorporated)
www.kodaly.org.au
An affiliated national institutional member of the International Kodály Society
www.iks.hu