Today was a landmark occasion in the history of Kodály Australia. This year for the first time we postponed the national conference and brought our community together online – and what a success it was! Nearly three hundred music educators (one in three members) logged on to sustain the vision of Kodály-inspired music education and participated in the 2020 Kodály Australia Virtual Summit. Across seven hours, members were treated to messages of support from dignitaries; inspiring words from keynote presenters; feature branch presentations in early childhood, primary, secondary, choral, musicianship, and games; spectacular choral performances; and, insightful discussion sessions. Participants represented all Australian states and territories, New Zealand, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and Singapore. We are stoked by this level of support and thank you for choosing to spend your day with us!
Such a significant event involves a large team working together. On behalf of the National Council and all members, I take this opportunity to sincerely thank Joel Copeland (2020-2022 Conference Convenor); Katharine Finlayson (ACT President); Jarrod Schindler (ACT Treasurer and chat support); ACT committee members; keynote presenters (Dr Arpad Toh, Dr Anita Collins, Dr László Nemes); branch presenters (Katharine Finlayson ACT, Stephanie Eaton SA, Dr Jason Goopy QLD, Mark O’Leary OAM VIC, Julie Logan NSW, Rosalie Scott WA); choirs (Mark O’Leary OAM & Exaudi, Dr Debra Shearer-Dirié & Fusion, Rowan Harvey Martin & Canberra Girls Grammar School choirs, Dr Michael Bradshaw & Sydney Conservatorium High School, Aleta King & The Promise, Katharine Finlayson and the ACT Primary Concert Choir); Glenys Gijsbers (Stockdale); and, Sue Beech (National Administrator). We are especially appreciative to Keith Huxtable and the team at Music Education Network for their ongoing sponsorship and high-quality technical support – today would not have been possible without you! If you missed today’s event, details of how to purchase recordings will soon be available.
2020 has been a challenging and tiring year, especially for those involved in education. I encourage you to be kind to yourself and check in with your colleagues, especially those in Victoria and abroad. Please make sure you take the time these school holidays to rejuvenate and recharge. Looking ahead, I am inspired by Kodály’s words: “the fire must not be extinguished”. Branches will be offering great online sessions this coming term in conjunction with their Annual General Meetings. I encourage you to regularly check our website and your inbox for invitations to events across the country!
With best wishes
Dr Jason Goopy
President
Kodály Australia
(The Kodály Music Education Institute of Australia Incorporated)
www.kodaly.org.au
An affiliated national institutional member of the International Kodály Society
www.iks.hu
In the spirit of reconciliation Kodály Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea, and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.