fraser matthew - july 2010

Where do I begin with young Fraser…? He is an extremely talented person, performer and musician, all at only 14 years old. In my time with the Orchestra he has surprised me and I am sure many of us, with his diversity. One minute he is on the drums, next he’s on the Timpani, playing the xylophone, then the mallet percussion and he also plays the piano. A few rehearsals ago I saw him with a Violin; however he has since told me that he was just playing around!! Thank goodness for that as he so good at everything, but on top of his impressive musical abilities he is one nice fellow, popular with all the members, very funny and he always looks like he is having a fantastic time.

Fraser started out with SBCO in 2007 and had only started playing percussion a year earlier. At home he has a drum kit; bongo’s a Djembe which is an African drum and a Glockenspiel. As well as being able to keep the beat going he can also play the piano and is currently studying for his piano grade 5 exam. Fraser enjoys all types of music – in his own words “I like rock, metal, jazz, marching band and really everything. ” His favourite bands of the moment are, 30 Seconds to Mars, Disturbed and Megadeath.

In his spare time, Fraser enjoys watching films, reading and he also likes to compose music. Frasier has lived in the South Burnett since 1997 in which his family moved to the area from Mackay. In January 2010, the Matthew Family was fortunate enough to journey to Singapore and Italy and returned back to the Kingaroy in time for Frasier to start Year 9.

Fraser says the best thing about being in the SBCO is the variety of music we play each year. With such a wonderful talent, the Orchestra will be at a loss when his time finally comes, to finish high school and move away to University or where ever life takes him. It is a big relief to know that this is a few years away.

Next months profile is Clancy Brown who plays 2nd Clarinet.

tarnya cecchin - february 2010

Tarnya is very fortunate to have a beautifully crafted German Violin that was made between 1780 and 1920 and she has owned it for 2 years. It has been lovingly looked after by Tarnya as well as by its previous custodians.

Tarnya has lived in the South Burnett for the past 9 years and in any free leisure time, enjoys reading, watching movies and photography. She owns a Kelpie Border Collie Cross named Sheba and likes to listen to a wide variety of music; in her own words “A lot of different stuff”.

 Tarnya says that she loves being part of the SBCO and enjoys being able to learn, share her skills and playing music with other people. As mentioned at the beginning of this profile, the SBCO started with Tarnya and 13 other members. Tarnya is now enjoying playing music with approximately 69 other members in 2010.

Briony Hoare - december 2009

It is a pleasure this month to introduce Briony who is one of our fabulous Cello players. Briony has been with the SBCO since 2006. Now I know that all our members are exceptional, however Briony not only deals with her commitments with the Orchestra as a performer, but she is also the Treasurer for the SBCO as well as a busy Mum of Daughter Zoe who is two and Douglas who will be six months as this profile goes to print.

Briony moved to the South Burnett in 2005 with her fiancé who she married on April 1st 2006. Her Husband’s side of the family are locals and with the arrival her two children, Zoe and Douglas, it just shows that the South Burnett is a wonderful region to live, work, raise a family and of course - join the Orchestra.

Briony started playing the Cello when she was 13 and has owned her currently instrument since she was 14 years old. Before settling on the Cello, Briony was fortunate enough to try a couple of other instruments such as the piano and flute. Briony started at the piano at the age of 5 and is accredited to 6th grade.  The flute, she tried whilst at primary school and worked at it to gain 3rd grade level, however the string side beckoned and the Cello became her main instrument of choice

In her spare time, Briony likes to listen to a wide variety of music from classical to all the latest hits; she enjoys travelling, playing the Cello and spending time with her family and friends.  Briony says that the best thing about the SBCO is the sense of enjoyment that she gets from all of the members working together during rehearsals and workshops to produce the wide repertoire of music we perform at concerts. 

Barney davoren - October 2009

Barney Davoren plays Tenor Saxophone and is one of the most lovable, happy and kind characters you will ever meet. He is always one of the first to arrive to any Orchestra activity to help set up and is one of the original members of the Orchestra which started up in 2005.

The B flat Tenor Sax that Barney plays is an 80 year old New King Saxophone which he has owned for around 49 years. It is lovely to hear Barney play his Saxophone and it gives a lot of newer instruments a definite run in the beautiful sound quality and performance. By looking at this instrument you can definitely tell that it is lovingly looked after and maintained. Barney purchased his New King in 1960 and has been playing it on and off over the years leading up to the Orchestra, at parties and other events.

Barney’s background in music started at an early age in Piano in which he advanced to grade 5, and this helped form his understanding, talent and love of music. Barney enjoys listening to Jazz, Classical and Music Scores from the movies.

Barney and his family have lived in the South Burnett for 30 years. When he first moved here, he was the Publican of the Fitzroy Hotel in Nanango for 5 years. Most locals may now have come to know Barney as their local Milkman.

In his spare time, he enjoys keeping fit by riding his push bike, traveling and flying light aircraft. Barney is also our Vice President of the SBCO and has been so for the last 3 years. Barney says he enjoys all aspects of the Orchestra and all the members that have made it what it is today.

Next month I will be writing about Briony Hoare who is one of our talented Cellists’.

cassy siddans - september  2009

 NEIL WINTER - august 2009