Mitchell Conservatorium [MitCon] has chosen a new executive director, and for those around Bathurst's music and education circles, he's already a familiar face.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Andrew Smith has been hired to succeed the outgoing Dr Graham Sattler as MitCon's executive director, with the latter set to commence a new role as chief executive officer of the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra in New Zealand.
Mr Smith will commence the role from November 15, and said "it was the perfect time in his professional life to apply for such a role."
"I've had years and years of experience as an educator, manager and musician, so this role seemed like the next logical step," he said.
"As the chairman of the MitCon board for the past seven years, I've been witness to the exemplary efforts of Graham and the conservatorium's staff to transition into a more community-centric, culturally-diverse institution, so I hope to help continue this positive direction."
Mr Smith's previous role was as a senior pathways officer with the Department of Education, but he's perhaps best known in the community for his 17-year teaching tenure at Bathurst High Campus, where he was head of music and performance.
He also oversaw the furthered development of Bathurst High's Swing Factor and Chill Factor ensembles which, at their peak, were considered among the finest student 'big bands' in the country.
"Bathurst High will always be my spiritual home as an educator, but I felt I'd given it as much as I could; however, I'm really excited to be coming back into music again, especially in a leadership role," Mr Smith said.
"Music is for everyone, whether professional or amateur, as it enriches wellbeing [spiritual and mental], personal and cognitive development, which are essential to the human condition."
Prior to Bathurst, Mr Smith spent several years in his native Tamworth and Canberra as a musician, playing drums across the jazz, rock and disco genres, and studied jazz at the Australian National University School of Music.
"I'd completed an associate diploma of music at the Queensland Conservatorium prior to that, but studying jazz in Canberra changed my life, and that experience essentially founded the rest of my career," he said.
Dr Sattler has welcomed Mr Smith's appointment as his "ideal successor."
"Andrew already has a wonderful rapport with our staff through his role on the board, and his diverse background in the music and education industries will be highly beneficial to MitCon," he said
"Our connection to local schools is really important, so Andrew truly is the best choice to take the reins."
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content:
- Bookmark www.westernadvocate.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Google News