MYM is very excited to welcome Michelle Forbes to the team as our new Artistic Administrator. We sat down with Michelle to get to know her a bit better...
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN BEING ARTISTIC ADMINISTRATOR OF MYM?
I’m still working out the scope of it but it’s fair to say a lot. All conductors, tutors, managers and participants of each ensemble are organised through this role. Same goes for Summer School. I’ll be doing my best to answer all questions from parents and make sure everyone is informed as to where they need to be when and with what. It’s really important that each member leaves the program with more knowledge than when they arrived but that they learnt everything in a really enjoyable and rewarding environment. I’ll be ensuring that the programming supports this ideal and continues to raise the quality of experience for everyone involved.
THAT SOUNDS LIKE A LOT TO DO! HOW DO KEEP ON TOP OF IT ALL?
A good sense of humour and a passion (yes, this word is overused and cliché) for music and music education. Plus an amazing team to work with helps!
ARE YOU A MUSICIAN YOURSELF? DO YOU THINK THIS IS IMPORTANT IN YOUR ROLE?
I studied as an oboist and the knowledge of both music and what is involved in reaching a high level of proficiency on my instrument has been of huge value to me in my arts admin roles, particularly in music. The majority of musicians I have worked with have been instantly put at ease when they find out my background. I understand their craft, their need for support and the amount of work they have undertaken to attain their level of expertise. No one person can ever find out everything there is to know about music so someone entering this field without background knowledge has a major uphill battle to learn about their product. There are so many little things to learn – a bassoonist needs a chair without arms, the trombones need extra space in front but the tuba needs space either side, the floor needs to accommodate cello spikes, an English Horn is not the same as a French Horn, Mahler 2 is a fantastic symphony but can we find a choir... the list goes on.
Having played at a high level and taught students myself, I know how much work is involved in becoming a professional musician. I am really excited to be part of an organisation that, not only encourages the development of the next generation of musicians, but also provides a fantastic structure for their overall musical education.
WHERE HAVE YOU WORKED BEFORE?
My past “musician” life (outside of performing) saw me in a number of Sydney schools as an oboe and flute teacher, as well as ensemble conductor and tutor. I also tutored at State Music Camp, The Arts Unit, Australian Winds National Music Camp and a variety of school music camps.
Following some extra admin responsibilities that developed around my teaching, my first full time role was at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music where I coordinated all of the large ensembles. After moving down to Melbourne (best move ever!), I became the Artist Liaison at the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. So many fabulous conductors, soloists and musicians! After that, I took a bit of a sea change with renowned Melbourne photographer, Matt Irwin, as his Operations Manager and PA. When I heard Hannah was leaving, I jumped at the opportunity to work at MYM!
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR CAREER HIGHLIGHT SO FAR?
Playing with David Helfgott and working with some amazing artists like Charles Dutoit and Air Supply are definitely up there. It’s so hard to choose one. This industry is incredibly rewarding and there is always something new and exciting around the corner. Educationally, my (very) recent introduction to MYM was another career highlight - the inspiring Summer School. It was so great to meet so many passionate musicians, enthusiastic conductors and excellent tutors. I am so amazed at how much everyone improved through the week and seemed to absorb everything that was thrown at them like a sponge.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO AT MYM?
Getting to meet everyone involved and hearing all of the fabulous music that we will create. There are some familiar faces that I’m excited to work with again and some new ones that I’m keen to get to know, not to mention all of the ensemble members (I’m sorry in advance for not knowing your name by the end of the first week)! I love to see the look on someone’s face when they reach that light-bulb moment and, in a moment of clarity, attain a new height in their musical development.
FINALLY, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE ITEM FROM THE VCA CAFETERIA?
I was very pleasantly surprised with the quality of the coffee (got me through some very long days at Summer School) but it takes all of my will power to say no to a good serve of hot chips!
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