We have had some recent media coverage in the Pohutakawa Coast Times

& an article on Cathy Cowin in Rural Living !

Click below to read them.

Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th of July 2023

(Concert 1.30 pm Sunday)

“Let’s Start at the Very Beginning”

An exciting new venture of a “Workshop with Concert”, developing Stagecraft, Visual Art (Painting), Musicianship & Performance on the Saturday and culminating in a mixed-media presentation collaboration of rising talent and professionals on the Sunday. Limited to 25 participants aged between 8 and 20 yrs, in three age-group. Cost for participants is $15 (single) $25/$40 for 2 or 3 siblings. Presenters will comprise some of NZ’s top practitioners in Music, Drama and Art.

Concert at 1.30 pm @ Clevedon Presbyterian.

At St Andrew’s Presbyterian Clevedon (Click for location)

Music Leader

Gina Sanders: BMus(Auck), FTCL(voice), BA, BMus Hons(Qld), ATCL(piano), AIRMT(NZ)

Well established in the performance, teaching and adjudication professions in NZ and internationally, Gina is an accomplished performer on the operatic stage and concert platform, having studied, performed, taught, recorded and adjudicated in Europe, UK, Asia, Australasia and the USA. She continues to tour nationally and internationally as a soloist, adjudicator and teacher, having completed 15 international tours in the past 16 years to the UK, Europe, Asia and the Pacific.

She has performed over 60 operatic and oratorio roles, and has appeared as a soloist with every major choral society, orchestra and opera company in NZ in addition to being a RNZ Concert studio artist. She has taken leading roles in world premières Germany, Italy, Singapore and Australasia and in addition to her own four CDs, she has featured in many other recordings.

Gina has directed numerous community and project choirs and several award-winning college and youth choirs in NZ, Australia and Germany. She is a Teaching Fellow at Waikato University, and examines for the New Zealand Music Examination Board.  She is the founder and Chair of the Clevedon Valley Music Foundation Trust and the Patron of the South Auckland Performing Arts Competition Society. In 2019, Gina was awarded a Local Heroes Medal at the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year for her services to the arts and the community.

Music Leader

Annabella Stephens:BMus(Hons 1^st), AmusNZ, GradDip(French)

Annabella recently graduated from the University of Waikato with a Bachelor of Music with first class Honours in piano performance, studying with Katherine Austin. She currently enjoys teaching privately, learning the great solo works of Bach and Beethoven, and having the occasional online lesson with Timothy Young from the Australian National Academy of Music. From August this year she will be participating in a research project at Auckland University that assesses the suitability of an Ergonomically Scaled Piano Keyboard (ESPK) for pianists with small hands.

Annabella particularly enjoys working as a pianist with singers and choirs as she enjoys the way in which the piano can support and provide colour to the voice. In 2024 she plans to continue her exploration of piano playing through a Masters of Music in Australia.

Drama Leader

Amy Usherwood is a 2007 NIDA acting graduate and has appeared on stage and screen in both Australia and New Zealand.

She began performing at the of 7, competing in singing competitions and performing in stage plays. When she was 17 she won the Best Director, Most Promising Actress and Most Outstanding Production awards at the Sheila Winn Shakespeare Festival in Wellington; for a performance of an extract from Othello. This gained her the opportunity to travel to London’s Globe Theatre & Stratford-Upon-Avon to do workshops and a performance on the Globe Theatre stage.

Her screen credits include the role of Amber in Southern Star’s Out of the Blue, Emma Franklin in Shortland Street (20012-2014), Louise Hillary in TVNZ’s upcoming Hillary and Helpdesk in feature film Eternity, for which she was nominated for a Best Supporting Actress award at the 2013 New Zealand Film Awards.

She has appeared on stage and screen in both Australia and New Zealand. Her theatre credits include Shannon in Thieves Like Us for Merrigong Theatre Company, Emilia in Othello, Banquo in Macbeth and Titania in A Midsummer Night’s Dream for Sport for Jove Theatre Company, Lori in The River at the End of the Road for Hothouse Theatre and Nurse in Romeo & Juliet for Pop-up Globe.

Screen highlights include Emma Franklin on Shortland Street, Frankie in BBC series Mystic and Vita in South Pacific Pictures The Brokenwood Mysteries. 

Art Leader

Elizabeth Ambrose

Art Leader

Cathy Cowin 

(From this lovely article on Cathy in Eastlife Magazine)

Perhaps best known for her flamboyant, colourful roosters and more subtle florals, plus pen and ink work, Cathy says it is only in the past six or seven years that she has had time for painting. However, her artistic journey has embraced a variety of craft paths.

“I’ve sewed all my life and turned my hand to a number of crafts; anything creative – decopage, mosaics, fabric work and more. As a teenager I admired the pencil drawings sketched by my older, architect brother. More recently I’ve drawn on memories of his work and developed my own style, but my heart lies in watercolors.

“It was my mother, Mary Maxwell who really guided me back into painting. I always wanted to paint like her so when mum asked if I wanted to attend night classes with her at Te Tuhi in Pakuranga, I was up for it.”

Cathy says studying under Kohl Tyler-Dunshea was a revelation. “She didn’t just show us how she painted, she taught us technique whilst encouraging our own personal style. I’ve tried to adopt the same approach with the art group I now teach on Wednesday mornings in Clevedon.”

Sunday 26th of March 2023

“New Horizons” Featuring recent CVMFT scholarship winners, including Taylor Wallbank (NZ Opera Studio Artist and inaugural TANZOS Artist 2023), talented UoW postgraduate students Annabella Stephens (piano), Angela Liu (soprano), Charlotte McDonald (mezzo), and remarkable younger emerging musicians: Rupert Archer (cello and voice), Olive-Kākahu Coughlan and Maria Gow (sopranos) and baritone Callum Neilson.

1.30 pm At Clevedon Presbyterian.

At St Andrew’s Presbyterian Clevedon (Click for location)

Taylor Wallbank (tenor)

Taylor has completed his Bachelor of Music with first class honours & his Masters of Music under the tutelage of Kristin Darragh & Gina Sanders. Taylor debuted his career at 18 as Le Remendado in Festival Opera’s Production of ‘Carmen’ (2016). He has performed the roles of Gastone in ‘La Traviata’ for Festival Opera (2018) & Spallanzani in The University of Waikato’s  Production of ‘Tales of Hoffman’ (2020). He has extensive experience as an oratorio soloist performing with Napier Civic Choir, Cantando Choir, Edgecumbe Choir, Bach Musica, and Scholars Baroque around Aotearoa for the following productions: Handel’s Messiah, Haydn’s Creation, Petite Messe Solenell & Durante’s Magnificat. He was awarded the Sir Edmund Hillary Scholarship worth up to $10,000 per year during his undergraduate degree & more recently placed first in the Dame Malvina Major Foundation Waikato Aria Competition (2022).

Anabella Stephens (piano)

Although Annabella is Australian by birth, she considers herself to be a thoroughly kiwi pianist having spent most of her life growing up in Whanganui, New Zealand. She has just completed her BMus (Hons) under the tutelage of Katherine Austin at the University of Waikato, and is now currently studying with Lindy Tennent-Brown. Annabella has a special interest in performing keyboard works from the Baroque to Early Romantic periods on the modern piano, but also enjoys the challenge of the complexity of 20th and 21st century works. She likes to find opportunities to collaborate with singers and has received coaching in art song accompaniment, a style of collaborative music-making she hopes will form a part of her music career. Annabella also has a keen interest in languages, having attained a GradDip in French from the University of Waikato. Since 2020 she has dedicated time to exploring the Feldenkrais method for finding natural bodily ease and comfort at the piano, as well as focus and self-awareness in everyday life. She is currently teaching piano and music theory at L’Accademia in St Heliers, as well as privately in Hamilton.

Angela Liu (soprano)

Angela completed her Bachelor of Music at the University of Auckland studying under the tutelage of Dr Morag Atchison. Angela studied abroad during her undergraduate study in the USA at the University of South Carolina with singing professor Dr Donald Gray. She is now continuing her studies as an honours student at the University of Waikato with Kristin Darragh and Anna Leese. Angela was awarded the Sir Owen G Glenn Study Abroad Scholarship and Evelyn M Harrison singing scholarship at the University of Auckland, and the postgraduate study scholarship at the University of Waikato. Angela was also awarded third place in the recent Clevedon Valley Music FoundationTrust senior vocal arts competitions.

Charlotte McDonald (mezzo soprano)

A country-girl born and raised in Waiuku, 24 yr. old Charlotte comes from a very music-orientated family and having been surrounded by music on a day-to-day basis, it was inevitable that she would have a love for this art form. She joined her first choir at five, before commencing private lessons and for the past seven years has been studying with Gina Sanders and has also had the benefit of the combined input of several of NZ’s excellent teachers and coaches, the majority of them based at the University of Waikato. Charlotte has performed in numerous concerts and shows, and competed in competitions around the North Island, winning several awards, including the Most Promising Adult singer in 2020 at SAPACS and a nomination to the PACANZ Nationals for 2022. Charlotte achieved her LTCL diploma with Distinction in 2020. She also enjoys participating in community events and is a Trustee and Treasurer of the Clevedon Valley Music Foundation Trust. Charlotte has completed her Bachelor of Music with Honours in Performance Voice, at the University of Waikato. Recently, she debuted in the role of Zita in Puccini’s ‘Gianni Schicchi’ with the Waikato University Conservatorium of Music.

Maria Gow (soprano)

Maria Alexandra Gow is a 16-year-old Auckland soprano who also spent some of her early life in Central Europe. Maria has performed for English speaking and Russian audiences. Maria was trained earlier by Mezzo Soprano and teacher Dr Sue Braatvedt and more recently by well-known singer and teacher Gina Sanders, Music Performance Fellow in Voice at Waikato University. In 2022 Maria won the Vicky Martin Trophy (adjudicated by Dr Morag Atchison of Auckland University). Earlier Maria won entry to voice competitions in Moscow and Riga but unfortunately was prevented from traveling due to the Covid Pandemic.

Callum Nielsen (baritone)

Callum is 17 years old and is currently in his last year at high school. Callum has enjoyed music all his life. He started learning singing, cello, and piano in 2013 with Sarah McDowall at Majors ‘n’ Minors music studio. Recently Callum has received vocal coaching from Lindy Tennent-Brown. He also developed a passion for musical theatre and has performed in multiple musicals since 2014. Callum completed his grade 8 singing exam with distinction last year and is currently working on his ATCL musical theatre and cello exams. At school Callum plays the saxophone in the Pukekohe High School stage band and jazz combo, and clarinet in the concert band. Callum is very appreciative of the support that he has received from the Clevedon Valley Music Foundation Trust for his recent vocal senior regional award at SAPACS.

Kākahu Coughlan (soprano)

Kākahu’s classical music journey started when she joined Auckland Girls’ Choir with Mrs Leoni Lawson and music director Ms Gina Sanders in 2021. Part of that experience was a performance with Bach Musica, (St Matthews Passion), in Auckland, along with 12 public choir performances, which cemented Kākahu’s love of opera. In May 2022, she decided to specialise by engaging in vocal training with Ms Gina Sanders who suggested that she enter the WAPAC’s Vocal Competition held in June 2022. Kākahu placed amongst the top three in all six songs entered, and won the Pae Tawhiti Scholarship Award. Since then, she has been a member of Clevedon Arts and Musical Adventures (CAMA) and has performed in numerous choir productions. John Rosser of Viva Voce on behalf of Scott Johnson (the organiser in America) engaged Kākahu to sing the intro and outro for World Singing Day 2021, where she translated her part from English to Māori (available on YouTube). Last year (2022) Kākahu won her school’s English Speech Competition. Her speech was about her love of music titled ‘Music and Me’. Kowhai Intermediate celebrated its Centenary in October 2022 and being a current student, Kākahu was a main performer for the Centenary Weekend. Kākahu attends a full immersion Kaupapa Māori school and kapa haka is an important expression that gives her energy and being bilingual has helped her to learn other languages such as Italian and German. Kākahu has started College (year 9) and is aiming to continue opera singing studies to the highest level as she is very passionate about it. While Kapa Haka gives Kākahu energy, opera singing gives her balance and peace of mind.

Shelley Zhan (piano)

Shelley is 14 years old and began learning piano since when she started school and is currently working towards her Grade 8 piano exam and has participated in many competitions resulting in great success. She enjoys playing for others as well as independently, and is looking forward to more opportunities coming her way.

Rupert Archer (cello and voice)

Rupert is 12 years old and is in year 8 at St Joseph’s school in Pukekohe. He started learning the cello and singing at Majors n Minors when he was three years old.   He will soon be sitting his ATCL Diploma in Cello and has just sat his Grade 8 classical voice.  Over the years he has won numerous vocal and string awards, has held leading roles in both amateur and professional theatre, done some modelling, and has appeared on TV in both advertisements and short films. Rupert is a member of the Manukau Symphony Orchestra and was awarded the MSO tuition scholarship for 2023. Last year Rupert was also lucky enough to win the CVMFT vocal and instrumental scholarship competition and is very grateful for the support provided.

Gina Sanders: BMus(Auck), FTCL(voice), BA, BMus Hons(Qld), ATCL(piano), AIRMT(NZ)

 Well established in the performance, teaching and adjudication professions in NZ and internationally, Gina is an accomplished performer on the operatic stage and concert platform, having studied, performed, taught, recorded and adjudicated in Europe, UK, Asia, Australasia and the USA. Gina’s professional career began after completing seven degrees and diplomas in piano, voice, theory, musicology, pedagogy and languages (German, Italian, French and English) at Auckland and Queensland Universities and Trinity College London.

As the first NZ musician to be awarded a Rotary International Graduate Scholarship, she undertook studies in Germany, London and the USA, and has since completed 15 international tours in the past 16 years with engagements in the UK, Europe, Asia and the Pacific, often including extensive presentations of her comprehensive vocal tuition courses. Highlights have included taking the lead role in world premières in the Stuttgart Liederhalle and the Hochschule Hauptkonzertsaal, concerts in NZ embassies in Berlin, Paris and London, opening the Infiorata Festival in Genzano, Italy, a tribute concert to Renata Tebaldi in Rimini, and featuring in several festivals in Rome and the Castelli Romani region.

She has performed over 60 operatic and oratorio roles, and has appeared as a soloist with every major choral society, orchestra and opera company in NZ in addition to being a RNZ Concert studio artist. In addition to her own four CDs, she has featured in many other recordings. She continues to take major soloist roles throughout NZ, including, in 2020, a much-admired Messiah with Scholars and NZ Barok, and received high praise in reviews of the world premiere of Chris Artley’s choral masterpiece, Of Land and Sea. 

Gina has directed several community and project choirs and numerous award-winning choirs, including the popular children’s ensemble The Valley Voices, Macleans College Chorale, and was the Director of Chapel Music at King’s College for 6 years, founding the excellent chamber choir, Kappella. She has also directed The Happy Wanderers in Brisbane, and JugendlicheStimmen in Stuttgart and The Auckland Girls’ Choir.

She has been a member of IRMT(NZ) for over 35 years, and was a national executive councillor for NEWZATS for over a decade. She is a sought-after adjudicator for both national and international competitions and has frequently undertaken external examiner duties for both Auckland and Waikato Universities.

Now a Teaching Fellow at Waikato University, she continues her examining role with the New Zealand Music Examination Board. Gina is the Chair of the Clevedon Valley Music Foundation Trust, which seeks to assist young Aucklanders (particularly those in the Franklin and South Auckland districts) in their aspirations to become Performing Arts professionals. She is also the Patron of the South Auckland Performing Arts Competition Society.

In 2019, Gina was awarded a Local Heroes Medal at the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year in Auckland for her services to the arts and the community.

Sunday 26 March 2023

“New Horizons” Featuring past and present scholarship winners, including Taylor Wallbank (NZ Opera Studio Artist and inaugural TANZOS Artist 2023), talented UoW postgraduate students Annabella Stephens (piano), Angela Liu (soprano), Charlotte McDonald (mezzo), and remarkable younger emerging musicians: Rupert Archer (cello & voice), Olive-Kākahu Coughlan and Maria Gow (sopranos) and baritone Callum Nielsen.

Sunday 13 November 2022

“How Can I Keep From Singing ?”

 

Choral Ensembles and Ceramics.

1.30 pm – 2.45 pm, followed by delicious refreshments.

Admission by donation/koha.

Saturday 5 November 2022

“CVMFT Music Study Scholarships’ Festival Competition at Clevedon Presbyterian”

Apply here

Sunday 7 August 2022

“Jazz, Swing and Beyond”

 

Celebrating the Stage and Screen with upbeat jazz numbers, soothing ballads and more.

Artists include the brilliant young “Max Crook Standards Quartet” and Music Theatre singers with some upbeat and soulful popular repertoire.

These include Briar Simpson, and Neeve Coumbe.

1.30 pm – 2.45 pm, followed by delicious refreshments.

Admission by donation/koha.

The Max Crook Standards Quartet

Young Auckland based jazz drummer Maximilian Crook brings his stellar quartet to perform an array of jazz classics written and performed by many of the past greats.

Toby Barrett – Tenor Sax

Joe Kaptein– Piano

Tyler Diprose– Bass

Maximilian Crook – Drum Set

This is a virtuosic experience not to be missed!

Briar Simpson

Briar commenced her vocal studies at the University of Waikato, then decided

her true passion was music theatre and is now in her final year of Bachelor of Performing Arts in Musical Theatre at Wintec in Hamilton.

She has been involved in many musicals and operas during her time at university including, Little Shop of Horrors, Tales of Hoffman, Hood Street the Musical, Destination Sondheim, Animal Farm and was also cast in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang with the Hamilton Operatic Society and Back to the 80’s with Riverlea theatre. She was recently involved in a play with Morrinsville Theatre, called The Husband Murderers Support Group, and is currently playing a swing role in Bold Theatres, That Bloody Woman. Briar has a special connection to Clevedon – she is the niece of the amazing Melanie at that great little shop, “Prickly Pots”!

.

Neeve Coumbe

Neeve has always had a passion for the performing arts. At the age of three she began ballet, jazz and later cha cha lessons. Then at the age of eleven she began speech and drama and vocal tuition which she continued throughout her schooling and completed her ASB diploma in speech NZ. She realised that singing was her main passion and decided that she wanted to pursue it as a career. She has been asked to perform at many Rotorua concerts and events, to name a few, 2019 Opera in the Pa, Rotorua One Chance Youth Awards, and the Rotorua Youth Festival. In school she was involved in her school productions such as, Into the Woods and West Side story. Alongside this she was also involved in Rotorua Musical Theatre Productions such as, Mary Poppins and Grease. She is now in her second year studying a Bachelor of Music (performance- voice) at Waikato University.

.

Well established in the performance, teaching and adjudication professions in NZ and internationally, Gina is an accomplished performer on the operatic stage and concert platform, having studied, performed, taught, recorded and adjudicated in Europe, UK, Asia, Australasia and the USA. She continues to tour nationally and internationally as a soloist, adjudicator and teacher, having completed 15 international tours in the past 16years to the UK, Europe, Asia and the Pacific.

She has performed over 60 operatic and oratorio roles,and has appeared as a soloist with every major choral society, orchestra and opera company in NZ in addition to being a RNZ Concert studio artist. She has taken leading roles in world premières Germany, Italy, Singapore and Australasia and in addition to her own four CDs, she has featured in many other recordings.

Gina has directed numerous community and project choirs and several award-winning college and junior choirs in NZ, Australia and Germany. She is a Teaching Fellow at Waikato University,and examines for the New Zealand Music Examination Board. She is the founder and Chair of the Clevedon Valley Music Foundation Trust and the Patron of the South Auckland Performing Arts Competition Society. In 2019, Gina was awarded a Local Heroes Medal at the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year in Auckland for her services to the arts and the community.

A country-girl born and raised in Waiuku, 23 yr old Charlotte comes from a very music-orientated family.
Surrounded by music on a day-to-day basis, it was inevitable that she would have a love for this artform.
She joined her first choir at five, before commencing private lessons.

She has been studying with Gina Sanders for six years and as of last year Kristin Darragh.
Charlotte has performed in numerous concerts and shows, and competed in competitions around the North Island, winning several awards, including the Most Promising Adult singer in 2020 at
SAPACS and a nomination to the PACANZ Nationals for 2022. Charlotte achieved her LTCL diploma with Distinction and is working towards FTCL.

She also enjoys participating in community events and is a Trustee and Treasurer of the Clevedon Valley Music Foundation Trust. Charlotte has completed her Bachelor of Music in Performance Voice, and will begin her honours programme this year.

Introducing Rupert Archer, a talented cellist and singer who will be performing in “Future-Proof – Tomorrow’s Stars”, 27th March, 1.30pm.
Rupert is 11 years old and started learning the cello and singing when he was three. He is currently working towards his ATCL Diploma in Cello and Grade 7 singing.
He is a busy young lad, having won numerous vocal and string awards over the years, held leading roles in both amateur and professional theatre, done some modelling, and has appeared on TV in both advertisements and short films.
Rupert was very excited to make his debut with the Manukau Symphony Orchestra last year and is looking forward to more performance opportunities this year.

Hi, my name is Emma Mazzaschi. I am a first year student at the University of Auckland, studying a Bachelor of Music majoring in Music Studies.
I have been playing the alto saxophone from a very young age and recently completed my ATCL diploma in 2021.
I have a passion for music and my goal is to become a secondary school music teacher whilst continuing to have fun playing the saxophone in a range of musical groups.

Emily Robertson is eight years old and started playing violin when she was four. She has played at multiple CVMFT concerts with great success.
Emily achieved distinction in her last violin grade and is now working towards her Grade 4.
She loves performing, drawing and other forms of art. Emily attends Valley school in Pukekohe which she really enjoys.

Sunday 27 March 2022

“Future Proof”

– Featuring top young talent from Franklin and the wider Auckland region.

Click here to watch Live on YouTube

Tomorrow’s stars on show!

1.30 pm – 2.45 pm, followed by delicious refreshments.

Admission by donation/koha.

Sunday 8 August 2021

“The Circle of Life”

1.30 pm – 2.45 pm, followed by delicious refreshments.

Admission by donation/koha.

Choral ensembles from the Auckland area.

Over 60 young choristers raising the roof with songs from stage and screen, Folk songs, Mozart opera and more. Featuring the Auckland Girls’ Choir, Rosehill Harmony from Rosehill College and Luce of the Valley Studio, under the artistic direction of Gina Sanders.

Sunday 9 May 2021

“Mother Knows Best”

A Musical Celebration of the Love and Wisdom of Mums

Tayla Alexander & Alexandra Francis – Sopranos

Jonathan Dunlop – Solo Pianoforte

With Gina Sanders – Soprano  Kay Shacklock – Piano

1.30 pm – 2.45 pm, followed by delicious refreshments in St Andrew’s Church, Clevedon.

Admission by donation/koha.

A celebration of the love and wisdom of Mums with CVMFT/SAPACS scholarship winners Tayla Alexander and Alexandra Francis and others.

Saturday March 13 2021:

“The heART of the Matter…Celebrating Creativity in Clevedon”

– Our Annual Fundraiser –

It’s ON !

1 pm – 8.30 pm, in the Clevedon Hall.

What a month it’s been, but we are determined to proceed, and are delighted all our artists are looking forward to meeting you.There will be such a wide variety of art forms and people to meet and support after the recent restrictions.

There will be singing, sewing, playing, painting, dance and design all combined in a multi-media presentation of performance and creative talent from the Franklin and surrounding communities, with a Gala Concert (including Wine & Cheese), spot prizes, Silent Auction** and much more!

What is happening?

Display artists will be “in action” from 1 – 5pm giving presentations throughout the afternoon and will be available to discuss their talents with the public. Beautiful art works will be for sale, along with exciting packages encompassing their services.

Delightful Pop-Up performances will feature gifted dancers and wonderful musicians (see below) and some fabulous items (including a helicopter ride), are lined up for the Silent Auction** which will run all day.

Tea, coffee and light refreshments available for a small koha.

Doors close from 5 – 6pm as we set up for the Cocktail Event (6pm) and Gala Concert (6.30pm).

Bidding on the Auction will continue, with results announced at 8.15pm.

Tickets on sale now ! Collect from Prickly Pots (Just around the corner from the Chinese takeaway) Door sales will also be available.

**Items include:a Helicopter Scenic Flight, Photography Packages, Beauty Vouchers, Delicious cakes and preserves, stunning art works, music lessons and more.

Majors ‘n’ Minors – Music

Majors ’n’ Minors (Pukekohe/Bombay) has been running as a specialist music studio for young people since 1993.  There are now 7 tutors teaching various instruments including voice. They have successfully entered numerous candidates for ABRSM, Trinity music &drama exams and MTB online exams, from beginner to diploma level.  A number of these students have been invited to perform at High Scorer’s Concerts.  There is an orchestra, theory groups and a rock band so the individual students can enjoy “the group experience”.    In 2015 the studio introduced a musical theatre group programme which has proven to be highly popular and successful, producing up to three shows per year.  These have included Annie Jr, G2K The Sound of Music, Shrek Jr, The Jungle Book Kids, Cinderella Kids and Honk Jr.  The studio received seven NAPTA nominations for their 2019 production of The Lion King Jr.  In 2021 they are looking forward to another wonderful year of tuition, as well as performing Fiddler on the Roof Jr, Annie Kids and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.

Majors ‘n’ Minors – Music

Majors ’n’ Minors (Pukekohe/Bombay) has been running as a specialist music studio for young people since 1993.  There are now 7 tutors teaching various instruments including voice. They have successfully entered numerous candidates for ABRSM, Trinity music &drama exams and MTB online exams, from beginner to diploma level.  A number of these students have been invited to perform at High Scorer’s Concerts.  There is an orchestra, theory groups and a rock band so the individual students can enjoy “the group experience”.    In 2015 the studio introduced a musical theatre group programme which has proven to be highly popular and successful, producing up to three shows per year.  These have included Annie Jr, G2K The Sound of Music, Shrek Jr, The Jungle Book Kids, Cinderella Kids and Honk Jr.  The studio received seven NAPTA nominations for their 2019 production of The Lion King Jr.  In 2021 they are looking forward to another wonderful year of tuition, as well as performing Fiddler on the Roof Jr, Annie Kids and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.

Charlotte McDonald: ATCL (Dist) – Mezzo Soprano

A country girl born and raised in Waiuku, Charlotte (22 yrs old) comes from a very music–orientated family. Surrounded by music on a day–to–day basis, it was inevitable that she would have a love for this art form. Joining a choir at the age of five, she then took private lessons and has been studying with Gina Sanders for five years. Charlotte has competed in competitions in the North Island, and has won several awards, including the Most Promising Adult singer in 2020. Charlotte has recently obtained her LTCL with Distinction and is working toward her FTCL.

She also enjoys Music Theatre and participating in community events and was recently appointed a trustee of the Clevedon Valley Music Foundation Trust. 

Charlotte is about to commence her 3rd year at Waikato University in a Bachelor of Music Majoring in Performance Voice. 

Jeannie Balemi – Quilter and Textile Artist

The Quilt Genie! We truly have something for everyone at the upcoming concert/silent auction this Saturday 13th March.

Jeannie is a South Auckland based textile artist and tutor with 25 years of experience working and teaching a broad variety of techniques and skills in textiles. From her home based studio Jeannie teaches traditional and modern technique in patchwork, quilting and sewing. She has an interest in repurposing old textiles into loved pieces, designing unique patterns and commissioning pieces for her clients. The versatility and love Jeannie has for work with textiles makes her a popular tutor, both locally and overseas.

Suzy Kirkaldy – Portrait Artist

Faces have always fascinated Suzy, especially the expressions in eyes.  She began drawing portraits of students and teachers at school, when she should have been attending to maths! The results speak for themselves.  When bored, in her first jobs, Suzy would draw her colleagues.  Then her own family.  All of these drawings were done with pencil or charcoal.

​When she moved to Kenya her husband, Micky, bought her her first box of Rowney’s pastels.  She had the opportunity to spend an hour with a pastel artist in Nairobi, who gave her some tips and direction that got her started with this wonderful medium.

​Back in New Zealand, she began drawing pets – dogs, cats, horses – anything with a face!  This has been an endless delight, with the amazing variety of colours, types, textures and temperaments keeping her fascinated and satisfied in her career.

​Pastels are a beautiful medium to use, and easy to pick up with a few lessons.  Suzy has enjoyed passing on these tips through workshops and private tutoring.

Jennifer Cruden – Painter in Oils & Resin

Jennifer has a passion for painting with oils, both in the studio, as well as the challenge of painting outdoors on location – en plein aire. Another love is that of painting with resin, producing bright, contemporary style modern artwork. These unique pieces are ideally suited to the modern homes of today.

Often, paintings will develop from recollections of places visited. Occasionally, a personal photograph will be used as a starting point, then re-arrangements and additions are made. As a consequence, the artwork may have a familiarity of somewhere recognisable, yet possess its own uniqueness.

Jennifer loves nature and the animals and wildlife around us, especially in beautiful New Zealand, making a special effort to paint in locations away from populated areas, where enjoyment can be had, undisturbed, with the sound of waves and nature. To watch the tides roll in and out may seem mundane to others, but for Jennifer, it is part of becoming one with the world around us and the miraculous planet we have been given the privilege both to enjoy and look after.

The Norris Dance Studio

Established in 1971 by studio director Carolyn Norris, Norris Dance Studios focuses on teaching students from 2 years old to adults with a desire and passion for dance. We are a successful school that has won many awards both nationally and internationally. Our focus and philosophy is to cater to the individual needs of each dancer to ensure that every student reaches their maximum potential. We know that no two students are alike and our curriculum is created so that each student gains the most out of their learning experience. We offer classes from beginner and recreational training through to elite programs, helping those students who wish to create career pathways in the dance industry.

Stewart Lane – Artist

Stewart Lane always had an interest in sketching, in recent years Stewart has developed a passion for painting. Initially using acrylics, his preferred medium of choice is now oils. Having completed a number of paintings, ranging from bird portraits through to landscapes and flowers, his inspiration is derived from the vibrant colours prevalent within the natural environment and the intricate details inherent within flora and fauna.

Gracie Matthews – Costumier

Originally a graduate of fashion technology, Gracie has utilised her training to produce costumes for the entertainment industry, specialty wedding themes, costume hire and vintage clothing adaptions.
Her work within the entertainment world, covers the making of life size character suits for Hanna Barbara, Mattel, and many mascots for high profile companies.
She has designed and worked with Australian greats such as John Paul Young, Reg Livermore and David Atkins.
Gracie worked in the costume dept on Musicals including, Les Miserables, Chess, Leader of the Pack, Hot Shoe Shuffle, and Christmas pantomimes at the Sydney Opera House. She was also head of costumes for the “Welcome to Country” Dance troupe for the Australian papal tour, workroom supervisor for the 2000 Paralympics opening and closing ceremony and head of workroom for the 2011 Arab Games opening and closing ceremonies in Doha.
Her ability to connect with the younger generation has her now sharing sewing knowledge through interactive workshops using Vintage machines.

Korrin Laker and The Dance Corner

Korrin is currently a full-time teacher at Maraetai Beach School and owner of The Dance Corner.
Since she was three Korrin spent most of her time in a dance studio. Completing all NZAMD dance exams in jazz, ballet, hip-hop, tap and contemporary. During her 30years as a dancer, she has had endless experiences, participating in workshops, choreographing dances and performing in recitals, events and musical shows.

When 14, she had the opportunity to teach dance at her childhood dance studio Stewart Dance Studios where she started her career and passion for teaching dance. Since then she has never stopped teaching and was able to teach in dance studios around Auckland. Korrin enjoyed teaching so much that she got a bachelor in education and became a primary school teacher where she enjoys teaching dance in the classroom.
When she was 27 she had her first child Daphne and decided to start a dance school where she was living so that she could enjoy the love of dance. Seven years and two more children later,  The Dance Corner has turned into a wonderful dance family with 5 amazing teachers.

Korrin is so proud of the amazing dance community in Maraetai!
They call it Dance she calls it life!

Gina Sanders – Soprano

Well established in the performance, teaching and adjudication professions in NZ and internationally, Gina’s career began after completing seven degrees and diplomas in music, pedagogy and languages in NZ, Australia and Europe.

As the first NZ musician to be awarded a Rotary International Graduate Scholarship, she undertook studies in Germany, London and the USA and has since completed 15 international tours in the past 16years with engagements in the UK, Europe, Asia and the Pacific, often including extensive presentations of her comprehensive vocal tuition courses. Highlights have included taking the lead role in world premières in the Stuttgart Liederhalle and the Hochschule Hauptkonzertsaal, concerts in NZ embassies in Berlin, Paris and London, opening the Infiorata Festival in Genzano, Italy, a tribute concert to Renata Tebaldi in Rimini, and featuring in several festivals in Rome and Castelli Romani region.

She has performed over 60 operatic and oratorio roles,and has appeared as a soloist with every major choral society, orchestra and opera company in NZ in addition to being a RNZ Concert studio artist. In addition to her own four CDs, she has featured in many other recordings. She continues to take major soloist roles throughout NZ, including, in 2020, a much-admired Messiahwith Scholars and NZ Barok, and received high praise in reviews of the world premiere of Chris Artley’s choral masterpiece, Of Land and Sea.

Gina has directed several award-winning choirs, including the popular children’s choir The Valley Voices, and was the Director of Chapel Music at King’s College for 6 years, founding the excellent chamber choir, Kappella.Shehas been a member of IRMT(NZ)for over 30 years, and was anational executive councillor for NEWZATS for over a decade. She is a sought-after adjudicator for both national and international competitions and has frequently undertaken external examiner duties for both Auckland and Waikato Universities. Now a Teaching Fellow at Waikato University, she continues her examining role the New Zealand Music Examination Board. She is the Chair of the Clevedon Valley Music Foundation Trust, which seeks to assist young Aucklanders (particularly those in the Franklin and South Auckland districts) in their aspirations to become Performing Arts professionals. She is also the Patron of the South Auckland Performing Arts Competition Society. In 2019, Gina was awarded a Local Heroes Medal at the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year in Auckland for her services to the arts and the community.

Bernice Potter – Mezzo Soprano

We are thrilled to present, Bernice Potter, a multi-talented Singer, Violinist and Pianist from Pukekohe!

Bernice commenced lessons in violin as a pre-schooler, and this was soon followed by singing and piano tuition. She progressed to advanced levels in all three instruments and has participated in solo/group concerts and competitions with award-winning orchestras and choirs throughout New Zealand. In 2017 she won the Phillips Memorial Vocal Scholarship in Auckland and the 2019 SAPACS Vocal Female Competitor with the most points. Having studied at Auckland and Otago Universities and attained her LTCL Diploma in voice with Distinction, she is now looking forward to furthering her studies in all three of her instruments. Bernice has taught at Rosehill College and Majors ‘n’ Minors Studio in Bombay, she now has her own studio providing tuition in violin, singing, piano and theory.

Jessica Edith Matthews – Mezzo Soprano

Jessica’s love of music started at an early age when she joined her church’s choir as their youngest recorded member. After finishing her music degree at the University of Auckland, she began teaching at Rosehill College. She has performed in many different musicals, including the role of Edith in Pirates of Penzance, and Pitti-Sing in the Mikado. She has also worked behind the scenes as a vocal coach for Rosehill College’s production of The Addams Family and was assistant musical director of Annie. One of Jessica’s joys is watching adolescents develop a love and knowledge of music.

Briar Simpson –  Soprano

Briar has recently completed her first two years of Music Theatre at the University of Waikato under the tutelage of Gina Sanders.
And is beginning her final year of study at Wintec. Throughout her years at Waikato she has performed in the music theatre showcases
singing songs from Cabaret, Tangled, Les Misérables, Rent, Hercules and Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. She also sang the role of Andreas in their
2020 opera, Tales of Hoffmann. Throughout high school Briar competed in many barbershop competitions, competing all over New Zealand in
regional and national competitions receiving 1st, 2nd and 3rd place over the years. She also joined the
Waikato Rivertones barbershop chorus and performed with them in the local community.

Elise De Silva – Water Colour Artist

Elise is a full-time, award winning artist and writer working out of her studio in Auckland. Her favourite medium is watercolour, although she does occasionally work with oils and acrylics. She is always trying new techniques and has been challenging herself with adding more realism to her work.

After spending many years writing, she is now focusing on her original passion, painting. She has a passion for watercolours and believes it is a delicate medium, but with the ability to be extremely powerful. She is currently working on loosening her style and capturing dramatic light in her paintings.

She loves painting boats and the beautiful reflections in the water. She wants her art to evoke beauty and bring people joy and peace.

Elise is President of the Howick Art Group and a member of the New Zealand Watercolour Society. Being a passionate plein air painter, and you will often see her around the beaches of Auckland with brushes in hand.

John Botica – Pebble Mosaic Artist

John played tennis all his life, all over the world and took special pride in admiring beautiful objects wherever he went. Then, John had a rare opportunity to become a creator of beautiful things and decided not be an observer any longer. He felt fortunate to have discovered hidden dimensions within himself and in turn, stumbled upon the art of pebble mosaics. This transformation and a newly detected mission in his life took place in his adopted country of New Zealand.

John feels privileged that he can now explore a myriad of possibilities in pebble mosaic design and through his own style he’s able to establish a new direction in pebble mosaic art drawing upon the Maori and Polynesian motifs as well as flora and fauna of the spellbinding natural environment of New Zealand.

The pebbles he uses in his creations are predominantly from New Zealand, offering a huge variety of beautiful and intriguing stones that are available to him in abundance and can be sourced from many different locations.

Judy Reinan – Photographer

Sunday 1 November 2020: “On The Way UP !”

1.30 pm – 2.45 pm, followed by delicious refreshments.

Admission by donation/koha.

Our final Sunday Serenade for 2020 will be held at Clevedon Presbyterian Church, Clevedon.

A celebration of the extraordinarily talented young people in our region, including CVMFT Scholarship winners, South Auckland Performing Arts Competition Festival champions, and some of NZ’s top examination students. Sixteen gifted musicians aged 6 – 22yrs with solos, duets, trios  on piano, strings, voice and more. Featuring music from JS Bach to Elton John, under the musical direction of Kay Shacklock and Gina Sanders.

Sunday 26 July 2020: “Big Band Classics from the St Andrews Big Band”

1.30 pm – 2.45 pm, followed by delicious refreshments.

Admission by donation/koha.

Our Sunday Serenade, 

Clevedon Presbyterian Church, Clevedon

A swinging Sunday Serenade awaits with Big Band Classics from the St Andrews Big Band.

The St Andrew’s Big Band (SABB) was formed in May 2011 to provide further musical opportunities to young jazz musicians in the Eastern Suburbs of Auckland. The band is directed by local itinerant music teacher Hamish Arthur and rehearses on Sunday evenings in the Sanctuary at St Andrew’s Church Centre. It aims to have 3-4 charity fund-raising concerts a year as well as performing at other community events. The band is indebted to the wonderful support it receives from its sponsors and the Howick Presbyterian Church community.

Sunday 17 May 2020: “Music from near and afar”

1.30 pm – 2.45 pm, followed by delicious refreshments.

Admission by donation/koha.

Our Sunday Serenades resume ! 

Clevedon Presbyterian Church, Clevedon

Help Us to Continue Helping Our Young Artists!

One of the benefits during this challenging time for some families has been the chance to “shelter in place” with overseas-based family who elected to heed to call to “come home” for the interim.  One such bonus has been seized by the Clevedon Valley Music Foundation Trust, which, along with hundreds of Performing Arts-based societies, had to cancel a number of events, but can now begin to return to concerts and entertaining.

Mezzo soprano Christie Cook grew up in Clevedon, studying piano, singing and theory with well-known soprano and teacher, Gina Sanders. After completing an Honours degree at Otago University, she left NZ in 2014 and graduated with a Masters from the Wales International Academy of Voice. Christie currently enjoys a varied freelance opera career in the UK and abroad. Her husband, Italian cellist, Alessandro Sanguineti enjoys a rich and varied career as a chamber and orchestral musician in the United Kingdom. Chosen to trial as principal cellist with orchestras such as Opera North, Scottish Opera and RTÉ Concert Orchestra, he performs with the country’s finest ensembles like Royal Philharmonic, Britten Sinfonia, London Mozart Players and is principal cellist of the European Union Chamber Orchestra. His pure and lyrical playing has been broadcast on numerous soundtracks aired by BBC, RAI, MTV and SKY. Alessandro holds a Masters and a PhD in musicology from the Royal College of Music.

It is incredibly exciting to have them performing on at St Andrew’s Clevedon on Sunday 7 June at 1.30pm with “Music from Near and Afar”, exploring the wonder and beauty of music from several world cultures, including popular, folk, traditional and classical repertoire from different lands. They will be joined by Gina, her son Josh Helm (cello) and another young international, now permanently resident in NZ, David Kang, who is a specialist in Chinese Folk Music. Zhenhua (David) graduated from Sichuan Normal University with a major in Voice and Piano and has spent many years instructing through both his private training companies and in universities and schools in China. His main love is Chinese Traditional Folk music, which stems from his childhood in rural Guilin, China. His wife, Minneke van Noordt, is from Clevedon, where they lived last year with their three young children and were members of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church.

Gina is one of NZ’s top educators and singers, with extensive experience at national and international levels in performance, education adjudication and examining.  She and her professional cellist/teacher son, Josh Helm have performed together throughout NZ and in the Pacific, sharing that extra special bond of music.

CVMFT has, in just under three years assisted a number of young performers, mainly in the Franklin area, awarded several significant scholarships and study grants to assist these talented students to achieve their goals. The proceeds from our concerts are one of our most important funding sources. Please come along and help us to help them – and enjoy these highly regarded concerts (along with a delicious  complimentary Afternoon Tea!) Entry/exit donation. Numbers are limited, so please register your interest on the Facebook page, or with Gina – 2928047; enquiries@cvmft.org

Italian cellist, Alessandro Sanguineti enjoys a rich and varied career as a chamber and orchestral musician in the United Kingdom. Chosen to trial as principal cellist with orchestras such as Opera North, Scottish Opera and RTÉ Concert Orchestra, he performs with the country’s finest ensembles like Royal Philharmonic, Britten Sinfonia, London Mozart Players and is principal cellist of the European Union Chamber Orchestra.

His pure and lyrical playing has been broadcast on numerous soundtracks aired by BBC, RAI, MTV and SKY. Alessandro holds a Masters and a PhD in musicology from the Royal College of Music.

Zhenhua (David) Kang graduated from Sichuan Normal University with a major in Voice and Piano. He has spent many years instructing through both his private training companies and in universities and schools in China. He has also placed highly in many Asian Vocal Contests, and was regularly a part of various performances given for the Chinese Military.

His main love is Chinese Traditional Folk music, which stems from his childhood in rural Guilin, China. His wife, Minneke van Noordt, is from Clevedon, where they lived last year with their three young children and were members of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church.

Saturday 14 March 2020: “The Hills Are Alive… with the Sound of Music, Art and Dance !”

Franklin Arts on Parade in the Clevedon Valley

Saturday 14 March, 2020; 1.30 – 9.00pm, Clevedon Hall

Showcasing Local Artists, Dancers and Musicians in a multi-media event celebrating the wealth of beauty in our natural environment and the talented people in the communities who inhabit them.

…painters, sculptors, weavers/fabric creators, photographers, mixed-media, singers, instrumentalists, dancers and actors – join together in this extensive presentation with real time demonstrations and several short “mini-concerts” throughout the day, from 1.30 to 6pm.In the evening, there will be a formal concert at 7pm, and the event will conclude with an Auction of artworks and other Arts-related items.

This is a major annual fundraising event for CVMFT’s Arts’ Scholarship Fund

If you are interested in knowing more, please contact:

Gina Sanders:  gina.sanders@xtra.co.nz  09 2928047; 021 0508077

Helen Dowthwaite – Music Therapist

I have been a fully qualified NZ Registered Music Therapist since May 2012. In 2006, I moved to New Zealand from the UK after completing my undergraduate degree in Creative Therapies.

I have worked with children and young people with varying developmental and learning abilities, In 2016, I co-founded and worked as clinical manager for the Music Moves Me Trust, a charitable organisation providing Music Therapy for People living with dementia in care facility setting across the Waikato. At around the same time, I created a Music Therapist position at Hospice Waikato, a palliative care setting working with children and adults.

I am a strong advocate of the physical, social, communication, cognitive and emotional benefits of music therapy, and I have presented at many institutions and professional forums . I reside in Clevedon with my family where we run a dairy farming business.

Bernice Potter – Singer

We are thrilled to introduce to you, our newest trustee and performer, Bernice Potter, a multi-talented Singer, Violinist and Pianist from Pukekohe!

Bernice commenced lessons in violin as a pre-schooler, and this was soon followed by singing and piano tuition. She progressed to advanced levels in all three instruments and has participated in solo/group concerts and competitions with award-winning orchestras and choirs throughout New Zealand. In 2017 she won the Phillips Memorial Vocal Scholarship in Auckland and the 2019 SAPACS Vocal Female Competitor with the most points. Having studied at Auckland and Otago Universities and attained her LTCL Diploma in voice with Distinction, she is now looking forward to furthering her studies in all three of her instruments. Bernice has taught at Rosehill College and Majors ‘n’ Minors Studio in Bombay, she now has her own studio providing tuition in violin, singing, piano and theory.

We look forward to Bernice and Mary’s performances this Saturday 14th March at the Clevedon Community Hall.

Alan Williams A.R.C.A – Artist

Born 1936 in Newcastle-upon -Tyne. He studied at Sunderland College of Art from 1953 to 1957. In 1957 he was offered a Post Graduate place at The Slade School of Art London and The Royal College of Art London, he took up the offer from The Royal College and studied painting for three years.
At that time the Tutors at the Royal College included many eminent artists, Carel Weight, Ruskin Spear, Roger de Grey, Ceri Richards and Mary Fedden. During this period Alan met and had tutorials with a number of well known artists including Lucien Freud, William Scott, and Stanley Spencer at his studio in Cookham. In 1960 he was awarded Associate of the Royal College of Art A.R.C.A.
Appointed Lecturer in Painting at Sunderland College of Art 1957, now University of Sunderland, later becoming Principal Lecturer, Head of Painting School. During this period he was also visiting Professor of Painting at University of Washington, Seattle U.S.A.
In September 2006 Alan and his wife Margaret relocated to New Zealand and are now living in Ararimu where he has his studio

Oliver Vannoort – Singer

A student of Gina Sanders, and a leading performer at King’s College, Oliver shows much promise.

Gina Sanders – Soprano

The super busy and enthusiastic founder of CVMFT, internationally acclaimed Soprano, Gina Sanders will also be performing on Sat 14 March. Gina’s vision for the trust is to bring high quality entertainment to Clevedon and the surrounding local communities and to provide both established and emerging artists performance and experiential possibilities.
Gina has an extremely active, multifaceted career as one of NZ’s most established soprano soloists, is an examiner at all levels in NZ and internationally, and an advanced teacher and choral conductor. She completed seven degrees and diplomas in piano, voice, theory, musicology, pedagogy and languages at Auckland and Queensland Universities and Trinity College London, and then became the first NZ musician to be awarded a Rotary International Graduate Scholarship, enabling her to undertake post-graduate studies in Stuttgart, Germany. Since her years of study overseas she completed 14 international concert tours with engagements throughout the UK, Europe, Asia and the Pacific, covering over 25 cities and also fulfills invitations to present her courses: The Developing Singer, The Developing Teacher and The Developing Musician in several different languages.
Supporting her passion for education, she has, in her 26 years of membership with NEWZATS, served six as the Editor of the NEWZATS journal and 12 on Council. She is an active member of IRMT (NZ), having co-convened the Southern Performers’ Group for the past seven years. She has a particular interest harnessing the natural qualities of individual voices and the expressive idioms and characteristics of various languages employed by singers.
Now a Teaching Fellow at Waikato University, she continues her examining role for Auckland University and the New Zealand Music Examination Board whilst holding the position as Director of Chapel Music at King’s College, Auckland. Gina is the Patron of the South Auckland Performing Arts Competition Society and was recently awarded a Local Heroes Medal at the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year in Auckland for her services to the arts and the community. She recently coordinated the highly successful national Meet and March protest campaign to challenge the proposed aggressive dismantling of Radio NZ Concert. Never a dull moment!

Jessica Edith Matthews – Singer

Jessica’s love of music started at an early age when she joined her church’s choir as their youngest recorded member. After finishing her music degree at the University of Auckland, she began teaching at Rosehill College. She has performed in many different musicals, including the role of Edith in Pirates of Penzance, and Pitti-Sing in the Mikado. She has also worked behind the scenes as a vocal coach for Rosehill College’s production of The Addams Family and was assistant musical director of Annie. One of Jessica’s joys is watching adolescents develop a love and knowledge of music.

Mary Laing – Singer

Introducing to you, the lovely Mary Laing, an up and coming Soprano hailing from the Waikato region.

Mary is currently completing her Bachelor of Music (Hons) at the University of Waikato under the tutelage of Gina Sanders. Singing since the age of 8, Mary has competed across the country, winning varying awards at completions such as Te Awamutu Competitions as Overall Best Performer across all instruments, Tauranga Vocal Competitions and South Auckland Vocal Competitions. She recently gained her LTCL Diploma with Distinction. Whilst Opera has been a passion for many years, Mary recently joined a band called Cape Hill who aspire to deliver a new and well polished type of music to the world. Mary hopes to travel overseas in the coming years to gain her masters and sing on the world stage.

We look forward to Mary and Bernice’s performances this Saturday 14th March at the Clevedon Community Hall.

Suzy Kirkaldy – Artist

Suzy is a well known local artist.

Norris Dance Studio – Dance

From Preschool to Adult, Recreational to Competitive, their classes cater to everyone.

The two dancers shown here are Brooke Cutfield and Fedora Cox.

Fedora is 13yrs old and has been training at Norris Dance Studios, Papakura since she was 2 ½ yrs old.

She is a Year 9 student at Pukekohe High School and trains in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Acrobatics, Hip Hop and Cabaret as well as taking singing lessons in Classical and Musical Theatre genres. Fedora loves everything about dance and the performing arts and is proud to state that “Dance is my life”.

Fedora is a 4 times International Title Holder and has travelled to the USA, Europe and Australia to compete and perform.

 Brooke is 17yrs old and has been training at Norris Dance Studios, Papakura since she was 5yrs old.

She is a Year 13 student at Rosehill College and is planning her future career in dance.

Brooke trains in all genres including: Contemporary, Lyrical, Ballet, Musical Theatre, Tap, Jazz, Cabaret & Hip Hop.

Brooke also has a keen interest in aerial arts and in hoping to include this in her training for 2020.

Click here for more information !

Majors ‘n’ Minors – Music

Majors ’n’ Minors (Pukekohe/Bombay) has been running as a specialist music studio for young people since 1993.  There are now 6 tutors teaching various instruments including voice. They have successfully entered thousands of candidates for ABRSM and Trinity music and drama exams, from beginner to diploma level.  A number of these students have been invited to perform at High Scorer’s Concerts after receiving amongst the top marks in the country.  In 2015 the studio introduced a musical theatre programme which has proven to be highly popular and successful, producing up to three shows per year.  These have included Annie, The Sound of Music, Shrek, The Jungle Book and the studio recently received seven NAPTA nominations for their 2019 production of The Lion King Jr.  This year they are looking forward to another wonderful year of tuition, as well as producing Disney’s Cinderella and the classic Fiddler on the Roof.

Charlotte McDonald – Singer

Charlotte McDonald aged 21 is a country girl born and raised in Waiuku. She comes from a very music orientated family, and from being surrounded by music on a day to day basis it was inevitable that she would have a love for music. She started in Choir at the age of 5 and then into private lessons and has now been having lessons with Gina Sanders for four years. Charlotte takes part in competitions around the area which provides the opportunities for her love of performing and has won several awards. She also from time to time sings at church and public places around the area which she thoroughly enjoys doing. At the end of 2019 Charlotte obtained her Grade 5 Theory and as well as that she also sat and passed with Distinction her ATCL. Over the years she has also performed in a number of musicals which has given her the chance to explore different types of music and various ways of performing.

Charlotte has just completed a very successful first year at Waikato University in a Bachelor of Music Majoring in Performance Voice and is thoroughly looking forward to her second year.

Martin Meyer – Accordion

Music has always been a large focus in Martin’s life. From a young age, he began studying music by attending his brother’s music classes on his mother’s knee.
Soon after this, a passion was ignited and he began to learn accordion from Lorraine Parnell.
These lessons brought attention to his keen skill and he progressed through the grades, performing in plays throughout primary and intermediate school with his accordion.
Not only is Martin a talented accordionist yet also has a passion for the piano. Beginning lessons with CVMFT founder, Gina Sanders in his childhood,
Martin went on to gain an ATCL in piano in 2010.

He has been awarded various scholarships and prizes including a music scholarship to Saint Kentigern College where he went to high school.
Saint Kentigern College gave him the opportunity to learn saxophone and perform in various bands including the stage band, concert band and saxophone trio.

Martin has also performed in numerous places such as the Good Morning Show and Coupe Mondiale World Accordion Championships where his group placed third.

Martin earned a B.Sc. from the University of Auckland, majoring in Environmental Science and Geography.
He plays keyboard in a band called Midnight Resistance and plays organ at Clevedon Presbyterian for the traditional service on a Sunday.

While music is his main passion, Martin fills his days working for the Watercare Laboratory.

Josh Helm – Cello

The wonderful and accomplished Cellist, Josh Helm.

Josh’s passion for music was sparked at an early age, performing on cello as a soloist and with Mum – Gina Sanders in and around Auckland. After completing his Honours degree in Cello in 2014, he continued a further year of study and now holds a permanent teaching position at Kristin School bridging across music and technology, as well as directing the senior orchestra. Outside of work he is an avid sports and dining fan, and seeks to mix the two whenever possible.

Cape Hill – Singers

Cape Hill are a folk/alternative duo from Auckland, New Zealand. Recently formed, the duo comprises of Mary, a classically trained singer and Cody, a multi-talented instrumentalist who both have a passion for folk music. Often seen performing around the Auckland area, covering a large variety of music suited for weddings and other gatherings, this dynamic duo has also recently begun releasing original music.

Stewart Lane – Artist

Stewart Lane always had an interest in sketching, in recent years Stewart has developed a passion for painting. Initially using acrylics, his preferred medium of choice is now oils. Having completed a number of paintings, ranging from bird portraits through to landscapes and flowers, his inspiration is derived from the vibrant colours prevalent within the natural environment and the intricate details inherent within flora and fauna.

Madeleine Walker – Actor, Vocalist and Cellist

Madeleine will be performing with the Majors ‘n’ Minors group. She plays 12 instruments, including cello and piano.

Stewart Shacklock – Mime

Stuart is an actor in film and television based in Auckland.
As well as the upcoming feature film “The Tavern,” his credits include:
The Shannara Chronicles, Why Does Love and The Z-Nail Gang.

For The Hills Are Alive, he is a mime.

Jeannie Balemi – Quilter and Textile Artist

The Quilt Genie! We truly have something for everyone at the upcoming concert/auction this Saturday 14th March.

Jeannie is a South Auckland based textile artist and tutor with 25 years of experience working and teaching a broad variety of techniques and skills in textiles. From her home based studio Jeannie teaches traditional and modern technique in patchwork, quilting and sewing. She has an interest in repurposing old textiles into loved pieces, designing unique patterns and commissioning pieces for her clients. The versatility and love Jeannie has for work with textiles makes her a popular tutor, both locally and overseas.

Anne Pointon – Textile Artist

Rudy Heyman – Photographer

Keith Galvin – Artist

My creation of glass artworks has been a recent development.

I have had over 30years of experience painting in watercolours and acrylics. The subject matter has been predominantly landscape and especially water scenes where my artistic passion is the interpretation of the vibrant colours seen in New Zealand coastal margins.

Using fused glass as a medium gives me the opportunity to combine its transparency properties and sculptural form with the imagery that has evolved in my years of painting.

I believe the result is a unique combination of image artistry and glass craftsmanship.

Adrienne Petre – Dancer

I learned flamenco in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain with Angelita Gomez, Maria del Mar Moreno, Noelia Aragon and others.  I started teaching flamenco dance in NZ in 2001.  I also organised the visit of my teacher Noelia from Spain to teach dance masterclasses and an introduction to flamenco singing in 2002.  I kept going back to Spain to refresh and develop my knowledge over that decade.  I moved to Auckland in 2008, and limited myself to occasional performances rather than teaching, but I never stopped dancing.

Sunday 15th September: “Adventures and Beginnings”

The final 2019 concert of the Clevedon Valley Music Foundation Trust’s Sunday Serenades at St Andrew’s featured exceptional rising star and most recent winner of the prestigious Lexus Song Quest, bass-baritone Joel Amosa in “Adventures and Beginnings” on Sunday Sept 15 at 1.30pm. Also appeared: CVMFT young scholarship winners, Mele and Mia Lataimaumi on violin and cello, Kay Shacklock (piano) and Gina Sanders (soprano). Delicious Afternoon Tea was provided. Entrance/Exit Donation.

See the video below.

Sunday 14th July: “Vive l’amour”

“Vive l’amour” (Bastille Day) Featuring Young Performers.

Here, the CVMFT presents 19 exceptional young performers from the Clevedon and surrounding districts and is a sequel to the very popular “Two’s Company” concert last year, with very young prodigies to established youth talent. Piano and vocal duets, flute, piano accordion and cello solos and ensembles featuring the beautiful melodies from The Phantom of the Opera, Carmen, Lakmé (aka “The British Airways ad”), songs by Edith Piaf, Rodgers and Hammerstein and the enchanting Ballade for Adeline by Richard Clayderman. It is sure to be popular, so come along and join the eager audiences at St Andrews Presbyterian, Clevedon.All concerts commence at 1.30pm and conclude at 2.30pm with a complimentary afternoon tea. Entrance/exit donation – all welcome!

Sunday 12th May 2019 Concert – “Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em !”

“Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em!” (Mother’s Day).

Family talent with several mother and son/daughter combinations (including families with 3 generations) from the Clevedon and surrounding districts. On the programme were: Sarah McDowall (Walker) with daughter Maddie and mother, Lynda;Helen Jarrett with Mum Robyn, and grandmother Helen Lane; Kay Shacklock with sons Tim and Stuart; Gina Sanders with son Josh Helm; Daveena Smith with son Isaac and daughter Carmen.  It was a great way to celebrate this special day, with beautiful music and poetry across the generations in the heart of the Clevedon Village at Clevedon Presbyterian (St Andrews) at 1.30pm and it concluded at 2.30pm with a complimentary Afternoon Tea. Admission/exit by donation.

17 March 2019 Concert – “Scenes of Green”

“Scenes of Green” (St Patrick’s Day) with Yid-Ee (violin) and Lisa Chou (piano). The Young Performer in this concert was Libby Montgomery, winner of the inaugural NZ Singing School Sacred Solo Award.

The programme included some great Irish music along with well known works by the great composers, Handel and Mozart.

Half of the proceeds were donated to the Christchurch Mosque Survivors Fund.

Lisa Chou

Born in Taiwan, Lisa immigrated with her family to Auckland in 1995.

Under the guidance of Associate Professor Rae de Lisle, Lisa completed Masters in Performance with First Class Honours at the University of Auckland.

Previous notable teachers include Qu Yong, Carol Bognuda and Ashley Brown.

As a solo pianist, cellist and chamber musician, Lisa received numerous prizes and scholarships, notably the Kerikeri International Piano Competition and NZCT Chamber Music Contest
National Finals as a cellist in the winning piano quartet.

Lisa pursued further studies in Vienna from 2009, where she lived, studied and worked as a performing musician for over six years. During this time, she had the privilege of learning privately
from acclaimed pianist and scholar Paul Badura Skoda .

Mentionable masterclass participations include Christopher Hinterhuber, Alexander Melnikov, Maria Kliegel and Julian Lloyd Webber.

Lisa is a dedicated music educator and has a private teaching studio in Greenlane. She is regularly invited as an adjudicator for piano & instrumental competitions nationwide.

Yid-Ee Goh

Singaporean born Yid-Ee Goh is former Concertmaster of Orchestra Wellington (formerly Vector Wellington Orchestra), violinist for the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and New Zealand String Quartet.

In 2004, Yid-Ee helped setup and run The Raukatauri Music Therapy Centre for children with special needs  In 2008, he taught violin and viola at St. Cuthbert’s College, Diocesan Girls School and Westlake Girls High School and tutored violin and chamber music at the University of Auckland.

Yid-Ee now runs his teaching studio at his home in Golflands, Howick and teaches violin and viola at Pakuranga College and Botany Downs Secondary School. He regularly appears as Concertmaster with the Manukau Symphony Orchestra.

7 October 2018 Concert – “Young People Today”

Featuring some of the region’s exceptional young performers who are set to be leading exponents in their chosen instrument – piano, voice, violoncello, harp and clarinet – with Sophia Liu, Ethan Chiao, Daniel Xian, Tiari Kaka, Oliver Vannoort, Martin Moattar, Esther Philip, Harrison Chau & Crissy Sanders.

A beautiful programme of solo and ensemble music from the early great classical composers to Musicals and modern works.

Who can forget this beautiful duet from “Two’s Company” ?

Sunday 9 September Concert

– Music in the News –

2.30 pm at St Benedict’s Church, Newton, Auckland

This first major concert of the Clevedon Valley Music Foundation Trust has an international focus with over 65 musicians making up the orchestra, choir and soloists from New Zealand and Europe and also showcases some high quality Auckland talent with Gina Sanders (Soprano) Peter Reid (Trumpet) Paul Chan (Organ), Yid-Ee Goh (Concertmaster), Peter Watts (Musical Director) and Lara St John (Violin).

This concert was be the New Zealand, (and Southern Hemisphere) Premiere of Vladimir Romanov’s Stabat Mater (see below).

As per longstanding tradition, the performance was in Latin, with a translation in the programme.

Russian – German composer and pianist Vladimir Romanov was born in Moscow in 1964. After his studies at the Moscow Conservatory, Vladimir continued to work as a composer and pianist all over Europe. As a soloist he played in numerous European concert halls and taught composition and piano at the Kärnter Music Conservatory in Klagenfurt, Austria for several years until composition became his main focus.

 The premiere of his Stabat Mater (composed in 2013) for Soprano, Solo violin, Choir and Orchestra was performed at the Liederhalle in Stuttgart on the 6 the of April 2014. It’s over an hour long and consists of 14 parts.

 One of the press reviews of the organisation of concert choirs wrote:

” The old Latin verses were only the background for the pain of all mothers who lost their children through the violence of the crusade through Syria and South Asia. The Soprano has the task to portray the mental aspect of the suffering and dying, despair and trust, curse and salvation while the Violin expresses pain, rage, despair and surrender.”

 The winner of numerous prizes and awards, Vladimir Romanov composes in a contemporary style, enjoying a wide number of influences from Bach to Korngold.

19 August 2018 Concert – “Pastorale”

This was the third concert of our inaugural series. Portraying the beauty of Nature through music. Featuring one of New Zealand’s top clarinetists, Donald Nicholls, with exciting new talent, Rachael Xie (Harp) with Gina Sanders (Soprano) and Kay Shacklock (piano).

1 July 2018 Concert – “Two’s Company”

This was the second concert of our inaugural series. Held on Sunday 1 July 2018. Featuring some of the region’s top young performers in voice, violoncello, piano accordion, double bass and guitar and Kay Shacklock (piano).

It also featured a delightful duet by Charlotte McDonald and Mary Laing singing the famous Barcarolle (Offenbach) accompanied by Kay Shacklock (Piano) and Josh Helm (Cello).

13 May 2018 Concert – “Songs My Mother Taught Me”

This was the first concert of our inaugural series. Held on Mother’s Day 2018. Featuring one of New Zealand’s top trumpeters, Peter Reid, with Gina Sanders (soprano),  Josh Helm, (violoncello) and Kay Shacklock (piano).

It also featured a delightful performance by Martin Moattar, boy soprano, singing  Panis Angelicus, and Gina singing the glorious “Let the Bright Seraphim”