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About
the Hamilton Eisteddfod
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| President |
Denise
Fenwick |
| Vice
President |
Leeanne
Barber |
| Secretary |
Lynda
Freeman |
| Asst.
Secretary |
Marie
Robinson (Life Member) |
| Treasurer |
Linda
Rook |
| Program
Coordinator |
Meredith
Nettleton |
| Asst.
Program Coordinator |
Simon
Nettleton |
| Canteen
Coordinator |
Glenys
Aisbett |
| Roster |
Carmel
Schlaghecke |
The
Hamilton Eisteddfod takes place annually and provides an opportunity
for musicians and dancers to perform in front of an audience
and to have that performance assessed by professional adjudicators
of the highest calibre in their respective fields.
The Eisteddfod is held at the Performing Arts Centre, Brown
St., Hamilton. There are usually three sessions of approximately
three hours duration on each day of the Eisteddfod. On average,
119 music sections and 91 dance sections are offered for competitors
of primary school age through to adults. Both music and dance
sections range from classical to popular, thus giving the
Eisteddfod a breadth not always seen in regional competitions.
Photograph
courtesy of the Hamilton Spectator
| History
of the Eisteddfod |
In
1963, a group of local citizens, interested in music and the
arts, arranged a meeting to form the Hamilton Eisteddfod.
The first Hamilton Arts Council Eisteddfod was held, consisting
of 34 sections including piano, vocal, brass, primary and
secondary school choral, an instrumental group and piano accordion.
The piano accordion was a major part of the Eisteddfod in
the 1960s, with competitors coming from Kerang, Pyramid Hill,
Naracoorte, Hopetoun, Ararat, Horsham, Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat
& Melbourne.
In 1971, dance sections were incorporated into the Eisteddfod,
with some 113 competitors travelling to Hamilton, from regional
areas, to participate.
In 1994, the first annual award was presented, following a
bequest from the Cartasso family, in honor of well-known local
musician Mr. Jack Cartasso. Since that time, the number of
awards has steadily increased, thanks to the generosity of
many local benefactors.
The late Mrs. Barbara Critten M.B.E. of Hamilton assisted
many students in the preparation of their entries for the
Eisteddfod. Her contribution to music through her outstanding
knowledge, in particular of choral and solo singing, has been
perpetually acknowledged by the establishment of a Music Centre
at Baimbridge College.
Over the years, a number of former competitors in the Hamilton
Eisteddfod have gone on to pursue careers in music and dance
as both performers and teachers, in Australia and internationally.
The role of the official accompanist commenced with Mrs. Gwenda
Woodward of Hamilton and has continued on with professional
accompanists from Melbourne in attendance each year.
Adjudicators of the highest calibre in their professions of
music and dance are always appointed and the Eisteddfod Committee
continues with this important tradition each year.
From meagre beginnings of small costs and 34 sections, the
Hamilton Eisteddfod now has a reputation of high-achieving
musicians and dancers and a large following throughout regional
Victoria, South Australia, Melbourne and interstate. Competitors
and their families come to Hamilton and stay for up to a week
thus supporting local businesses. As very few Government subsidies
are available, support is sought from the community, local
Shire & businesses to assist the dedicated and entirely-volunteer
Committee in keeping the Eisteddfod running each year. Committee
members also participate in local fundraising events.
The Committee is confident that this year’s Eisteddfod
will maintain the high standard of competition and that both
students and teachers will continue to derive great benefit
from their involvement.
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