Woodwind, Brass AND DRUMS/PERCUSSION Department
HEAD OF WOODWIND & BRASS
Tamara Spencer - BRASS
B.Mus (Syd), MTeach (USYD)
Tamara began playing trumpet at age 10, after previously learning piano and guitar. Growing up in a small regional community meant limited opportunities to play and learn from other musicians, but in 2002 she became a student at the Riverina Conservatorium of Music, and was the recipient of the Brass Scholarship for the next several years. In 2007 Tamara completed her Bachelor of Music Studies at the Conservatorium of Music in Sydney, and then went on to study education, graduating with a Masters of Teaching in 2009.
After a brief stint of classroom teaching, living and travelling overseas and starting a family, Tamara found herself back at the Riverina Conservatorium of Music in 2016 teaching Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn and Euphonium. Since returning to teaching Tamara has developed her passion for working with ensembles, conducting multiple school bands around Wagga. In 2017 she started the RCM’s Junior Brass Ensemble, and in 2018 founded Lady Plays the Brass, the region’s only all-female brass ensemble.
Fran GRIFFIN - FLUTE, RECORDER, clarinet and bassoon
M.Sc. (Hons), B.Sc. (Hons), D.S.C.M (Merit), A.Mus.A
Fran Griffin began life as a flute player, studying at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Australia, with renowned teachers Margaret Crawford and Michael Scott. Although composing since the age of seven, she put aside composition in favour of an interest in early music performance practice, studying baroque flute and recorder with Howard Oberg.
After a number of years working as a freelance musician, she returned to study, completing M.Sc. (Hons) in mathematics at Macquarie University, Sydney in 1999. Here she remained on staff until 2012, when she left Sydney to live in country NSW. Here she has renewed her previous life as a musician, teaching flute, clarinet and bassoon and performing once again with early music ensemble Nouvelles Réflexions and flute quartet Eclectix.
Fran has renewed here interest in composition, finding a need to produce many arrangements and original works for students and for community concert bands and choir. Her more serious compositions include arrangements and new works for flute quartet, flute duo, and other chamber combinations with flute, bassoon duo, clarinet ensemble, string trio, symphonic winds, and choral works.
She has received several awards for composition, and her works have been published in Portugal, Italy, Belgium, USA and Australia.
BRAAM DE VILLIERS - SAXOPHONE AND CLARINET
National Diploma Music (Tshwane University of Technology) BMus (University of Pretoria) MMus Performing Art (University of Pretoria) MMus Performance Teaching (University of Melbourne), Graduate Diploma in Education (La Trobe University) LTCL Music Performance and Teaching (Trinity College of Music)
Braam’s professional career as a musician spans more than a decade and he has worked extensively in music education and performance in both South Africa and Australia. During the past few years, he has accumulated extensive accolades in tertiary training in music and education. In 2016, he was honoured with the Initial Teacher Education Prize at La Trobe University and he graduated with honors in his music studies in South Africa and Australia.
Braam established his musical foundations on the recorder at an early age, but was captivated by the sound of the saxophone and other woodwinds by high school and pursued the study of these instruments with vigour since he was 14. Braam’s performance and teaching style is influenced by his woodwind teachers which included Anna-Maria and Len Muller, Brian Smith, Kevin Davidson and Denise van Dyk in South Africa and Barry Cockcroft, Ian Godfrey and Remco Keijzer in Australia. Since 2005, Braam has collaborated with several musicians in jazz ensembles, woodwind quintets, big bands, cover bands, orchestras and concert bands. Notably, Braam has participated in the Yamaha Wind Orchestra in 2019 as a performer and conductor.
Band direction is a great passion for Braam and in recent years he has been involved in directing and conducting community and school ensembles. His method is grounded on the Ed Lisk techniques for wind ensemble. In 2018 and 2019 Braam directed the Mount Beauty Secondary School Intermediate Band to win their category in the Albury-Wodonga Eisteddfod. He has also directed the Mount Beauty Stage Band and helped this group to perform at community events and the Gather Music Festival in early 2020.
As a music pedagogue, Braam draws from his broad and extensive experience of different musical genres and ensembles to deliver highly engaging, diverse and rewarding lessons. He believes that children and adults can achieve their fullest potential by engaging in music activities in ensembles. Braam aims to develop a passion for music for all his students and adjusts according to student ability and interest.
Cindy bowen - flute
Cindy brings a youthful heart filled with excitement to the team at RCM.
Her experience in music dates back to nearly 50 years, where she began piano lessons and then after a decade , picked up the flute and fell in love.
Upon leaving school, Cindy joined the Royal Australian Navy Band and gained a wealth of knowledge and performance experience during her time there. Once becoming a mum, she settled into private lessons teaching students in the Riverina.
Since joining the RCM in 2021, Cindy's natural gift for teaching and commitment to learn in a fun and enjoyable environment has seen her students shine.
Peter Lothian - BRASS
AssDipJazzStudies (Sydney), BA (Arts Management), GradDipProjManagement (UTS), MProjManagement (UTS)
Peter Lothian has an extensive music performance background forged from private classical trombone tuition, casual employment with professional orchestras and a graduate of the Jazz program from the NSW State Conservatorium of Music.
His brass tutors include George Powers (USA, West Australian Symphony Orchestra), Michel Becquet (France, International soloist), Keith Stirling (Brass calisthenics, Improvisation), Ron Prussing (Sydney Symphony Orchestra), James Morrison (Improvisation) and Phil Wilson (USA, Improvisation).
Interspersed throughout a well-travelled, stylistic, kaleidoscopic maze are performances, brass section arrangements and recordings for legendary and independent Australian contemporary acts such as Dr Kong and the Stem Cells, On The Stoop, Christa Hughes, Reg Livermore, Jak Housden, Richard Clapton, Ray Brown and the Vegas Payback, John Farnham, Ross Hannaford, Gangajang, The Jive Bombers, The Models and Vanetta Fields, along with playing in professional theatre seasons, television orchestras and backing international acts.
Performing six nights a week for twelve months in one of Africa’s first five-star multi-racial nightclubs during the Apartheid era launched his interest in music from other cultures - in particular Brazil, Cuba, Africa, Jamaica and the Caribbean – and over the years has been a member of notable Sydney Latin groups Espirito, Batuka, Cumana and Son Veneno.
With an interest in cultural management and marketing, Peter also holds degrees in Arts Management and Project Management, leading to roles throughout commercial business and prominent cultural organisations such as ArtsNSW, The Australian Institute of Music, Sydney Youth Orchestra Association, Billy Hyde Music, Music NSW, Regional Arts NSW, Sydney Improvised Music Association, Seymour Theatre Centre, GFL Fine Art, Ministry for Culture and the Arts (WA) and Allans Music.
Peter has gained impressive feedback and references for trumpet, trombone and lower brass tuition throughout primary and secondary school music programs. At tertiary level, he was employed as trombone teacher at the Australian Institute of Music (Sydney), directed contemporary music ensembles, and also lectured in marketing and management subjects for the undergraduate Arts and Entertainment Management Degree.
A strong supporter of music performance and education, he enjoys balancing traditional music learning with the development of creativity and improvisation, has an interest in new music across all genres, and regularly pursues his own development in music practice, performance and education.
emilie wendt - FRENCH HORN
MEd
Emilie completed her Master of Music at the Sibelius Academy, Finland. She has a wealth of orchestral playing experience and has played with orchestras in Finland, Germany and Sweden. On top of her French Horn studies, Emilie also completed a course in instrumental pedagogy which focused on the most current and effective teaching techniques for instrumental teachers. Emilie also spent time teaching French Horn in one of Finland’s elite music schools. Emilie also holds a Diploma in Education from Deakin University and a Bachelor of Music from the University of Melbourne. Among her international experience, Emilie has played with orchestras around Melbourne and Geelong. Emilie is currently studying a Masters of Teaching in Primary Education to broaden her understanding of education across all fields.
bonnie allan - clarinet & SAXOPHONE
BMus(Hons), LMusA, PGDipEd
Bonnie grew up on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland and studied at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music under Floyd Williams. After graduating Bonnie accepted a position teaching Instrumental Music with Education Queensland (EQ). Bonnie has more than 20 years teaching experience with EQ most recently as a Primary School PE Teacher. Bonnie has been an Army Reservist playing with the Band of the First Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery in Brisbane. In 2017 Bonnie was selected to represent the Australian Army Band in Switzerland and relocated to Wagga Wagga in 2023 for a wonderful opportunity to play music every day in the Army Band at Kapooka. Bonnie is very enthusiastic and experienced educator and really enjoys teaching individuals aswell as the dynamics of small group tuition.
ivan simac - trombone
Ivan, a contemporary jazz trombonist from Adelaide, is currently working in the Kapooka Army Band. His journey into the world of music began with a notable milestone in 2018 when he earned a coveted spot in James Morrison’s esteemed 'Generation in Jazz' Division 3 Superband ensemble in Mount Gambier. Fueled by his passion, Ivan pursued formal education, embarking on a Bachelor of Jazz Performance - Trombone at the prestigious Elder Conservatorium of Adelaide under the tutelage of acclaimed trombonist and lecturer, Alex Taylor.
In a harmonious blend of dedication and duty, Ivan enlisted as a reservist musician in the Australian Army in November 2020, serving with distinction in the 10th/27th Battalion Band. His commitment to both his musical craft and military service led him to transition to full-time employment with the Australian Army Band Kapooka, a decision that temporarily paused his academic pursuits. Undeterred, Ivan has continued his educational journey, presently nearing the culmination of his Bachelor of Music degree through Central Queensland University, under the mentorship of esteemed trombonist and educator Jeremy Borthwick.
Ivan’s musical palette is as diverse as it is rich, with experiences spanning a myriad of genres including Traditional Jazz, Bebop, Fusion, Funk, Big Band (Trad to contemporary), Afro-beat, Latin, Concert Bands, Wind Ensembles, and Brass Quintets. Beyond the stage, Ivan has lent his talents to contemporary wedding ensembles, rock bands, pit orchestras, and solo busking endeavors.
A tireless practitioner, Ivan dedicates 4-6 hours daily to his craft, nurturing aspirations of one day gracing international stages as a touring soloist. His dedication extends beyond personal practice, as he has shared his expertise with aspiring musicians across Adelaide, serving as an instrumental instructor and ensemble coach in five private schools from 2021 to 2023. Ivan specialises in nurturing improvisational skills, composition techniques, and harmonic understanding among brass instrumentalists, guiding his students through a comprehensive curriculum encompassing embouchure fundamentals, scales, arpeggios, aural training, theory, and an expansive repertoire that bridges classical and jazz traditions.
kimberley Scriven - recorder/ music craft
BMus (hons) (Syd)
Kimberley began her musical education as a student of the Riverina Conservatorium of Music, winning many scholarships including the Major Woodwind Scholarship and the prestigious Dr Ray King Scholarship. She went on to teach at the Riverina Conservatorium and engage with the Wagga Wagga community through music and radio presenting. As a result of her community involvement, Kimberley was presented with the Young Citizen of the Year Award for Wagga Wagga in 2010 and was nominated for an Order of Australia Medal.
Kimberley Scriven completed her Music Performance degree at Sydney Conservatorium of Music with First Class Honours in 2017. During her studies at Sydney Conservatorium, Kimberley achieved first place in the renowned Historically Informed Performance Concerto Competition and consequently performed as a soloist, accompanied by the Sydney Conservatorium Early Music Ensemble and Camerata Academica of the Antipodes Ensemble.
Kimberley studied under Hans Dieter Michatz and Megan Lang at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. She also performed in masterclasses and received lessons from world leading recorder soloists including Walter Van Hauwe (Royal College of London), Maria Martinez Ayerza (Royal College London/Conservatorium Van Amsterdam), Andreas Bohlen (Kunstuniversität Graz, Austria), Maurice Steger (Switzerland), and Horacio Franco (National Conservatory, Mexico).
Kimberley enjoys every opportunity to share her music with audiences using her unique style and flair. Her performances are founded in historical research and are given a theatrical twist as she aims to display the melodramatic style and rustic folk influences inherent in Baroque music.
Kimberley also has a passion for Music Theory/Music Craft and is enthused by combining knowledge and fun to build each student’s ability. The foundation of Kimberley’s teaching practice is her emphasis on using creativity to make difficult musical concepts and processes simple and enjoyable.
WAYNE PIGRAM - DRUM & PERCUSSION
Wayne has been playing drums since he was in his late teens and brings a vast wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to the RCM Team. Whilst living in Sydney, Wayne was an early member of the signed band Ha Ha Humans. He was also a member of Signal Room, recording two CDs produced by Aria Award winning producer Tim Whitton (Powderfinger) touring Los Angeles and New York. Wayne participated in the development and performance of ‘David Bowie – Life on Mars’ and toured nationally with The Rocky Horror Show starring Reg Livermore, Cabaret with Gina Riley, Tommy and Bad Boy Johnny and The Profits of Doom. Wayne toured China, Vietnam, Thailand and Hong Kong with Kix Entertainment performing corporate music stageshows for Fosters, Heineken, Kodak and Coca Cola. Wayne was a member of the Company B Belvoir Street Theatre production of The Threepenny Opera working alongside Bob Bertles (master saxophonist), the show toured Columbia as part of the Bogata International Theatre Festival. He worked with Kris Abrahams (The Necks) recording a soundtrack to Farscape (US/Aust telemovies and TV series).
Wayne also recorded an original CD with Edot with Wagga Wagga musician Klauss Bussman. Wayne performs locally as part of Ifinc, producing live performance-art pieces including Big River, The Bull and The Bridge.
Wayne is a professional actor with over 50 theatre credits working with The Sydney Theatre Company, Playbox Theatre, Nimrod, Bevoir Street and The State Theatre South Australia. Wayne has worked extensively in Australian Television appearing in Water Rats, Fire, All Saints, A Country Practice, Home and Away, Underbelly, Stingers and has appeared in movies filmed in the UK, Malaysia, Hawaii including Heatstroke, Return to Blue Lagoon, Farewell to the King, The First Kangaroo, Mission Impossible and American productions including Farscape, The Lost World and Lost.