March 2022

Musical Leader steps down

At the Annual General Meeting of the Barwon Heads Fine Music Society held in  November 2021, Jenny Wallace Smith who has been the President of  the Barwon Heads Fine Music Society for many years, stepped down as President.

The Barwon Heads Fine Music Society has been a part of this community for many years, providing musical events of all genres and Jenny has led the group in the position  of  President over all this time. This is the story of how the  Barwon Heads Fine Music Society from its humble beginnings to now a very well-known and recognised  Musical group that  can bring wonderful  artists & musical events for the whole community to enjoy

It all started about twenty years ago, when Debbie Podury and Jenny were both piano teachers & thought, they would like to start a music group. They had a few contacts who were interested & they organised a few concerts in private homes with bring a plate for afternoon tea.

Debbie was the pianist for the Anglican Church & with Cathy Coleman’s support this was the start of musical afternoons at the Church.   They realised very early that the Society needed to update the church piano for the artists who were attending and needed a piano for various performances. A very beautiful piano was purchased with  generously donations  from interested locals!

Laurence Hodgkinson, was the visionary for the Carnival of Music weekends and  worked constantly with a willing band of volunteers to bring an wonderful program of music four years in a row.

In order to receive grants and sponsorship for the larger concerts and events,  the Society were required to be an Incorporated Association. In 2008 we became a formal Not-for-Profit Incorporated Association with a Constitution and a Committee. .

In  the following years, we were able to secure grants from the City of Greater Geelong, and  sponsorship from the Barwon Heads  Community Bendigo Bank and this allowed us to have even more wonderful performances – like  Music under the stars – the Merry Widow at 13th Beach with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and then David Hobson followed – a great delight !

With the introduction of the website, we became known & were able to secure the most amazing artists from all over, interstate & overseas & they were so supportive with our small local organisation! Groups such as International Guitar Duo Johannes Möller and Laura Fraticelli,  The Seraphim Trio , Seven Harps with Alice Giles and many more

I have really enjoyed my very interesting & busy time with so much support from all committee members over the years who are & have been a wonderfully supportive team! 

I would like to wish the new President Maggie Isom and her Committee all the best  for the future