27 March 2012

Dear Members,

The Music in Communities Network is gearing up for its busiest period so far and we're glad to have you with us.

For the past few months we've had a change of manager from Tony Breese to myself, and we've been doing a lot of planning for our activities.  I’m excited to be driving the Network’s activities having played with many community music groups myself while growing up in Bowral, continuing to play and teach music, and until recently managing the Event Program at Wollongong Conservatorium of Music.

The winners of our 2011 Music in Communities Awards were announced earlier this year and we congratulate Moorambilla Voices and Festival for its outstanding "Local Links", as well as runners-up: Emmy Monash 'Generations in One Voice' Community Choir (VIC);Human Ventures: Shockwave Festival (QLD), and all the other nominees and finalists.

As a gift to all our Organisational Members that have joined us in the past year during this important period of planning for the network, we're extending every membership by six months for free!

Many of you would be aware of some or all of our member benefits and activities - access to a great value Public Liability Insurance scheme, discounts to all of our events, a subscription to Music Forum magazine, and supporting Australia's only national network of community music practitioners.  Here are some of the things we're working on:

The Community Music Online scheme

A little bit of research showed us that almost a quarter of community music groups have no website, some have a simple or outdated one, while others are very web-savvy.  Around three quarters don't have an email list with a public sign-up form, and 60% of community music groups are on Facebook but of those, 65% have fewer than 50 "likes" or group members.

Our Community Music Online scheme is beginning with a series of articles about how to navigate the online environment. Also, if your group doesn't have a website, we're offering to create a dedicated page on www.musicincommunities.org.au. Feel free to contact me for more information.

Music in Communities Events

The roadshow of community music events, which are part conference, part workshop, part networking opportunity, will reach even more areas this year.  We're planning a number of events in local communities and a Community Orchestra Conference in Sydney on Saturday September 22.

As part of our new membership deal, if your group is an Organisational Member of the network, any member of your group receives discounted entry to any of our events.

Resources

One issue that often comes up when talking to community music leaders is how to find and access repertoire.  This year we're exploring the world of borrowing, purchasing and commissioning music, and sharing information about what our members are playing.

Extra Baggage on Virgin Australia Flights

Members of the network are eligible for the Virgin Blue Music Industry Baggage Allowance: 32kg (across three pieces of checked baggage) for individuals – with an additional 32kg able to be purchased in advance for just $15. The offer applies to musicians who play regularly with MiCN Organisational Member groups, such as bands and orchestras. Please note this allowance applies for groups up to nine people, and must be arranged at least 48hours in advance of travel. See our website for more information.

To access this offer, MiCN Members can contact me ( This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ) to obtain an offer code.

Stay tuned for more information about the network's activities.

Regards,

Alex Masso

Manager - Music in Communities Network