
2006 Capital Country Music Association Talent Quest
http://thepub.com.au/camerata/information.html

Click here info 2007 Tamworth Hats Off to the Mallee Boy Festival - 5th July - 8th July

For all inquiries - Tamworth Camerata Box 7068 NEMSC Tamworth 2348.
Administration 02 6765 4875 E-mail or Coordinator 0408 255908 E-mail
http://www.thepub.com.au/camerata/html/information.html
APPLICATIONS CLOSED on the 28th February 2007

Tamworth Camerata 2007 – tough selection job Due to wonderful support from the Country Music industry and beyond, there were 10 Camerata scholarships awarded before individual applicants were selected. As a further display of interest and support, there are 5 more scholarships awarded to successful individual applicants. A full list of Camerata 2007 students Brianna Ridge 16 Vic – successful individual applicant Bryan Browne 13 NSW – successful individual applicant Caitlin Harnett 17 NSW– successful individual applicant Jesse Leslie 17 Vic – successful individual applicant Liam Brew 17 Qld – successful individual applicant Makaylie Foodey 15 NSW – successful individual applicant Jeremy Turner 17 Qld - successful individual applicant Kaylah Anne 17 NSW - Dairy Farmers scholarship winner Olivia Hally 16 Vic – Sue Keating scholarship winner Kiera Smith 16 Vic – Ross & Robyn Johnson scholarship winner Charley Phypers13 Vic - The Pub (Tamworth) scholarship winner Dana Hassall 15 Qld - Tamworth Songwriters Association scholarship winner Johanna Ford 18 New Zealand - Best Of The West scholarship winner Tiffney Stroh 17 SA - Tamworth Regional Council CCMA WJTQ scholarship winner William Verri 18 Qld - Tamworth Regional Council CCMA Jamboree scholarship winner Kris Wason 17 Qld - Walkamin CM Festival scholarship winner Mitchell King 16 Qld - Queensland Champion Of Champions scholarship winner Hannah Cosgrove 12 New Zealand - Bundaberg Rum Jazzer Talent Quest / Axiom scholarship winner Melanie Dyer 13 NSW - Jim Haynes Big Bush Brekky scholarship winner Jay Messenger 17 Qld - Australian Bush Balladeers Association scholarship winner Candy Latham – South Aust. CCM Cindy Shelton Memorial scholarship winner An interesting mix of places of origin – Victoria 5, New South Wales 5, Queensland 7, South Australia 2, New Zealand 2, and the ages range from 12 to 18 this year, with an average age of 16. After this July’s Camerata, there will be 105 graduates! Now in its sixth consecutive year, Tamworth Camerata is the annual Country Music school for talented young performers and players from all over Australia and New Zealand, aged 18 and younger. Camerata is recognised as a vital stepping stone in the learning process for young people seriously interested in a Country Music career. With an already strong songwriting focus, 2007’s course will concentrate even more on this skill, and a real “push” has been made in the past few years for instrumentalists to apply, and this years intake reflects both of these facets. "Every year Camerata graduate/students continue to set a very high standard, and I’m really looking forward to the end result of the July 2007 course, as I expect the already high standard to increase." said Camerata co-founder Greg Williams. “One things for sure, they’ll have a unique learning experience! An especially pleasing thing to me, as now 6 years on from our first Camerata, we’re seeing excellent results, with many graduates establishing a musical career, and some poised for major success in the Music industry”. Underwritten from inception by The Pub Group, Tamworth, Camerata continues to gather support from numerous scholarship awarders, local and national business sponsors, who "adopt" a student and follow their progress during and after Camerata. This support is an important factor in Cameratas existence. Tamworth Camerata 2007 runs from June 30th to July 5, culminating in a Gala Finale Concert at West Tamworth League Clubs Blazes auditorium, where all graduates will display their impressive talent. Tickets available from Wests. Visit the Camerata website, www.thepub.com.au/camerata
Walkamin Country Music Festival ’06 – Tamworth Camerata scholarship winner KRIS WASON From a hotly contested field of talented young Country Music performers, 16 year old Brisbane singer/songwriter Kris Wason won the coveted Tamworth Camerata scholarship, awarded recently at the annual Walkamin Country Music festival 2006, in Mareeba. Although this was just the second time this scholarship has been awarded, for the very first time this wonderful prize was donated by Thiess Services and fgf Developments - Joint venture owner/operators of Springmount Waste Management Facility in North Queensland’s beautiful Atherton Tablelands. On site from their southern Queensland base, to present the award to Kris were Michael Pitman, Manager Landfills & Transfer Stations, and Barbara Ferry-Smith, Manager Business Relations (pictured above with Kris). In addition to this Camerata scholarship, Kris won the following Junior sections at Walkamin Country Music festival: Contemporary, Vocal, Gospel, and is the Overall Junior Champion. However, a lot more than performance success is assessed in the selection process, and Kris displayed a great deal of positive attitude, cooperation and level-headedness, as well as sheer musical talent to win this prestigious award. Not only does Kris sing in his own unique style, he also plays guitar very well, and displays a maturity beyond his years, and is confident without being “over the top”. Tamworth Camerata is an annual Country Music school for talented performers and musicians aged 18 years or younger, chasing their dream of a career in Country Music. The 93 graduate students in the 5 years so far come from all over Australia and New Zealand, and after completing the course always go on to bigger and better accomplishments. Last year Mareeba’s Kurt Chaplain won this scholarship and had a life-changing experience at Tamworth Camerata 2006, and this year was competing in the Open sections displaying his considerable skills and artistic development. Tamworth Camerata provides young performers with unique opportunities for developing their skills, and encourages wider distribution of their knowledge to their own communities and beyond, and in 2007 Kris Wason will benefit greatly from this wonderful opportunity provided by his farsighted sponsors. He attended in 2006 as the Queensland Champion of Champions scholarship winner, so already has had a “taste” of Camerata, and is really keen to return. For more information, please visit the continually developing Camerata website: www.thepub.com.au/camerata Walkamin Country Music festival displays its commitment to the musical genre by instigating this incredible opportunity for Australia’s young talent, and is to be applauded.
Click here Camerata Graduate Tiffney Stroh Takes Top Award


Photo Courtesy of Terry Phillpot (terry@eyeball.com.au)
Click here Kiaria's Artist Report Page
A hugely successful Camerata for kids and parents
Tamworth Camerata 2006 truly came of age in its fifth year, with the graduation concert in Blazes at Wests the absolute highlight of six hugely successful days. From the moment the class of 2006 met their sponsors at the meet and greet event at SouthGate Inn, students and parents both “hit the books” for a rather steep learning curve.

With tuition from leaders in the field such as Stuey French, Michel Rose, Ian Lees, Glenn Wilson, Hugh Curtis, Brad Bergen, David Carter, Merelyn Carter, Roger Corbett, Jim Haynes and Gina Jeffreys, and an impressive list of guests with expertise in a wide variety of areas, the 22 students and their parents couldn’t help but benefit from the knowledge sharing that took place.

Tamworth Camerata is unique in Australia, and possibly the world, as it’s the only recognised country music school for junior performers, where they learn from the best in the business. It is widely acknowledged as a “feeder” for the grown-up version – the CMAA Australian College of Country Music, as many Camerata graduates progress to college and further afield in the pursuit of their careers.

The 2006 graduates are: Jared Scott, Rowan Scott, Emma Roberts, Sarah Roberts, Aimee Hannan, Penelope Somerville, Kris Wason, Melody Pool, Melanie Dyer, Kiara Rodrigues, Kurt Chaplain, Kimberley Cook, Olivia Hally, Katie Botfield, Kiera Smith, Daisy May Wegner, Caitlin Harnett, Sinead Burgess, Tiffney Stroh, Makaylie Foodey, Hannah Cosgrove and Emily Reed. Four students were from Tamworth (two brothers and two sisters), six were from NSW, six from Queensland, two from South Australia, three from Victoria, and one from New Zealand.

The timing of Camerata has made it the first official event of the annual Hats Off to Country Festival in Tamworth, which is a four-day winter feast of music and entertainment. On the Friday and Saturday after Camerata, many graduates stay on in Tamworth for the CCMA Junior Winter Talent, which is open to amateur competitors 17 years and younger. It’s interesting to note that three 2006 Camerata graduates took out the top three prizes in the CCMA quest – Hannah Cosgrove won the juvenile overall; Tiffney Stroh won the junior overall and Emma Roberts won the Family Hotel performance of the night.

If you would like to know more about Camerata, please visit the website: www.thepub.com.au/camerata

or phone (02) 6765 4875 during office hours. Group photo: Terry Phillpot (terry@eyeball.com.au)
22nd Tamworth Camerata student announced
SA scholarship winner is Camerata student #22
Eighteen-year-old Emily Reed from Port Pirie, South Australia, is the 22nd student to be accepted in to the 2006 Tamworth Camerata – Youth Country Music School.
Emily’s mum, Suzette, will accompany her daughter to the six-day-long course, to be held in Tamworth from July 1-6. Emily is the 2006 recipient of the Cindy Shelton Memorial Scholarship.

A singer, songwriter and guitarist, Emily is keen to gain further instruction from a guitar master class and intensive songwriting tuition from Bushwackers’ member and longtime Camerata tutor, Roger Corbett.

First time Camerata sponsors, Gary and Belinda Burgess, from the Central Hotel, Tamworth, will be introduced to Emily at the Camerata Meet and Greet at SouthGate Inn on Saturday, July 1.

While it’s an all new experience for some sponsors, others such as three-year sponsor Graeme Mills of Century 21 Property Centre, it will be a reacquainting procedure, as Graeme’s sponsored student, Tiffney Stroh, also from South Australia, returns for her second Camerata – and her second time as Graeme’s sponsored student.

Two other new sponsors have come on board for the 2006 Camerata – Ken and Marion Bocquet, from Westside Butchery, Robert St Shopping Village, and Gil Swan, Kristian Brooks and Geoff Walden from the Tamworth Services Club.

Other sponsors playing a significant role in the future of Australian country music are: foundation sponsors MR Services, Nectar Body Care, Cheapa Music, Edwards Printing, West Tamworth League Club, Wests’ Diggers, The Big Golden Guitar Tourist Complex, Louise Matthews Jewellers, Axiom Entertainment and Tamworth Regional Council; and current sponsors Country Energy, Eye Catcha, The Law Company, Plukas, and Well Primed.

This is the fifth annual Tamworth Camerata, with the first held in 2002. Tamworth-based musician Greg Williams and prominent Tamworth hotelier Joan Douglas are co-ordinators and concept designers of the music school for youth, which is the only one of its kind in Australia – and quite possibly, the world.

In other Camerata news, “menopause” has prevented Brisbane-based drummer Doug Gallacher from attending the 2006 Tamworth Camerata for the first time in five years.

Dougie, a longtime member of the Geoff Harvey Showband, and widely recognised for his tasteful use of drums and percussion, has been kept busy since February 2006 in the smash hit live production, Menopause The Musical.

He will be replaced as a musician-instructor at this year’s Camerata by Glenn Wilson. Glenn is well known in metropolitan music circles as a session drummer and has toured with most major artists in many genres.

When not on the road or in the studio, Glenn is teaching drum students so his experience with young players is vast.
When seeking a replacement for Doug Gallacher, it couldn’t be just “any player”. Glenn Wilson was the obvious choice.

Prepared in Tamworth by Anna Rose, 16-6-06 for and on behalf of Tamworth Camerata. For further information visit the website: www.thepub.com.au/camerata or phone co-ordinator Joan Douglas on (02) 6765 4875.
Anna Rose

Brothers accepted into Camerata
Jared and Rowan Scott

Local Tamworth boys Jared and Rowan Scott have both been accepted into this year’s Tamworth Camerata to be held in July 2006.
Camerata is the annual Country Music school for young performers and musicians aged 18yrs and younger.
Participants come from Australia and New Zealand with one thing in common - they all want to pursue a career in country music.
It starts July 1 and concludes with the finale (graduation concert ) in Blazes at Wests on Thursday, July 6 at 8pm.
It will be the third time Jared has attended Camerata, having graduated previously in 2005 and 2003.
Although he will be one of the older students he is keen to gather more knowledge to add to what he has already learnt, attending lessons in performance skills, stagecraft and songwriting..
For Rowan, this will be his first experience at Camerata – and he can’t wait. He said he’s looking forward to gaining a greater knowledge of music and furthering his drumming which will benefit from Instrumental workshops ( master classes ) as well as many other tutorials.
Now with Camerata only a couple of months away the boys will both be working hard at their music, so when July rolls around, they will both be prepared to be taught by the best musicians, singers, music business people around.

Camerata 2006 students announced

AND THE CLASS OF 2006 IS …

Selecting just 13 from a quality field of applicants was the unenviable task of organisers of the 2006 Tamworth Camerata – Junior Country Music School.

With such a high standard among applicants, it made the selection process a difficult one indeed for the panel.

A further eight students will attend Camerata 2006, having won scholarships on their merits, completing the total intake of 21 students.

Attending the 2006 Tamworth Camerata will be: Aimee Hannan, Camden NSW; Caitlin Harnett, Richmond NSW; Emma Roberts, Tamworth NSW; Jared Scott, Tamworth NSW; Rowan Scott, Tamworth NSW; Kiera Smith, Merbein VIC; Makaylie Foodey, Ashtonfield NSW; Melanie Dyer, Inverell NSW; Melody Pool, Kurri Kurri NSW; Olivia Hally, Phillip Island VIC; Sinead Burgess, Beachmere QLD; Tiffney Stroh, Mt Barker SA.

Those 2006 students coming to Camerata on scholarships are: Hannah Cosgrove, Hamilton NZ (NZ’s Best of the West CMF scholarship); Penelope Somerville, Fosterville VIC (Tamworth Regional Council CCMA Winter Junior Talent Quest scholarship); Kurt Chaplain, Mareeba QLD (Walkamin CMF inaugural scholarship); Kris Wason, Brisbane QLD (Queensland Champion of Champions scholarship); Kiara Rodrigues, Mackay QLD (Bundaberg Rum Jazzer Quest junior winner 2006 Axiom Entertainment scholarship); Sarah Roberts, Tamworth NSW (Tamworth Regional Council CCMA Jamboree Junior winner scholarship); Kimberley Cook, Thangool QLD (Australian Bush Balladeers Association scholarship); Daisy May Wegner, Mackay QLD (Tamworth Songwriters’ Association scholarship); Kate Botfield, Mummulgum NSW (Ross Johnson scholarship).

When classes begin on Saturday, July 1, during the school holidays in Queensland and NSW, there will be little time for holiday fun and games for these youngsters.

It’s all go once they enrol in the live-in formal country music school, designed for students 18 years and younger.

Teaching vital skills to the students are tutors David and Merelyn Carter (Carter & Carter), Brad Bergen, Roger Corbett and Jim Haynes. The multi-talented musicians engaged to further the students’ musical prowess are Doug Gallacher, Ian Lees, Hugh Curtis, Stuart French and Michel Rose.

Camerata guest speakers include 2006 Toyota Star Maker Cat Southern, prominent Tamworth media identity Kevin Anderson and various authorities from the music business, who share their knowledge with participants in the course.

Students will undergo an intensive time in the Country Music Capital, learning all aspects of presentation and performance, songwriting, music business and master classes for specific instruments.

The highly successful bush ballad component of Camerata, introduced in 2005, will again be included.

A panel of acknowledged experts in the field will address a forum on day two of Camerata, headed by CMR presenter and bush ballad authority, Brian Howard. Brian has enlisted the services of Brian Young, Ernie Constance and Charley Boyter – all highly respected exponents of the bush ballad tradition.

This forum is open to the public and is free of charge, and will be held at 1pm on Sunday, July 2 in SouthGate Inn’s Scully Room at 16A Kent St, Tamworth.

As each student is accompanied by a parent, the mums or dads are also in for their fair share of tuition, with experts visiting Camerata to share their knowledge on all manner of subjects a parent in the music business should be aware of.

The culmination of the course is the students’ graduation concert, which is a chance for the participants to show what they’ve learnt to their parents, sponsors and to the wider community – as the concert is open to the public.

It will be staged in Blazes auditorium at Wests, at 7pm on Thursday, July 6. Tickets are now available from club reception.

Tamworth Camerata would not be possible without the invaluable support of its sponsors – many local businesses and individuals who show their belief in the future of Australian country music by sponsoring a student.

Several sponsors have been on board since day one and have built some fabulous friendships with students, and have enjoyed watching them develop as young professionals in the music industry.

For further information, visit www.thepub.com.au or phone Joan Douglas at The Pub Group on (02) 6765 4875. Prepared in Tamworth by Anna Rose 4.5.06 for and on behalf of Tamworth Camerata.

Last chance to apply for Camerata 2006
Applications for Tamworth Camerata 2006 close on Monday, February 28.
The youth country music school, staged annually in Tamworth in July, is a formal course for junior performers, aged 18 and younger.
Talented young musicians and vocalists are encouraged to visit the website, www.thepub.com.au/camerata and read further information about this exciting venture.
For six days Camerata students attend this live-in course, where they learn all aspects of performance and musicianship.
Each student is accompanied by a parent and even the parents get to tap into the tutoring, with specialised sessions aimed at how parents can assist their young charges.
There are master classes for specialist instruments, with a heavy emphasis on songwriting – and the various techniques that can be used.
Camerata tutors are sourced from the highest levels of the industry – and include multiple Golden Guitar winners Merelyn and David Carter (Carter & Carter), Roger Corbett, Brad Bergen, Jim Haynes and multi-talented musicians Doug Gallacher, Ian Lees, Hugh Curtis, Stuart French and Michel Rose.
Students really do learn from the best at Camerata – so make sure your application is posted by the closing date of February 28.
Please address all applications to Tamworth Camerata, Box 7068 NEMSC NSW 2348.

Musicians Wanted
Junior Country Music School July 1st - 6th 2006
Performers and Musicians Needed
Learn from the best during 6 days of intensive workshops covering
Songwriters, Master Classes, Vocal Coaching, Performance/stagecraft, Grooming and presentation, Music Industry matters and a whole lot more!!!
Applications Close February 28th 2006
Contact :- Tamworth Camerata
Box 7068 NEMSC 2348
email admin@thepub.com.au
website www.thepub.com.au/camerata
Award-winning Camerata graduate can’t wait to return
While it was only a few short months ago that Kempsey teenager Amos Morris attended Tamworth Camerata 2005, a world of excitement and opportunities has opened up for him since July.

The young man with the innate sense of tradition has secured what most seasoned artists take years to achieve – a finalist berth in the Bush Ballad category of the 2006 Golden Guitar Awards. But the good news doesn’t stop there.

Amos also made the finalists’ list of the 2006 TIARAs – the Tamworth Independent Artists Recognition Awards – in the Bush Ballad category.

And, something all young balladeers strive for is a guernsey at Bungendore – which he also has. Amos is a finalist in New Talent at the 2006 Stan Coster Memorial Bush Ballad Awards.

The song that’s made all the judges sit up and take notice is The Rain Don’t Tumble Down In July Here, from Amos’s debut CD, Memories Live On. The disc was recorded by Marc Lea at Regency Sound Studios.

“When I first heard the news about the Golden Guitar nomination, I thought they must have dropped their standards dramatically this year,” Amos said, with a laugh, and the underlying pride of his achievements shining through.

“I just went into shock as news of the other nominations came in. I’m very pleasantly surprised – and extremely delighted to have done so well with my first recorded efforts.”

Amos said while he’s just hoping to get through his hectic round of commitments at the 2006 Tamworth Festival, and maybe head for home with some “excess baggage”, he was pinning his hopes on being accepted into Tamworth Camerata 2006.

“Camerata was really great. You learn what to do and what not to do. I’m hoping to get in next year so I can learn some more,” he said.

For further details visit the website, www.thepub.com.au/camerata
Release prepared by Anna Rose, December 7, 2005, for and on behalf of Tamworth Camerata.

TAMWORTH CAMERATA - BUSH BALLAD FORUM The 2005 Tamworth Camerata has an added focus - the Australian Bush Ballad has long been considered unique, and to recognise this, Camerata is presenting a Bush Ballad Forum as a part of the course. The Bush Ballad Forum will be open to the public, along with Tamworth Camerata 2005 students, parents, tutors and guests, and is to be presented at Southgate Inn on Sunday July 3 at 1pm. This forum will be hosted by long-time Country Music radio broadcaster Brian "Howdy" Howard, a man with incredible Bush Ballad knowledge. He'll be joined by three very special guests with impeccable Bush Ballad pedigree - Brian Young, Lindsay Butler & Tom Maxwell. Partly due to interest and support displayed by the Australian Bush Balladeers Association by way of a fully funded scholarship to Camerata for Julie Perandes, Co-ordinators Joan Douglas and Greg Williams are keen to encourage young balladeers to have equal opportunities to represent their musical genre at Camerata. Camerata will be held from Saturday, July 2nd to Thursday, July 7th and this year for the very first time the Tamworth Camerata Graduation Concert will be open to the public at the magnificent Tamworth Town Hall on Thursday, July 7th with tickets available from Tourism Tamworth. The successful 2005 students are KIRSTY LEE AKERS (NSW), CANDICE ARLOTT (QLD), LAUREN BREDE (WA), DANAE CORNFORD (WA), JULIEANNE HANDCOCK (NSW), JULIAN LUKE (QLD), GEMMA KIRBY (WA), SHARNEE FENWICK (NSW), ANNA MACDONALD (New Zealand), AMOS MORRIS (NSW), EMMA ROBERTS (NSW), SARAH ROBERTS (NSW), JARED SCOTT (NSW), DANIELLE SIMICH (WA), TIFFNEY STROH (SA), DAISY MAY WEGNER (QLD), JULIE PERANDES (QLD), RYAN SAMPSON (QLD), JAKE SINCLAIR (VIC), BART THRUPP (QLD), WILLIAM VERRI (QLD). If you're interested in Tamworth Camerata please phone contact the Tamworth Camerata office on (02) 6765 4875 or log onto the website www.thepub.com.au/camerata Cheryl Byrnes Tamworth Camerata M. 0407 106 966
Tamworth Camerata - Youth School Of Country Music - Sat 2nd July to Thurs 7th July 2005

Tamworth Camerata Finale Concert 2005 a great pre Hats Off event! The Tamworth Camerata youth Country Music school is in it’s fourth year of operation. Every July school holidays 21 talented students (18 years and under) are selected to attend the week long school. The school finishes with a final concert to display the talents of the students to parents, tutors and sponsors. This has always been a private affair but due to the increase of local and national interest the Finale Concert will be opened to the public. Southgate Inn has been the venue in the past but now the school moves to the larger venue to make way for the larger audience. This incredible night is a showcase of the talents of the cream of Australian and New Zealand country music youth and will be a great pre Hats Off event.. Tickets go on sale June 1st from Tourism Tamworth. Concert date: Thursday 7th July 8pm Tamworth Town Hall Adults $12 Children Under 10 years $8 Booking details: In person: Tamworth Visitor Information Centre cnr Peel & Murray Streets. Open 7 days, 9am – 5pm By phone: (credit card) – Phone: 02 6755 4300 Tourism Tamworth Ltd Online: Web: www.tamworth.nsw.gov.au/ticketsales Twenty names known for Tamworth Camerata 2005 May-05) The 20 Tamworth Camerata students selected so far for the 2005 course of the annual youth country music school are now eagerly awaiting the passing of the next few weeks till July 2, when their turn to benefit from this wonderful opportunity comes around. There is still one scholarship winner to be announced – the Cindy Shelton Memorial scholarship awarded by Arts South Australia. Tamworth Camerata is a vital stepping-stone in the learning process for young performers interested in and serious about a career in the Country Music industry. The final 21 will benefit from expert instruction in many facets of the music industry from knowledgeable professionals giving advice not only to the students but also to their parents. There will be 11 scholarship winning students in total, from a limit of 21 students overall, leaving 10 successful individual applicants. Hotly contested, they come from all over Australia, including one from New Zealand, again well represented. There are 7 NSW students (including 3 from Tamworth), 7 Queenslanders, 4 from Western Australia, and just 1 Victorian. Statistically, there are 7 male and 13 female students so far, and their average age is almost 16, the upper age limit being set at 18 years. They’re all great singers, with almost half of them already competent and keen songwriters, as this is a core area of Camerata’s focus. Due to a concerted effort to attract to Camerata not only singers, but instrumentalists as well, there are 7 keen players amongst this talented group, once again one of the main focus areas, along with Vocals and Performance. A new focus area for 2005 is bush balladry, with 2 or 3 students dedicated to this facet of country music, and this will bring a fresh approach to a real Australian atmosphere at Camerata. The generous organisations who supplied the eleven Tamworth Camerata 2005 scholarships are: (2) Tamworth Regional Council/CCMA Winter Junior Talent Quest 2004 Juvenile & Junior Overall winner The Pub, Tamworth - 2005 Tamworth Songwriters Association - 2005 Axiom Entertainment scholarship for winner of the Jim Beam Jazzer Talent Quest Junior 2005 Queensland Champion of Champions Junior 2004 Australian Bush Balladeers Association - 2005 (3) WA Young Guns of Country Music - 2005 Arts SA Cindy Shelton Memorial 2005 - TBA In addition to scholarship awarders, many Tamworth businesses sponsor individual students, and this has developed a wonderful connection between all parties. Tamworth Camerata runs from July 2nd to 7th, climaxing with a Finale Sponsors concert at Southgate Inn’s Scully Room. Tamworth Camerata Students 2005 Kirsty Lee Akers - Stanford Merthyr, NSW, singer/songwriter Candice Arlott - Mackay, QLD, singer/songwriter Lauren Brede - Leschenault, WA, singer/songwriter Danae Cornford - Eaton, WA, singer Sharnee Fenwick - Newcastle, NSW, singer/songwriter Julianne Handcock - Blackalls Park, NSW, singer Gemma Kirby - Bunbury, WA, singer Julian Luke - Longreach, QLD, singer/songwriter/violinist Anna Macdonald - South Island, NZ, singer/songwriter Amos Morris - Kempsey, NSW, singer/songwriter (bush balladeer) Julie Perandes - Manly West, QLD, singer (bush balladeer) Emma Roberts - Tamworth, NSW, singer/guitar picker Sarah Roberts - Tamworth, NSW, singer Ryan Sampson - Toowoomba, QLD, singer Jared Scott - Tamworth, NSW, singer/guitar picker/bass player Danielle Simich - Hamilton Hill, WA, singer Jake Sinclair - Springhurst, VIC, singer/guitar picker Bart Thrupp - Toowoomba, QLD, singer/guitar picker/songwriter William Verri - Mossman, QLD, singer/guitar picker Daisy May Wegner - Mackay, QLD, singer/guitar picker/songwriter Arts SA Cindy Shelton Memorial 2005 scholarship winner - TBA For further information about Tamworth Camerata visit www.thepub.com.au/camerata Tamworth Camerata graduates dominated the Maton Talent Search at the 2004 National Muster at Gympie’s Amamoor State Forest last week. Of the nine finalists five have participated and graduated from the Tamworth Camerata – Youth School Of Country Music which is held annually in July in Australia’s Country Music Capital. The five young performers included: Newcastle’s Julieanne Handcock was the Overall Junior Section Winner (12 to 15 years). Julieanne was a graduate of the 2004 Tamworth Camerata and was the Overall Winner at the CCMA 12th Winter Junior Talent Quest in Tamworth during the Hats Off To Country Festival. 17 year old Shandell Tosoni (2002 Tamworth Camerata Graduate) who last month won the Under 18 Category of the NASHVILLE SONG SEARCH with her single HERE WITH ME co-written with Rebecca Lee Nye (2004 TCG). Shandell is on her way to Nashville Tennessee where she will be joined by the 7 category winners who will receive mentoring sessions from highly successful songwriters and then perform their winning song In-The-Round at the famous Bluebird Café where the Overall Grand Prize Winner will be announced. Talented Victorian guitar/vocalist Nick Kingswell is on a roll having received a call from the CMAA office that he has been accepted into the 2005 Australian College Of Country Music. Nick won the Traditional Section and his Main Stage performance was exceptional. Main Stage was a great opportunity for Armidale’s Brock Colley to perform his first single release GOTTA TAKE A MINUTE after winning Modern Country 1 impressing the judges. Having recently performed with Steve Forde & The Flange and Steve Gibson on the rodeo circuit, multi-talented rodeo gal Shea Fisher from Nambour won her right to be on Main Stage in the Country Rock section. Other entrants who entered were Victoria and Barbara Baillie, Jenna Brooks, Sarah Collett, Christie Davis, Nicholas Laing, Leah Briggs, Candice Arlott and Katrina Burgoyne who was outstanding at Writers In The Round with Nikki Gillis and Aaron Bolton as was Rebecca Lee Nye who performed alongside Billy Bridge at a number of his shows. Popular teenage band The Baileys starred on Main Stage and in various other venues and Aaron Bolton had his own show in The Theatre and The Legends Wine Bar finishing his Gympie sharing the stage with his good friend Col Finley. Applications are now available for the 2005 Tamworth Camerata which will be held from Saturday, 2nd July to Thursday, 7th July. Tamworth Camerata is open to Performers and Musicians 18 years and under wishing to pursue a career in the Country Music Industry. For further details please contact the Tamworth Camerata office on 02 6765 4875. For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact: Cheryl Byrnes, Tamworth Camerata Landline: 02 6765 4875 Mobile: 0428 413 809 www.thepub.com.au/camerata
12th annual CCMA Winter Junior Talent Quest – great Camerata result! More great Camerata news!
Click here Photos CCMA Talent Quest Artists 2004 Congratulations Tamworth Camerata graduates from 2002, 2003 and 2004, who dominated the 2004 CCMA Winter Junior Talent Quest in Tamworth recently.
The Junior Overall winner – Julieanne Handcock (2004), from Newcastle NSW, 2nd place-getter Jared Scott (2003) from Tamworth, and 3rd place-getter Kimberley Bowden (2004) from Tully Qld. are all Camerata graduates. On the way to achieving this success Julieanne won the Junior Female and Australian Country sections, and as a result has won one of the two Tamworth Regional Council scholarships to Tamworth Camerata 2005. The second scholarship was won by Juvenile winner Emma Roberts, from Tamworth. The Geoff Brown Memorial Award was won jointly by Patrick Webster (2003/04) from Daly Waters Northern Territory, and Candice Arlott (2004) from Mackay Qld. Patrick won Junior Male Vocal section, and Candice won Junior Gospel section, and Performance of the Finals. Kimberley Bowden (2004) won the Country Rock section, and the Luke Newland Memorial Award. Kirsty Lee Akers (2004) from Kurri kurri NSW won the Songwriting section with her catchy Country song “Bashed Up, Beaten, Battered, Broken Heart”, and also scored the 30 hours recording time at Gary Browns Hill Top Studios in Tamworth. Penelope Somerville (2002/03) from Fosterville Vic. won the Instrumental section with her great fiddling skill. The Duet section was won by Jared Scott (2003) and his local duet partner Sophie Jones. Daisy Wegner (2004) from Mackay Qld, and Taylor Cairns (2004) from Gore New Zealand also placed in several sections. Camerata graduates won all Junior sections, and all but 3 of the 2nd and 3rd placings. What a fantastic result, and it justifies the decision to run Tamworth Camerata immediately preceding this wonderful mid year talent quest, and Hats Off Country Music festival. Camerata graduates from afar, who wouldn’t normally be in Tamworth at this time, certainly make the competition very intense and interesting.
Last years Overall Junior winner and Tamworth Regional Council scholarship winner 2003, Ben Hazell (2002/04), was a featured guest performer in the Finals night entertainment on Saturday 10th July. RESULTS *Overall Winner Junior: Julieanne Handcock – (Newcastle NSW) 2004 Camerata graduate (wins a Tamworth Regional Council Camerata 2005 scholarship) *Overall 2nd; Jared Scott – (Tamworth NSW) 2003 Camerata graduate *Overall 3rd: Kimberley Bowden – (Tully Qld) 2004 Camerata graduate
*Overall Winner Juvenile: Emma Roberts – (Tamworth NSW) wins a Tamworth Regional Council Camerata 2005 scholarship, and winner inaugural Ray Somerville Memorial award *Overall 2nd: Bonnie Riley *Overall 3rd: Natalie Butcher
*Geoff Brown Memorial Award:- co-winners Patrick Webster – (Daly Waters Northern Territory) 2003/04 Camerata graduate Candice Arlott – (Mackay Qld) 2004 Camerata graduate
*Luke Newland Memorial Award:
Kimberley Bowden – (Tully Qld) Camerata 2004 graduate
SECTIONS Junior Country Gospel (21 contestants) *Winner: Candice Arlott - Mackay Qld Camerata 2004 graduate *2nd: Daisy Wegner - Mackay Qld Camerata 2004 graduate *3rd: Julieanne Handcock - Newcastle NSW Camerata 2004 graduate Camerata finalist: Taylor Cairns - Gore NZ Camerata 2004 graduate
Junior Country Duet (7 contestants) *Winners: Jared Scott & Sophie Jones (Jared – Tamworth NSW Camerata 2003 graduate) *2nd: Ace & Cruise Shuldt *3rd: Penelope Somerville - Fosterville Vic Camerata 2002/03 graduate & Pat Webster - Daly Waters NT Camerata 2003/04 graduate Camerata finalist: Candice Arlott – Mackay Qld Camerata 2004 graduate & Jenna Brooks - Brisbane Qld Camerata 2004 graduate
Junior Instrumental *Winner: Penelope Somerville – Fosterville Vic Camerata 2002/03 graduate *2nd: Ace Schuldt *3rd: Jared Scott – Tamworth NSW Camerata 2003 graduate Camerata finalist: Pat Webster - Daly Waters NT Camerata 2003/04 graduate
Junior Country Rock (23 contestants) *Winner: Kimberley Bowden – Tully Qld Camerata 2004 graduate *2nd: Taylor Cairns - Gore NZ Camerata 2004 graduate *3rd: Candice Arlott - Mackay Qld Camerata 2004 graduate Camerata finalists: Pat Webster - Daly Waters NT Camerata 2003/04 graduate Penelope Somerville – Fosterville Vic Camerata 2002/03 graduate Kirsty Lee Akers – Kurri Kurri NSW Camerata 2004 graduate Junior Female Vocal (20 contestants) *Winner: Julieanne Handcock - Newcastle NSW Camerata 2004 graduate *2nd: Kimberley Bowden – Tully Qld Camerata 2004 graduate *3rd: Daisy Wegner - Mackay Qld Camerata 2004 graduate Camerata finalists: Penelope Somerville – Fosterville Vic Camerata 2002/03 graduate Candice Arlott - Mackay Qld Camerata 2004 graduate
Junior Male Vocal *Winner Pat Webster - Daly Waters NT Camerata 2003/04 graduate *2nd: Ace Schuldt *3rd: Jared Scott – Tamworth NSW Camerata 2003 graduate
Junior Australian Country (22 contestants) *Winner: Julieanne Handcock - Newcastle NSW Camerata 2004 graduate *2nd: Taylor Cairns - Gore NZ Camerata 2004 graduate *3rd: Kimberley Bowden – Tully Qld Camerata 2004 graduate Camerata finalists: Pat Webster - Daly Waters NT Camerata 2003/04 graduate Jared Scott – Tamworth NSW Camerata 2003 graduate Songwriting Open *Winner: Kirsty Lee Akers – Kurri Kurri NSW Camerata 2004 graduate *2nd: Penelope Somerville – Fosterville Vic Camerata 2002/03 graduate *3rd: Candice Arlott - Mackay Qld Camerata 2004 graduate
Group Open *Winners: Emma and Sarah Roberts Group *2nd: Jared Scott Group *3rd Penelope Somerville Group Juvenile Male Vocal *Winner: Rowan Scott 2nd: Shayne Lenord Juvenile Female Vocal *Winner Emma Roberts 2nd: Natalie Butcher 3rd: Bonnie Riley Juvenile Instrumental Winner: Emma Roberts 2nd: Rowan Scott *3rd: Shayne Lenord Juvenile Australian Country *Winner: Emma Roberts 2nd: Bonnie Riley 3rd: Rowan Scott Juvenile Country Gospel *Winner: Courtney Elsley 2nd: Natalie Butcher 3rd: Bonnie Riley Juvenile Country Duet *Winners: Natalie Butcher and Bonnie Riley 2nd: Emma Roberts and Courtney Elsley 3rd; Makaylie Foodey and Jordan
Juvenile Country Rock *Winner: Natalie Butcher *2nd: Emma Roberts 3rd: Rowan Scott
NEW Zealand's Gold Guitar Awards
NEW Zealand's Gold Guitar Awards held in Tamworth's sister city of Gore, was the arena where a significant number of Tamworth Camerata students shone.
A 2002 graduate, Cameron Clayton, from Pakuranga, Auckland, sponsored by George, Pam, Dale and Darren from Edwards Printing Service, was the Overall Senior Winner (18 years and over).
Graduates from Camerata 2003, Melissa Partridge from Fairfield, Dunedin, sponsored by Lyn Baldock and daughters Lisa and Jodie at Nectar Body Care and Beauty on White, was the Intermediate Winner (13-18 years) and Anna Macdonald, sponsored by Alan, Christine and Lucy Taylor from Eyecatcha Promotional Products, was the Junior Winner (under 13 years).

Gemma Griffin, a 2002 graduate who hails from Westport, and was also sponsored by Nectar Body Care and Beauty on White, didn't want to take any chances missing out for the following Camerata.
Gemma enjoyed her Camerata experience so much that once home, she negotiated, through New Zealand's Buller Country Music Club, a scholarship to Tamworth Camerata 2004. This is the only New Zealand direct entry scholarship to be awarded at the Best of the West Awards in Westport.
Just last month, 18-year-old New Zealander Luke Herlihy won the scholarship to attend the third Tamworth Camerata from July 2-8. Luke was a first time entrant at the Best of the West Awards winning all of his classes as well as the versatility trophy, senior lucky draw and the coveted Senior Overall title. Luke will be sponsored by Wests' Diggers when he attends Camerata 2004.

Fourteen-year-old Taylor Cairns from Gore, New Zealand was successful in her application to attend Camerata this year. It was Taylor's first year at the Buller Country Music Festival where she achieved top three status in the Intermediate section also winning the highest scoring local entrant.
Continuing Tamworth's goodwill relationship with Gore, Taylor will be sponsored by Tourism Tamworth at Camerata 2004.

It's an exciting time for young people in country music with so many resources at their fingertips. Tamworth Camerata precedes the Hats Off to Country Festival incorporating the CCMA 12th Winter Junior Talent Quest.

NEW Zealand's Gold Guitar Awards held in Tamworth's sister city of Gore, was the arena where a significant number of Tamworth Camerata students shone.

A 2002 graduate, Cameron Clayton, from Pakuranga, Auckland, sponsored by George, Pam, Dale and Darren from Edwards Printing Service, was the Overall Senior Winner (18 years and over).

Graduates from Camerata 2003, Melissa Partridge from Fairfield, Dunedin, sponsored by Lyn Baldock and daughters Lisa and Jodie at Nectar Body Care and Beauty on White, was the Intermediate Winner (13-18 years) and Anna Macdonald, sponsored by Alan, Christine and Lucy Taylor from Eyecatcha Promotional Products, was the Junior Winner (under 13 years).

Gemma Griffin, a 2002 graduate who hails from Westport, and was also sponsored by Nectar Body Care and Beauty on White, didn't want to take any chances missing out for the following Camerata.

Gemma enjoyed her Camerata experience so much that once home, she negotiated, through New Zealand's Buller Country Music Club, a scholarship to Tamworth Camerata 2004. This is the only New Zealand direct entry scholarship to be awarded at the Best of the West Awards in Westport.

Just last month, 18-year-old New Zealander Luke Herlihy won the scholarship to attend the third Tamworth Camerata from July 2-8. Luke was a first time entrant at the Best of the West Awards winning all of his classes as well as the versatility trophy, senior lucky draw and the coveted Senior Overall title. Luke will be sponsored by Wests' Diggers when he attends Camerata 2004.

Fourteen-year-old Taylor Cairns from Gore, New Zealand was successful in her application to attend Camerata this year. It was Taylor's first year at the Buller Country Music Festival where she achieved top three status in the Intermediate section also winning the highest scoring local entrant.
Continuing Tamworth's goodwill relationship with Gore, Taylor will be sponsored by Tourism Tamworth at Camerata 2004.

It's an exciting time for young people in country music with so many resources at their fingertips. Tamworth Camerata precedes the Hats Off to Country Festival incorporating the CCMA 12th Winter Junior Talent Quest.

Girls outnumber boys in 2004 Camerata
Tamworth Camerata 2004 organisers have completed the painstaking exercise in selection making all the difficult decisions and have a final list of 22, rather than the target of 21.

Co-ordinators Joan Douglas and Greg Williams said this was due to the exceptionally high standard of applicants for the junior country music school for young performers 18 and younger.

The third annual Tamworth Camerata will be staged from Friday July 2nd to Thursday, July 8 in Tamworth - The Australian Capital of Country Music.

Leaders within the Country Music .Industry have recognised the importance of the school that is considered a vital stepping-stone in the learning process for young performers interested in a professional career in country music.

Like the Country Music Association of Australia (CMAA) Australian College of Country Music for artists 18yrs and older, thes young performers will benefit from expert instruction in various facets of the industry.

Industry professionals share a wealth of knowledge with these up and coming performers, giving advice not only to students but also to their parents, who receive an education and are advised of the pitfalls and high points to come in their child's career.

Songwriting and performance are major focus areas, with the course culminating in a Final sponsor's concert on the night of Thursday, July 8th in the Scully Room of Southgate Inn.

In addition to this private function, this year for the very first time a Tamworth Camerata Concert of former graduates will be open to the public - on Friday July 9 at the Southgate Inn 8pm, with tickets available from the venue.

The successful 2004 students are Kirsty Lee Akers (NSW), Candice Arlott (Qld), Kimberley Bowden (Qld), Jenna Brooks (Qld), Taylor Cairns (New Zealand), Sharnee Fenwick (NSW), Shea Fisher (QLD), Katie Brianna (NSW), Sarah Griffin (SW), Julieanne Handcock (NSW), Ben Hazell (NSW), Luke Herlihy (NEW ZEALAND), Kate-Louise Judd (NSW), Julian Luke (QLD), Rachel MacKenzie (QLD), Jessica Mauboy (NT), Claye Middleton (QLD), Rebecca Lee Nye (QLD), Danielle Stefanetti (WA), Patrick Webster (NT), Daisy May Wegner (QLD), Corinne Whitman (QLD).
From a combination of 11 scholarship winners and 11 individual applicants, they come from NSW (6), QLD (10), WA (1), NT (2), SA (1), New Zealand (2).

Of the successful students 5 are males and 17 are females, with an average age of 15, the eldest being 18 and the youngest 13. Corinne Whitman attends her 3rd Camerata, with Ben Hazell, Patrick Webster and Clay Middleton also have previously attended.

For further information and interviews please contact the Tamworth Camerata office on 02 6765 4875. . .

APPLICATIONS CLOSE next Wednesday, March 31, for the third annual Tamworth Camerata.
Tamworth Camerata is a formal annual country music school for young performers and musicians aged 18 years or less wishing to pursue a career in country music. The school involves six days of extensive workshops with key personnel from the Australian Country Music Industry allowing students the opportunity to interact with peers while establishing valuable networking contacts for the future. Each year, around 21 students participate with many already creating success for themselves, such as South Australia's Andrew Sellars recently reached the top five in the Seven Network Popstars series. Other young performers making a noise in the industry include The Baileys, Victoria Bailey, Aaron Bolton, Briana Lee Brassil, Leah Briggs, Katrina Burgoyne, Josh Canning, Cameron Clayton, Ben Hazell Nick Kingswell, Claye Middleton, Brooke Schubert, Aleyce Simmonds and Shandell Tosoni (just to mention a few!). "The quality of applications each year is astounding," said Camerata Co-ordinator Greg Williams, "making it increasingly difficult to choose for the limited spaces available." Of the available placements, seven are scholarships available from the following organisations some of which have already named their recipient... Arts SA - Cindy Shelton Memorial Award; Axiom Enterprises; Tamworth Songwriters' Association; New Zealand's Buller Country Music Club; Mildura Country Music Festival; Queensland Champion Of Champions (Rebecca Lee Nye). Last year's CCMA Winter Junior Talent Quest Overall Junior & Juvenile Winners and both former Camerata graduates Ben Hazell and Northern Territorian Patrick Webster each receive Tamworth City Council scholarships. "Twenty-one local businesses become involved in Camerata by sponsoring a child with most developing a life long relationship with the student child and their family," Greg said. Tamworth Camerata is grateful to the support and major sponsorship of Coca Cola Amatil, APRA/AMCOS, Fender, Prime TV, Tamworth Towers Motor Inn, The Northern Daily Leader, Radio 2TM, Southgate Inn, The Pub and Family Hotel. Further Information can be obtained from The Pub Management on 02 6765 4875 or by viewing the Tamworth Camerata website www.thepub.com.au/camerata.

ANNA MACDONALD, New Zealand – graduate 2003
Performed Family Band EIEIO in NZ 2003
Winner of vocal and gospel gold guitars junior (12 and under)
runner up vocal Trucking awards 2003
Tamworth Country Music Festival 2004
Sang as a trio with sisters Rita & Kristin on Tamara Stewarts concert
Support performer for Aaron Bolton & Aleyce Simmonds
Opening Concert - duo with Pat Webster at Bicentenial Park
Performed in Tamworth Camerata Reunion Concert Southgate Inn Performed in Tamworth Camerata Reunion Concert Family Hotel Sang in one of Bellas concerts at Southgate Inn
Winner of 12 and under vocal section CCMA Jamboree

BROOKE SCHUBERT, Queensland – graduate 2002

Special guest on Lee Kernaghan Electric Rodeo Tour.
Won the Gympie Muster 2002
Attended the 2003 CMAA College of Country Music
Performed in Winners & Grinners concert at The Pub Performed in Tamworth Camerata Reunion Concert Family Hotel
Performed at the Maton Guitar Showcase with Normie Rowe, Ross Wilson, Lee Kernaghan and Jimmy Barnes
Has been accepted into the Griffith University studying a Bachelor of Popular Music

CHRISTIE DAVIS, Queensland – graduate 2002 & scholarship winner 2003
January - Noosa Country Music Festival Appearance
21Tamworth Country Music Festival 2004 Appearances:
CCMA Young Guns Concert - Town Hall Tamworth Camerata Reunion Concert Southgate Inn Tamworth Camerata Reunion Concert Family Hotel Young Country Stars Showcase -The Pub TSA Songwriting Showcase - Wests League Club, Cowboys Bar multiple performances Daily Target’s Peel St Stage Camp Quality Float in the Tamworth Country Music Festival Cavalcade Today Show live broadcast from TREC Coca Cola Hands of Fame Park Stage Busking Championships Finals - Bicentennial Park Stage

BEN HAZELL, Tamworth – graduate 2002, and scholarship winner to 2004
Current NSW/ACT under 18 Champion.
Won recording time at Hey Hey It's Country Talent Quest – First place.
Won Australian & Stan Coster Memorial trophy - First in songwriting at Manilla Country Music Festival
Won a special encouragement award and cash prize at Johnny Young’s Country Talent Quest 2004.
Won 13-16 years vocal, gospel and the duo (third year in a row) at the CCMA National Talent Quest 2004.
Final 8 contestants – Aristocrat Entertainer of the Year Quest

JOSH CANNING, NSW – graduate 2002
Has released his debut 4 track EP/CD “Strong Enough”, produced by Bill Chambers.
He appeared twice on GSL Australian Country Artists Vol 2.
Won Tuggerah heat of the “Telstra Road to Tamworth” competition and then the final 5 in the Grand Final
Reaching the final 8 in Country Music section of the International Song Writing Competition in the USA
He also has dabbled in acting in current Star Wars movie being shot in Sydney.

SHANDELL TOSONI, Queensland – graduate 2002

Winner of the Road to Tamworth Cairns Heat with an original song - Top 20 Finalist (Jan 2004)
Performed on CCMA Young Guns Show with Felicity and Troy Cassar-Daly (Jan 2004)
First Place Senior Female Vocal at the CCMA Talent Quest (Jan 2004)
Guest artist on two Topp Twins Shows at Blazes - Wests League Club (Jan 2004)
Invited to be interviewed and perform 3 songs with Terri Clark - Live Telstra Broadcast on the World Wide Web (Jan 2004)
Grand Finalist in the Aristocrat Entertainer of the Year (Jan 2004)
Guest artist at the Official Closing Concert at the TREC (Jan 2004)
Invited to perform on all of the North Queensland Showcase Shows at Wests (Jan 2004)
Opened Lee Kernaghan's "Electric Rodeo Tour" Show at the Bundy Stadium in Cairns (Oct 2003)
Winner of Traditional Section and placed in Country Rock Section at the Gympie Muster (Aug 2003)
Top 10 Grand Finalist at the Gympie Muster (Aug 2003)
Winner of my sections at the Emerald Gems of Country Music Fest. (June 2003)
Winner of the Junior Cultural at the Australia Day Awards for my Musical achivements (Jan 2003)
Winner of Country Rock Section at North Queensland Champion of Champions (Oct 2002)
Finalist in the Junior Queensland Champion of Champions (Nov 2002)
Junior Grand Overall Winner at Sarina Country Music Festival (July 2002)

BRIANA LEE BRASSIL, Victoria – graduate 2003
July 2003- Recorded 2 originals at Studio 52 Melbourne for the Kool Skools multi media recording project
October 2003- Sang National Anthem @ the ROD LAVER ARENA for the Supercross Masters
October 2003- Won "Best Ballad" award for original song "Dust of Grey", inspired by the September 11 attacks
"Best Female Vocalist" @ the Kool Skools multi media national recording project awards night in Melbourne.
Tamworth Country Music Festival 2004
Placed in Junior Entertainer of the Year quest
Performed in Tamworth Camerata Reunion Concert Southgate Inn Performed in Tamworth Camerata Reunion Concert Family Hotel Appeared on the Young Country Stars Concert at The Pub
All girls Show- Legends Bar- West Tamworth Leagues Club
Lee Forster & Briana Lee Shows- Cowboys bar- West Tamworth Leagues Club
Appeared on the Tomkins Guitar Showcase- Cowboys Bar- West Tamworth Leagues Club
Allan Tomkins from Tomkins Guitars generously lent one of his brand new guitars for the duration of the festival***
Great Southern Land Showcases (GSL) - Country Comfort Motel
CCMA Showcase (Special guest)- The Pub
Appeared on the Bill Chambers Jam session- The Pub
Hey Hey It's Country- West Tamworth Bowling Club
Appeared with Alby Pool- Cowboys bar- West Tamworth Leagues Club
Young Stars Concert (special guest)- The Pub
Appeared on the Closing Concert at TREC (Tamworth Regional Entertainment Centre)

Feb 2004 with Nick Kingswell, at the Whittlesea Country Music Festival.
Equal first in Junior Vocal, prize - a mobile phone each and cash
Won Open Duet section, prize - cordless phone each and cash
Overall winners - Mobile phone each & cash, recording time, & spot on Buttercup Concert Tamworth 2005

BROCK COLLEY, NSW – graduate 2002 & 2003
Junior Qld Instrumental Champion
Parklands studio Award Winner at Qld Champion of Champions.
Received a N.S.W Business Grant for Young Emerging Artists.
Performing throughout N.S.W hosting own Shows.
Performed in Tamworth Camerata Reunion Concert Southgate Inn Performed in Tamworth Camerata Reunion Concert Family Hotel Recording Debut C.D in April with Roger Corbett.
Finalist in the Cavalier Talent Search at South Tamworth.
Two Songs in the top 5 TSA National Songwriting Competition.
Guest Spot for Col Finley,
Appeared on the Vault Stage
Performed with Troy Cassar-Daley & Carter & Carter on the Country Music Train,
Performed at the Songwriters Showcase at the Pub,
Performed on the TSA stage at Wests.
Preparing to co-write songs with Michael Bryers & Scott Shelly

SARAH COLLETT, Queensland - graduate 2003

Week-long song writing workshop with Roger Corbett in Grafton (Sept 03)
Featured artist at Austcountry Festivals - Monto, June 2003, Ipswich Oct 2003 and Lismore Nov 2003
2 songs on the Austcountry Compilation Album (released at Ipswich) being promoted at these Festivals
Performances at Caboolture RSL and Woodford Golf Club
Tamworth Country Music Festival 2004:
Daily performances North Qld Showcase at Wests Leagues Club
Performed in Tamworth Camerata Reunion Concert Southgate Inn
Performed in Tamworth Camerata Reunion Concert Family Hotel
Invited to perform at the Bill Chambers gig at the Pub with Claye Middleton
Finalist with Claye at CCMA in the Junior Duo Section
Have been invited to the Urban Music Festival in May at Caboolture

NICK KINGSWELL, Victoria – graduate 2003
Since Camerata 2003, Won Senior Overall and Grand Overall at the Top of the State Talent Quest.
Tamworth Country Music Festival 2004
CCMA Pub Jam, performing and playing guitar in the band
Roll of Renown Concert (playing rhythm guitar for Shorty Ranger)
Performed in Tamworth Camerata Reunion Concert Southgate Inn Performed in Tamworth Camerata Reunion Concert Family Hotel Young Country Stars Showcase at The Pub
Appeared on the Closing Concert at TREC (Tamworth Regional Entertainment Centre)
Feb 2004 with Briana Lee, at the Whittlesea Country Music Festival.
Equal first in Junior Vocal, prize - a mobile phone each and cash
Won Open Duet section, prize - cordless phone each and cash
Overall winners - Mobile phone each & cash, recording time, & spot on Buttercup Concert Tamworth 2005

CLAYE MIDDLETON, Queensland - 2003 graduate
Won the BEST OVERALL ACT at Queenslands Redlands Country Music Festival
Won all Junior sections entered, namely GOSPEL, SOLO, AUSTRALIAN AUTHENTIC SONG, COUNTRY ROCK, OPEN ORIGINAL, and followed that by winning the JUNIOR OVERALL prize.
Only Junior to compete against the seniors for BEST OVERALL ACT, which he consequently won.
Numerous trophies are now his, a Sony stereo system & 8hrs Recording time with Regency Studios,
Tamworth Country Music Festival 2004
Won the Coca-Cola Talent Quest
Placed in the Aristocrat Entertainer of the Year Quest & South Tamworth Bowls Club Talent Quest
Performed in Tamworth Camerata Reunion Concert Southgate Inn Performed in Tamworth Camerata Reunion Concert Family Hotel Young Country Stars Showcase at The Pub

MATTHEW ALLEN, Western Australia – graduate 2002
In 2002, Matt competed in the Western Australian Young Performer's of the Year Awards and won runner-up and first place in the vocal ensemble category. Following up in 2003 at the Western Australian Young Performer's of the Year Awards by winning the Vocal Ensemble category again, and the Vocal Duet category.

Picked up by management agency "V.I.P Entertainment" in early 2003, Matt has performed at many concerts and venues since. As he was always interested in songwriting he also recorded some of his own songs with Aria-award winning producer/songwriter Boyd Wilson and plans to continue to write and record.

In 2003, Matt participated in the inaugral "Western Stars Spectacular" which is a showcase of Western Australian Talent held at the prestigious Perth Concert Hall. Matt also graduated from secondary education in 2003 and has been accepted to study classical voice/music at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, which is a university located in Mount Lawley, Perth.

Into 2004, Matt plans on completing his degree and has just performed in what has been the highlight of his career so far. He was the support act for Rolf Harris in his "Australia Day Weekend Concert" just recently on January 25th 2004. Looking into the future, Matt cannot wait to gain greater experience in the music industry and plans to have a life-long career.

JARED SCOTT, Tamworth – graduate 2003
Tamworth Country Music Festival 2004
Manilla and District annual Talent Quest - Won Junior Instrumental and placed in the Junior Australian, Junior Country Rock, and 2nd Overall
Finalist in Cavalier Talent Quest at South Tamworth Bowls Club
Final five in the Junior Vocal section at the CCMA Talent Quest
Won Instrumental Section
Played with Phil Emmanuel as a guest artist with Sally-Anne Whitten at South Bowlo.
Performed in Tamworth Camerata Reunion Concert Family Hotel
KATRINA BURGOYNE, NSW – graduate 2002 & scholarship winner 2003
Selected into The Talent Development project, travelling to Sydney once a month for workshops
Qualified for both the NSW&ACT - Queensland Champion of Champtions
Semi-Finalist Telstra “Road to Tamworth” Quest
Song co-wrting with Scott Shelly, Micheal Carr, Jim Haynes, & Matt Scullion
Won 38th Annual CCMA Songwriting section - with "As Soon as the Sun Goes Down" co-writen with Scott Shelly
Finalist with "Tied to the Train Track" co-written with Micheal Carr
Performing at the TSA awards (recipient of the Camerata Scholaship 2003),
TSA Songwriting Showcase,
Appearances at The Pub and Southgate Inn with the Songwriters,
Vault Stage appearances and various guest spots
Performed in Tamworth Camerata Reunion Concert Southgate Inn Performed in Young Country Stars concert at The Pub

CAMERON CLAYTON, New Zealand – graduate 2002
Won the Aristocrat Country Senior Entertainer of the year with Krista Thomson Appeared each day on the Topp twins show at Blazes. Appeared at the Town Hall on the NZ Gold Guitars Showcase. Apppeared twice on the Jim Haynes breakky show. Sung on various other shows-Coca - Cola in the Park and the like. Mixed with top Country stars Continuing Bachelor Of Performing Arts Degree
Dennis Marsh's (top NZ Country Artist) guest on his South Island Tour.
Entering NZ Gold Guitars in June

CCMA Winter Junior Talent Quest – Camerata results
Great News!
Congratulations Camerata graduates, both 2002 and 2003, who dominated the recent CCMA Winter Junior Talent Quest in Tamworth, winning both the Junior and Juvenile Overall championships, and filling 2nd and 3rd in Junior Overall, and 2nd in Juvenile Overall.

In addition to this success, Overall Junior winner Tamworths 16 year old Ben Hazell, a 2002 Camerata graduate won a (of two awarded) Tamworth City Council scholarship to Camerata 2004. Ben also proudly won the Geoff Brown Memorial Award.

Ben Hazell

Overall Juvenile winner 12 year old Pat Webster from Northern Territory, a 2003 Camerata graduate, won the other Tamworth City Council scholarship to Camerata 2004.

Pat Webster

Notably Claye Middleton, a 2003 Camerata graduate and Country Rock section winner, won the Luke Newland Memorial Award.

Incredibly, Camerata graduates won 15 of the 16 sections in competition, filling 19 of the 32 second and third placings available, as well as also gaining an extra 16 finalist berths.

Eleven visiting Camerata graduates were winners of sections.

Nine visiting Camerata graduates won second and third placings.

What a fantastic result, and it justifies the decision to run Camerata immediately preceding this wonderful talent quest. Camerata graduates from afar, who wouldn’t normally be in Tamworth at this time, certainly make the competition so much more intense and interesting.

Last years Overall Junior winner and Tamworth City Council scholarship winner, Aleyce Simmonds, was a featured guest performer on the Finals night entertainment on Saturday 12th July.

RESULTS

Overall Winner Junior: Ben Hazell – Tamworth 2002 Camerata graduate (wins a Camerata 2004 scholarship)

Overall 2nd; Vanessa Shirley – SA 2003 Camerata scholarship winner

Overall 3rd: Katrina Burgoyne – Gunnedah, NSW 2002 & 2003 Camerata graduate

Overall Winner Juvenile: Pat Webster – Northern Territory 2003 Camerata graduate (wins a Camerata 2004 scholarship)

Overall 2nd: Anna MacDonald – New Zealand 2003 Camerata graduate

Overall 3rd: Sheree Haysom

Geoff Brown Memorial Award:- Ben Hazell – Tamworth 2002 Camerata graduate

Luke Newland Memorial Award: Claye Middleton - Queensland Camerata 2003 graduate
SECTIONS
Junior Country Gospel

Winner: Vanessa Shirley – SA 2003 Camerata scholarship winner

2nd: Ben Hazell – Tamworth 2002 Camerata graduate

3rd: Penelope Somerville – Bendigo 2002 & 2003 Camerata graduate

2 other finalists: Katrina Burgoyne – Gunnedah 2002 & 2003 Camerata graduate

Melissa Partridge – New Zealand 2003 Camerata graduate

22 contestants
Juvenile Male Vocal
Winner: Pat Webster – Northern Territory 2003 Camerata graduate

2nd: Rowan McKinnon

3rd: Shayne Lenord

3 contestants
Junior Country Duet
Winners: Ben Hazell & Roshani Priddis (Ben – Tamworth 2002 Camerata graduate)

2nd: Sarah Collett & Claye Middleton (both Queensland Camerata 2003 graduates)

3rd: Vanessa Shirley & Jared Scott (Vanessa SA 2003 Camerata graduate, Jared Tamworth 2003 Camerata graduate)

2 other finalists: Tara Spence & Katrina Burgoyne (Katrina Gunnedah 2002 & 2003 Camerata graduate)

Brock Colley & Penelope Somerville (Brock Armidale 2002 & 2003 Camerata graduate, Penelope Bendigo 2002 & 2003 Camerata graduate)

11 contestants
Juvenile Female Vocal
Winner Anna MacDonald – New Zealand 2003 Camerata graduate

2nd: Sarah Roberts

3rd: Loretta Lewington

11 contestants
Junior Instrumental
Winner: Penelope Somerville – Bendigo 2002 & 2003 Camerata graduate

2nd: Brock Colley - Armidale 2002 & 2003 Camerata graduate

3rd: Ben Hazell – Tamworth 2002 Camerata graduate

2 other finalists: Jared Scott - Tamworth 2003 Camerata graduate

Katrina Burgoyne - Gunnedah 2002 & 2003 Camerata graduate

7 contestants
Juvenile Instrumental
Winner: Emma Roberts

2nd: Sarah Roberts

3rd: Pat Webster – Northern Territory 2003 Camerata graduate

7 contestants
Songwriting Open
Winner: Sarah Collett - Queensland Camerata 2003 graduate

2nd: Katrina Burgoyne - Gunnedah 2002 & 2003 Camerata graduate

3rd: Claye Middleton - Queensland Camerata 2003 graduate

2 other finalists: Lauren Brede – WA 2002 & 2003 Camerata graduate

Ben Hazell – Tamworth 2002 Camerata graduate

16 contestants
Juvenile Australian Country
Winner: Pat Webster – Northern Territory 2003 Camerata graduate

2nd: Loretta Lewington

3rd: Sheree Haysom

14 contestants
Junior Country Rock
Winner: Claye Middleton - Queensland Camerata 2003 graduate

2nd: Katrina Burgoyne - Gunnedah 2002 & 2003 Camerata graduate

3rd: Jodie Boni - WA 2003 Camerata graduate

2 other finalists: Brock Colley - Armidale 2002 & 2003 Camerata graduate

Vanessa Shirley – SA 2003 Camerata graduate

24 contestants
Junior Female Vocal
Winner: Jodie Boni - WA 2003 Camerata graduate

2nd: Melissa Partridge – New Zealand 2003 Camerata graduate

3rd: Vanessa Shirley – SA 2003 Camerata graduate

2 other finalists: Penelope Somerville – Bendigo 2002 & 2003 Camerata graduate

Katie Giddings

21 contestants
Juvenile Country Gospel
Winner: Anna MacDonald - New Zealand 2003 Camerata graduate

2nd: Sheree Haysom

3rd: Loretta Lewington

11 contestants
Junior Male Vocal
Winner: Brock Colley - Armidale 2002 & 2003 Camerata graduate

2nd: Ben Hazell – Tamworth 2002 Camerata graduate

3rd: Claye Middleton - Queensland Camerata 2003 graduate

other finalists: Nick Kingswell – Victoria 2003 Camerata graduate

Sam Hile - Tamworth 2003 Camerata graduate

Jared Scott - Tamworth 2003 Camerata graduate

6 contestants
Juvenile Country Duet
Winners: Pat Webster & Anna MacDonald (Pat Northern Territory 2003 Camerata graduate, Anna New Zealand 2003 Camerata graduate)

2nd: Emma & Sarah Roberts

3rd; Loretta Lewington & Sheree Haysom

4 contestants
Juvenile Country Rock
Winner: Pat Webster – Northern Territory 2003 Camerata graduate

2nd: Anna MacDonald – New Zealand 2003 Camerata graduate

3rd: Sheree Haysom

11 contestants
Junior Australian Country
Winner: Ben Hazell – Tamworth 2002 Camerata graduate

2nd: Katrina Burgoyne - Gunnedah 2002 & 2003 Camerata graduate

3rd: Nick Kingswell – Victoria 2003 Camerata graduate

2 other finalists: Brock Colley - Armidale 2002 & 2003 Camerata graduate

Vanessa Shirley – SA 2003 Camerata graduate

24 contestants
Group Open
Winners: Penelope Somerville Group (all Cams – Ben, Brock, Vanessa, Jodie, Nick)

2nd: Jared Scott Group (some Cams)

3rd; Emma & Sarah Roberts Group

9 contestants

TAMWORTH CAMERATA 2003 SUCCESS

THE second Tamworth Camerata has successfully concluded, and lived up to all expectations.

Twenty four participants graduated from the youth Country Music school, presenting a spectacular Sponsors Concert on the final night, Thursday July 10, together with group leaders, tutors and members of the Camerata All Star Band, at Country Music Capital's Southgate Inn.

The 2003 Tamworth Camerata graduates are...

Aleyce Simmonds NSW, Anna MacDonald NZ, Briana Brassil VIC, Christie Davis QLD, Corinne Whitman QLD, Hailey Burgess NSW, Jodie Boni WA, Katrina Burgoyne NSW, Lauren Brede WA, Leah Briggs SA, Matilda Sommers NSW, Melissa Partridge NZ, Penelope Somerville VIC, Rachel McGlashan VIC, Sarah Collett QLD, Vanessa Shirley SA, Brock Colley NSW, Callum Gleeson VIC, Claye Middleton QLD, Jared Scott NSW, Nick Kingswell VIC, Nick Laing VIC, Pat Webster NT & Sam Hile NSW

"Last years Camerata graduates set a very high standard of excellence, and I’m pleased to say the 2003 graduates measured up completely to this" said Camerata co-founder Greg Williams. They all had "a wonderful, valuable learning experience!”.

The twenty four students, average age -15, from all over Australia, including two from New Zealand, underwent an intensive six day training program put together by Coordinator Greg Williams, guided by industry professionals including:

Lyn Bowtell, Roger Corbett, Tamara Stewart, Mark Moulynox, Felicity, Dobe Newton, Trev Warner, Kevin Anderson, Glen Hannah, Doug Gallacher and Ian Lees.

As a complete surprise, Beccy Cole took time out from her tour for a fly in visit to speak to the Camerata students and parents.

Underwritten by Tamworth’s Douglas Family hotel group -The Pub, South Gate Inn and The Family Hotel, Camerata was also supported by numerous scholarship awarders and sponsors, who "adopt" a student and follow their progress during and after Camerata.

Tamworth Camerata 2003 students announced

After a painstaking exercise in selection from so many quality applications, the tough decisions were made, and a final list of 24 top young Country Music performers will be attending the second Tamworth Camerata – youth Country Music school from Saturday July 5^th till Thursday 10^th.

From a combination of 10 scholarship winners and 14 individual applicants, they come from:

New South Wales (8),
Queensland (3),
Victoria (6),
Western Australia (2),
South Australia (2),
Northern Territory (1)
and New Zealand (2).
Selected were 8 males and 16 females, with an average age of 15, the eldest being 17 and the youngest 12.
They’ll benefit from expert instruction in various facets of Country Music from knowledgeable industry professionals at Camerata. Songwriting and Performance are major focus areas, which will culminate in a Finale Sponsors concert on the night of Thursday July 10^th at Southgate Inn’s Scully Room.
Congratulations to Tamworth Camerata 2003 students


Aleyce Simmonds, NSW Anna MacDonald, NZ


Briana Brassil, Vic Brock Colley, NSW


Callum Gleeson, Vic


Christie Davis, Qld Claye Middleton, Qld


Corinne Whitman, Qld


Daniel Conway, NSW


Hailey Burgess, NSW Jared Scott, NSW


Jodie Boni, WA


Katrina Burgoyne, NSW Lauren Brede, WA


Leah Briggs, SA


Matilda Sommers, NSW Melissa Partridge, NZ


Nicholas Laing, Vic


Nick Kingswell, Vic


Patrick Webster, NT


Penelope Somerville, Vic Rachel McGlashan, Vic


Sam Hile, NSW Vanessa Shirley, SA

For more Tamworth Camerata detail log on to the website, www.thepub.com.au/camerata.