Would-be’s Learn Wood Wind from the Best

Principal Clarinet of Orchestra Victoria, Paul Champion, recently visited Girton Grammar School to conduct a master class for clarinet and VCE Music students from all over Bendigo.

Headmaster at Girton Grammar School, Mr Matthew Maruff, said that Mr Champion was one of Australia’s finest clarinetists and is in high demand as a clinician and teacher at universities both here and overseas.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for music students to develop a deeper appreciation of how an instrument should sound from someone who has truly mastered it.

“Paul is the Principal Clarinet of Orchestra Victoria and Guest Principal of the Australian World Orchestra so this is a very privileged opportunity for our 25 clarinet players and for music students from other schools to learn from the best,” Mr Maruff said.

In 1997 Paul gained his Licentiate of Music (LMus) Diploma though the AMEB, and a Fellowship of Music (FMus) Diploma the following year. Paul was a member of the Sydney Symphony Sinfonia program, and has been guest principal clarinet with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, the Queensland Orchestra, the Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra (AOBO), and the Sydney Concert Orchestra. Paul has also performed in many recording sessions for movie soundtracks and advertisements for radio and television.

“Having professional musicians like Mr Champion teach the students their instrument is memorable and invaluable on so many levels.

“It’s really inspiring for the students to hear all about the life of a musician and for them to learn some of the finer points about playing their chosen instrument,” he said.

 

Ella Berr (9 Jenkin) with Mr Paul Champion during the recent Master Class
Ella Berry (9 Jenkin) with Mr Paul Champion during the recent Master Class at Girton Grammar School.