Following a meeting late in January, Crashendo! has been pulled back from the brink of disbanding with the successful election of a new president and secretary.
Incoming president Cate Newcomen said it would have been a tragedy if Crashendo! had folded after delivering so much to the community for the past 10 years.
Cate has the skills and experience to continue to drive the organisation in the positive ways established by retiring president Maureen Plunkett.
Committee members praised the outstanding work that Maureen had done over the past 10 years.
Based on the Venezuelan social justice music initiative, El Sistema, Crashendo! is a free community program that uses music education as a pathway to improved social outcomes. Opportunities for young people — especially vulnerable and disadvantaged young people — include professional tuition and participation in community orchestras and public performances.
“Music can change lives for the better,” Cate said.
“And Crashendo! is pivotal in helping to make that happen.”
Attending the meeting was Noah Greaves who as a young boy was in the first group to join Crashendo! in 2013.
Noah said being part of the group, which he called a family, and learning to channel his behavioural challenges at school into playing the violin had changed his life in significant and beneficial ways.
Noah’s mother Bec Brewer agreed saying the music had brought many rewards into Noah’s life. So much does she believe in the difference the Crashendo! program can make, Bec has taken on the role of secretary. She replaces Fiona Venables who is also retiring after a huge contribution over the past eight years.
Founding member Anne Schmidli continues in her role as vice president. Di Dixon continues as treasurer with the pro-bono assistance of Gippsland Accounting Solutions, Sale.
Continuing committee members are Andrea Fail and Kieran Brown, both of whom have had a long association volunteering for Crashendo!
Crashendo! also welcomes newly elected Judy Anne Anderson to the committee also.
That Crashendo! can keep delivering music education is a significant win for Bairnsdale and surrounds.
