Grammar Gazette- Issue 1, 2008

IN FOCUS

Colin Brumby presenting Mr Holley and Lucinda Barry with the award at the 4MBS studio

Music Teacher of the Year Earlier this year, one of the School’s music teachers, Mr Paul Holley, was awarded the 4MBS Classic FM Music Teacher of the Year for 2007. This award is generated by students nominating their teacher to show their appreciation and support. Lucinda Barry (12O) and Felicity Martin (12O) nominated Mr Holley and were so pleased to have his work recognised and acknowledged.

Earlier this year, Brisbane Girls Grammar School was involved in the Australian Combined Schools Music Festival which was held in Canberra and Mr Holley was the Chamber Choir conductor, which I was privileged enough to attend. At the festival I was able to see the work of other conductors, which showed me how truly talented Mr Holley is. I also watched many of the other students from around Australia who had not had the chance to work with him, grow to respect him for his talent and dedication as a conductor. Lucinda Barry (12O) and Felicity Martin (12O)

Mr Holley is a very dedicated music teacher. He teaches voice at Girls Grammar and conducts five choirs — Chamber Singers, Grammar Singers, Chorale, Grammar Voices and Grammar Chorus in addition to an adult choir called the Community Choir. With all of these choirs, he also organises big events, like the School’s Gala Concert and gives vocal lessons to students. Although he barely has a spare minute, he always finds the time to have a chat with all of the students, which makes him not only a great teacher, but a great friend. Outside of the School, Mr Holley also finds time to conduct many choirs, including the Birralee Blokes who have been named the best choir in Australia and ABC Classic FM’s Choir of the Year.

Mr Holley was surprised and extremely grateful for this recognition: ‘To receive this award was a great honour because it came from the students. To be recognised by your peers is one thing but to be recognised and appreciated by the ones you work for is something special’.

12 grammar gazette autumn 2008