With a commitment to the encouragement of excellence (personal best), the GCYO conductors bring with them an enthusiasm and passion for instructing young musicians. These experienced educators are recognised by their peers for being devoted to developing the benefits music can offer children and young adults.
The Artistic Staff for 2012 include:
* Director of Music & Conductor Youth Symphony: Bruce Davidson, BMus (QCM) ATCL
* Conductor Junior Symphony: Nicole Spargo BMus(Perf); MTeach(Sec/Instr)
* Conductor String Orchestra: Asher Yaniw, B Mus, A (Mus) A
* Conductor Big Band: Malcolm Wood, B Mus (Perf)
* Conductor Little Big Band: Matthew Armstrong, BMus, BEd, AMusA
Bruce Davidson graduated from the Queensland Conservatorium in 1983 with a B. Mus, majoring in violin after studying for four years with Gretchen Schieblich, sister of Frank Schieblich. At the Conservatorium he was an active member of the Conservatorium Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra and Big Band. He was also trained through the Queensland Youth Orchestra and considers himself influenced by the style of John Curro of the Queensland Youth Orchestra. Bruce began at the GCYO as Deputy Conductor in 1984. He works with many private students in Queensland and has been teaching at The Southport School for 26 years. Bruce is the music expert on the GCYO Committee and his vast knowledge and willingness to share it, is vital to the organisation. Whilst the Committee is primarily focussed on the “business” of the organisation, Bruce guides the Committee on all issues relating to our core business – orchestral music. Bruce is currently completing his Diploma of Education at Griffith University. He is married to Miyuki and has two sons - Kentaro (18 years, concert master YS) and Shintaro (22 years, trombone YS). Bruce’s skill set is invaluable to the organisation and he is devoted to the members of the GCYO.
Nicole is an experienced Music educator who brings passion and enthusiasm to all of her classes and ensembles. She taught at several Gold Coast schools early in her career, and she was fortunate to conduct the GCYO String Orchestra for seven years during that time. Nicole left the Gold Coast in 2007 to take up a position at Sheldon College as Subject Co-ordinator for Music, where she taught Academic Music and Music Extension for five years. She established the Australian School of the Arts faculty for Music Excellence, and she developed the lower strings program for the College. Nicole served on the District Panels for Music and Music Extension, and she was a faculty member for the College’s tour to the Beijing Olympics in 2008. She is a keen double bassist, having completed her Bachelor of Music (Performance) in 1999, and she has continued to play in orchestras and ensembles since then. Nicole was a member of the Queensland Youth Symphony for seven years, and she played with the Australian Youth Orchestra National Music Camp ensembles. She runs her own business, The Bass School, which she is expanding in 2012 after having travelled to Chicago to complete a research and conference (The Midwest Clinic) tour in December 2011. Nicole is currently completing her Graduate Diploma in Psychology and she will be tying the knot with her partner Bernie in September this year.
Malcolm commenced dance classes at 7 years and trumpet at 9 years. While at School he performed with the Queensland Youth Orchestra, continued dance and participated in reggae bands. Malcolm graduated from a specialist performing arts school 1989 -Macgregor High School, Brisbane, Queensland. He has travel overseas extensively with musical ensembles - UK, Canada, Denmark, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, Tonga, Vanuatu, Noumea. Malcolm has worked with the Queensland Orchestra, Jerry Lewis, Warner Bros Movieworld, Dreamworld, the Australian Broadcasting Commission, Japanese jazz great-MALTA and many of Australia’s finest musicians. He is currently teaching at five private colleges and performs several times a week in a variety of musical and theatrical ensembles. Malcolm is a member of the Harry Lynn Quartet Playing Jazz at the Basement at the Arts Centre, Gold Coast.
Matthew Armstrong, BMus (Perf), BEd, AMusAMatthew received an AMusA on trumpet from AMEB. He attended QUT and received a B.A.(music) and B. Ed. Matthew was also a foundation member of the GCYO Big Band and also played in the Youth Symphony in 1991- 1993. He has been conducting various groups at GCYO since 2003, including: Concert Band, Wind Ensemble and foundation conductor of Little Big Band. Matthew is well experienced and a valuable asset to GCYO.