2021 SFYP Programme

MR MARIO KECZAN After completing his studies at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, Mario furthered his music studies at the Ferenc Liszt Music Academy. In 2001, he was one of the fifteen young musicians from around the world invited to the International Menuhin Music Academy in Switzerland, where he performed with the Menuhin Ensemble. Mario has also participated in master classes and workshops in Europe with a range of world-class musicians including Alberto Lysy, Zakhar Bron and the renowned Tibor Varga - music educator and violinist. Mario now shares his love of music with students from Somerset College. MS NATALIE KIRK Natalie Kirk is a formally trained actress and Speech and Drama teacher. She graduated From the University of Wollongong with a Bachelor of Creative Arts Majoring in Theatre Performance. Natalie has further qualifications in Speech and Drama from Trinity College of London. Natalie's teaching career includes teaching Speech and Drama and group Drama classes as well as Drama lessons for adults and teenagers with disabilities, in Wollongong, Sydney and at the Clarence Valley Conservatorium of Music. Natalie currently teaches Drama as part of the Amp's program at Kings Christian College. Natalie enjoys sharing her passion for poetry and theatre and fostering a love of performing in children. MRS LEISA KIRSTEIN Leisa Kirstein is a resident piano teacher at Somerset College and has been teaching for 25 years. Leisa also currently teaches piano/theory at Marymount College and has previously taught at Merrimac State School, Surfers State School, Kids on Keys and Saint Francis Xavier. Leisa’s early years teaching included both experience teaching a performing skills program through Early Childhood Centres with Stageworkx and founding Eenie Meenie Maestros where she directed Kindermusik classes on the gold Coast. Leisa completed practical performance exams with Trinity College of Music, AMEB and GUILD in both piano and electronic organ studies. Leisa enjoys working with students of all ages, accompanying and is a proud supporter of the Somerset Festival for Young Performers. MS KIAH LESLIE MS HELEN LITTLE Helen is currently working both nationally and overseas as a teacher, examiner and adjudicator, as well as teaching instrumental music at Somerset College. She has been involved not only as an adjudicator but also as convenor of the National Eisteddfod in Canberra, and the initial development of the Miles Franklin Music Festival and the Somerset Festival. She was a conductor for nine years at Musicfest, participated in a concert band tour to the International Band Festival in Taiwan, and sang at the Advent Festival in Vienna as part of a Brisbane based choir. Even though this is her 26 th festival, she is still always thrilled to see the enthusiasm and development of the young performers and is delighted to welcome back so many past participants as either teachers, adjudicators or parents of current participants. MS ASHLEIGH MILES Ashleigh is a graduate of Griffith University with a Bachelor of Education, majoring in Music and English. She is also a qualified Simply Music Educator and Kindermusik Educator. Ashleigh has played Piano for over 25 years and has tutored Piano, Keyboard and Theory since 2004. Ashleigh has tutored at many schools including Marymount College and Somerset College. Currently Ashleigh teaches at Saint Stephens College and AB Paterson College, whilst also teaching at her home studio. Ashleigh is also a qualified accompanist, playing for many student exams, school choirs, and Musicals at Marymount College, Aquinas College and Spotlight Theatre. MS ALLISON O’LEARY Allison is an English teacher and the Year 12 English Coordinator at Varsity College. With qualifications from the University of Queensland and the University of Southern Queensland in English Literature and Cultural & Communication studies, Allison enjoys providing opportunities for young people to develop their confidence and abilities in spoken mediums. She is excited about supporting students in their development as performers and communicators.

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