Linda May Han Oh Masterclass and Concerts (Helpmann Academy)
Last fortnight, we had the privilege of hosting Grammy Award-winning bassist and composer Linda May Han Oh (Associate Professor at the Berklee College of Music, New York) at the Elder Conservatorium of Music, in partnership with the Helpmann Academy.
During her time in Adelaide, Linda held workshops, masterclasses, rehearsals and 1:1 lessons with our talented students, alumni, and staff. On Tuesday 12 August we had our Honours Ensemble Open Masterclass, where Linda workshopped songs and played with the band. Bass students had group lessons with her before a big bass masterclass (with Dr Lyndon Gray) finished off her first day. This workshop focused on bass-specific concepts: technique, sound production, amplification, string choices, and the importance of knowing the melody.
On Wednesday 13 August Linda workshopped with various small and large ensembles among the year levels, including our Free Jazz Ensemble, Latin Ensemble and Big Band. During the afternoon she gave a composition seminar to students, before giving a Gender Equity Conversation alongside our Jazz Voice Lecturer Lauren Henderson.
On Thursday 14 August Linda began the day by workshopping with different small ensembles before giving her rhythm section masterclass. She also attended forum and watched second- and third-year ensembles perform. Finally, to conclude the day, she gave an Open Masterclass in the Madley Rehearsal Studio, which also showcased some talented high-school students.
On Saturday 16 August, the Helpmann Academy's annual concert and awards ceremony 'A Night of Jazz' was held at UKARIA Cultural Centre over two performances (3.00–5.00pm and 7.30–9.00pm).
Linda was joined on stage by a nine-piece ensemble of award-winning students from the Elder Conservatorium: Chair Anderson (piano), Maisie Aitken (voice), Christopher Allen (bass), Millie Curry (voice), Lachlan Durrans (drums), Kallan Francis (guitar), Courteney Hooper (voice), Lachlan McGargill (saxophone), Jacob Phillips (bass) and Ruby Zoontjens (voice). You can read more about their awards in the Student and Alumni Achievements section below.
During the two concerts, Linda was also joined by an intimate ensemble of Elder Conservatorium staff members, including Lauren Henderson (vocals), James Muller (guitar), Stephen Neville (drums) and our newly-appointed jazz lecturer Timothy Clarkson (saxophone). We are super grateful to Linda for sharing her knowledge with our students, as well as the team at Helpmann Academy for making this extraordinary week of music-making possible. A huge congratulations to all involved!
