The Central Coast Conservatorium of Music’s newly-renovated building at 45 Mann Street, Gosford, was a flurry of activity on Monday 31 January with admin staff and teachers checking out their new digs as part of  their Professional Development Day.

Music teachers met with Central Coast Conservatorium of Music’s new CEO, Dr Lisa Barnes, and were given a tour of the revamped historic building – a former police station dating from 1849. Throughout the day presentations were held in the new-look Robert Knox Hall, with staff taking advantage of the new tiered seating in the auditorium. 

After a welcome from Artistic Director, Patrick Brennan and Dr Lisa Barnes, audio-visual technician Tim Sheumack gave teachers a run-down of the new microphones, high-definition video cameras, stage lighting and remote-control wireless AV equipment in the auditorium. 

“The sound system upgrade includes 12 new microphones and stands, four new DI boxes (three mono/1 stereo), a digital mixer (which can be controlled remotely via iPad app) and new front of house speaker and foldback system,” explained Tim.

“The new video cameras are remotely controlled (pan/tilt/zoom) and fed into a four-input live switcher, which will enable live-streaming and recording of concerts. The setup also includes a dedicated iMac, which offers industry standard composition and video editing software.”

Refreshments and lunch were provided in the covered courtyard adjoining the old cell blocks (now the management offices!).

Jonathan Sheeran of Music Monitor – a  database system which helps handle the admin needs, enrolments and class allocations of music departments in schools – gave teachers an overview of updates to the program via Zoom. 

After lunch, motivational speaker Anthony Burke delivered an entertaining and thought-provoking presentation on Creating Opportunities, before many teachers headed off to start their first lessons of the year around the Con.