National Council
President: Michael Fulcher
Email: m_d_fulcher@yahoo.co.uk
Michael Fulcher has broad experience as a Choral Conductor with Symphonic, Chamber and Cathedral choirs as well as opera choruses. He was formerly Director of Music, Trinity College, Melbourne (1994-96); Director of Music, Wellington Cathedral, NZ and Music Director of the Wellington Orpheus Choir (2004-11). In the latter role he chorusmastered the massed choirs for a Mahler Eighth Symphony performance directed by Vladimir Ashkenazy for the 2010 NZ International Arts Festival. He is currently Organist of St John 's Cathedral Brisbane and a sought-after operatic vocal coach.
Vice President: Harley Mead
Email: harleymead1@gmail.com
Harley is a Brisbane-based composer, conductor and educator. He works nationally and internationally with amateur groups, professional ensembles and musicians from all backgrounds, experience and expertise. As a composer, Harley has received numerous commissions including: the Qld Music Festival, Brisbane Birralee Voices, Brisbane Riverfest, Australian Boys’ Choir, Sri Cempaka (Malaysia) and ANCA Qld. His conducting experience
ranges from Choral through to Concert Bands and Symphony Orchestras and he has a
particular interest in realising and supporting the emerging artists / composers
from across Australia. Currently, Harley is working on a research project that
explores Creative Collaborations in Adolescent Musicians.
Secretary: Dr Debra Shearer-Dirié
Email: debrashearer@gmail.com
Dr Debra Shearer-Dirié has worked at The University of Queensland and Queensland Conservatorium teaching choral conducting and aural studies. In 2013 she will be teaching at the Australian Catholic University. Debra is Musical Director of the Brisbane Concert Choir, Founder of the Vox Pacifica Chamber Choir, and Musical Director of Fusion, and conducts the Vintage Voices, a singing ensemble for aged 65+. She has been on the ANCA QLD committee and is current editor of Singout. She holds a Master of Music Education and Doctor of Music degree from Indiana University, USA, and is a freelance conductor and clinician throughout the Australia/New Zealand region.
Treasurer: to be appointed
Council Members
Robert Braham
Email: braham.robert@trinity.wa.edu.au
Dr Robert Braham has an extensive education background having received degrees in Music Education, Arts and a Ph.D in Music through the University of Western Australia. He is Director of Music at Trinity College in Perth and was founding conductor of the WA Youth Chorale. He is currently Musical Director of Voyces, associate conductor of the Saint Mary's Cathedral Choir and adjudicates and workshops around the country.
Katherine Chan
Email: katherine.chan0@gmail.com
Katherine Chan holds a Master of Music (Choral Conducting) from the University of Washington (USA) and a Bachelor of Music Performance and Pedagogy from the QLD Conservatorium of Music, Griffith University. Having won numerous scholarships and awards, Katherine was the Assistant Conductor to the UW Women's Choir. She has studied under Maestro Helmuth Rilling and Weston Noble. Katherine is currently Musical Director of Choral Connection, Choral Director of the Sanctuary choir at St Andrew's Uniting Church, Musical Director of the Recital and Chamber Choir of AYC QLD, and freelance conductor, accompanist and clinican.
Kevin Kelley
Email: kevin.kelley@amuse.vic.edu.au
Owen Nelson
Email: owen.nelson@anca.org.au
Current President of the NSW Branch of ANCA. Owen has been actively involved with ANCA for many years assisting with the co-ordination of the Education Strand at the Sydney Symposium in 1996 and the inaugural Sydney Choralfest. A graduate of Sydney Conservatorium of Music and The Florida State University, Owen is Head of Music at The Hills Grammar School, Kenthurst.
Helen Pietsch
Email: helen.pietsch@gmail.com
Passionate about the provision of choral professional development opportunities for conductors, teachers and choristers, Helen Pietsch has been involved on ANCA state committeess and national council in various capactities since 1995. Helen is currently conducting a church choir, various primary school choirs and regularly assists the SA Public Primary Schools choirs. Helen also served as the Chairperson of the Lutheran Church of Australia's Department of Music.
Administrator
Dr Debra Shearer-Dirié
Email: admin@anca.org.au
