In this staff profile, we introduce Mrs Liz Young who joins Matthew Flinders Anglican College as the Co-ordinator of Band, Brass and Woodwind Studies in our Music Department.
Liz is a masterful musician, with a passion for singing and playing a variety of instruments, such as the piano, horn, trombone, trumpet, clarinet and flute.
In the past 30 years, she has enjoyed diverse teaching experiences in a variety of education settings.
In her new role, Liz will conduct the Flinders Band, Middle School Jazz Band, Stage Band and Wind Symphony, while also teaching brass lessons as part of the Private Music Tuition program and overseeing the expanded Year 4 Immersion Program in the Flinders Primary School.
Liz, please tell us about your career experience and passion for music.
I studied Music at the University of Melbourne’s Conservatorium of Music and then completed my teaching qualifications at the Australian Catholic University. For the last 18 years I worked at Scotch College Adelaide as the Coordinator of Instrumental Music. This role included directing many ensembles, teaching primary & secondary music classes, establishing a Year 4 Band Program and taking on the role of Music Director for three of the school’s musicals.
Throughout my career, I have benefitted from teaching appointments in Victoria and South Australia, as well short-term contracts in London. I can direct both instrumental and choral ensembles, accompany large ensembles and solo performers to a very high level, and I sing and play many instruments, including piano, horn, trombone, trumpet, clarinet and flute.
As an educator, my greatest desire is to help young people find a way to express themselves in a variety of settings, whether they’re on their own or they are making music with friends.
What vision do you have for your role?
I work best when I can collaborate with people who are passionate about music teaching, so I’m excited to work within a vibrant faculty that is strong in all co-curricular and curricular areas. I strongly believe that in order to sustain a band program across a large school, it must be well supported in the Primary School. I welcome the opportunity to shape the Year 4 Band & Vocal Immersion program and help foster the relationships with our young people that will encourage their involvement right to the end of Year 12 and beyond.
What do you enjoy about the Sunshine Coast lifestyle?
My family and I moved here just before New Year’s Eve from Adelaide. Prior to that, I grew up in Melbourne. I know parts of the Sunshine Coast quite well because my father lives in Dicky Beach, Caloundra. My family is into surf lifesaving, so we’re really looking forward to warmer water! We also enjoy swimming, bike riding and hiking.
What do you enjoy about working in a school community?
There’s nothing quite like a school community! It’s a privilege to work with young people and help them along their journey. I love having the opportunity to introduce new ideas to young minds but also to see when they discover something new for themselves. It’s also rewarding to work with a team of people who are passionate about education and giving students the best start to life.
Do you live by any words of wisdom?
My father was a Maths lecturer at RMIT in Melbourne. Academically, he was a very high achiever. But as a parent, he never pushed academic excellence; he encouraged and nurtured a love of learning in me, and asked me to do my best. I have taken that approach into teaching. I ask students to plan for doing their absolute best, to challenge themselves to see what they are capable of and to imagine how far they can go.
Learn more about our Music offerings at Flinders here.
