March 6, 2014
by Bronwyn Marquardt *
A Kingaroy High School student received the music lesson of a lifetime recently when one of Australia’s most successful classical musicians returned to his home town of Murgon to see family.
International tubist David Cribb travelled to the South Burnett on a flying visit, but took time out to give promising musician Philippa Hunt a private lesson.
David grew up on a cattle farm in Murgon, and his first musical experience was singing in the church choir.
After learning piano, the musician studied the euphonium at the age of 10 as part of the Queensland Department of Education’s instrumental music program.
Three years later he changed to tuba, and was accepted into the Queensland Conservatorium of Music after finishing high school.
His career has taken him around the world and he is recognised as one of the globe’s best tubists.
Currently based in Leipzig, David tours, records and performs with the renowned Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra. He also teaches at the University of the Arts, Berlin, and the Hochschule for Music and Theatre, Leipzig.
Wondai-based music teacher Jane Iszlaub, who met David when they were both part of the instrumental music program, organised the special lesson.
As youngsters, the pair played together in the South Burnett Youth Concert Band, which was coordinated by the late Laurie Case, an inspiration to many young musicians in the region.
Jane now works with Education Queensland as an instrumental music teacher, as well as teaching privately.
Philippa, 13, a Kingaroy State High School student, has been learning tuba from Jane for about a year and was thrilled to be chosen for the 90-minute lesson.
“It was really exciting to learn from a musician like him,” she says. “He was really good, and explained things really well. I was really thankful to have the opportunity.”
Jane said the instrumental music program, available to primary and secondary state school students, is similar to the one which gave David his start in his career.
“Students are auditioned in Grade Four or Grade Five for pitch and rhythm ability, and tested for instrument suitability. For example, good height for trombone, flat teeth for trumpet, and co-ordination for percussion.
“Offers are made to the families of the students deemed to have the most potential. Numbers depend on the availability of places and the number of hire instruments available.”
She said it was wonderful that David had not forgotten his roots, and had taken time out from his busy schedule to give back to a local student.
* Bronwyn Marquardt blogs at Maid In Australia
