ANBOC 2026

“What is new finds power in what is old as a base upon which to innovate.
Weaving the future means revisiting the past, reinterpreting the fabric of what once was.” - author unknown.
"Miriam [Hyde]'s legacy is like an exquisitely rare 'lighthouse.' Anytime she and her peers are discussed and celebrated is a comfort and a guide to composers like me." - Sally Greenaway.
 
If we are to continue to grow a varied and inclusive wind band repertoire into the future, it's wise to pause and reflect on our past before taking the next steps. During the late twentieth century, the realisation dawned that women musicians and composers had not really been missing from music history - they had just been left out of the music history books, and were still being under-represented in concert and educational programs. Now that Australian women regularly contribute high quality music to the existing repertoire for wind bands, it is important to ensure this is not seen as merely an 'emerging trend' - that emerges, and passes. Raising awareness that women have made valuable contributions to the repertoire for 200 years helps ground the music of today's composers in established tradition, and can provide wonderful musical experiences for musicians and audiences to enjoy - and learn from.
 
This clinic digs into the musical legacy of Australia’s women composers and how it can be included in today’s band programs; exploring how previously unrecognized composers are identified, and their works made accessible for twenty-first century performance. The clinic will include musical examples. If your interest is in women composers or heritage Australian band music, join the discussion!