ANBOC 2026

Fundamental in understanding composition is for the conductor to understand the compositional process themselves – to some degree. "Understanding Composition Basics" will address what you, the conductor, need to know so you can then set about passing that knowledge on to your students in rehearsal. What’s more important, the melody or the counter melody? How complex is form or is it just an extended rhythmic structure? What is it about harmony that makes the piece sound like it does and how does the harmony shape the melody and rhythm? What basic skills in composition do you need to assist your students to make music – to be artistically responsive to the composer’s intent. Simple, really...

“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!

The How (Practical Steps): From personal experience, two composers offer an in-depth, step-by-step examination into the logistics required to successfully bring a new work to life. Key topics will include:

• How to Commission: A clear roadmap from initial concept to final performance.
• Consortium Building: Best practices for forming and managing a commissioning consortium to share costs and expand reach.
• Intellectual Property and Performance Rights: Understanding copyright, licensing (e.g., APRA AMCOS), and securing performance rights.
• Special considerations: from budgetary considerations to exclusive performance rights, we’ll talk about the finer details.
• Documentation: Contractual negotiations and protocols including the production of high-quality reference recordings and ensuring appropriate credits for commissioning participants.
• Distribution: will the final work be delivered in hard copy or PDF? Who will manage this distribution and how does this fit into the timeline?

The When: When is it a good time for you and/or your organisation to commission a work? What considerations need to be made to ensure a successful outcome for all involved? Key concepts include:

• Timelines: Working backwards from the première date, how do you establish a realistic schedule for composition, rehearsal, and première?
• Funding opportunities: what kind of arts funding is available on both a Federal and State level? Are there any philanthropic or sponsorship possibilities? 
• Timing consortium invitations: considerations, techniques and sample budgetary templates to use in your project.

The Why: When you commission an Australian composer, you create an opportunity for the artist to tell our very own Australian stories. Likhuta and Blackshaw will lead a lively discussion on the importance that commissioning has on the future of Australian Music. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how commissioning can foster a vibrant, Australian identity.

Developing a distinctive musical voice is one of the most exciting—and often the most challenging—parts of being a young composer. Many emerging writers find themselves caught between imitation and originality, unsure how to balance the music they love with the music they want to create. This session explores practical, accessible ways for young composers to discover and shape their individual style, while giving educators the tools to better support the next generation of creative musicians.


Presented from the perspective of an 19-year-old emerging Australian composer, this workshop-style session examines the processes, habits, influences, and experiences that contribute to the development of a personal compositional identity. Participants will explore the “building blocks” of voice—including harmony, melody, rhythm, colour, and emotional intention—and learn how patterns in a composer’s early works can reveal the beginnings of their unique sound.


The session also addresses the common challenges young composers face: navigating strong influences, resisting self-comparison, taking creative risks, and writing authentically within their technical abilities. It will also cover practical strategies that can be used in classrooms, composition lessons, ensemble programs, and independent creative work.


Drawing on examples from contemporary band, orchestral, film, and game music, this presentation highlights the strengths young composers naturally bring to their writing—fearlessness, emotional honesty, technological fluency, and fresh stylistic perspectives. Educators will gain insights into how to nurture these traits, while young composers will walk away with a clearer understanding of how to identify, refine, and confidently express their own musical voice.


Ideal for music teachers, ensemble directors, composition tutors, and emerging composers, this session provides a positive, supportive, and inspiring roadmap for helping young musicians turn creativity into identity.

TBC