Examiner 1180

BMus, CSCM

After completing her bachelor’s degree at the Sydney Conservatorium, where she also attended high school, Gillian Smith traveled to London on a Big Brother Scholarship. She studied bassoon with Gordon Skinner and Douglas Eyre, clarinet with Gabor Reeves and Neville Thomas, and piano with Stephanie McCallum and Sarah Grunstein.

Ms Smith has performed on bassoon and contrabassoon with orchestras including the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, the Opera Australia Orchestra, the Australian Youth Orchestra and the Sydney Philharmonia Orchestra. She has also performed with chamber ensembles including Arcadia Ensemble and the Chambermaids. In addition to recording for several films and for the album Widening Circles by Spike Mason, Ms Smith appeared in the documentary Outback Opera on the ABC. She has also performed in musicals on bassoon, clarinet and bass clarinet.

As a teacher, Ms Smith has more than 20 years of experience. She has taught at the University of New South Wales, The Scots College and Newtown High School of the Performing Arts. Ms Smith has tutored for music camps and was the woodwind section leader for World Youth Day, where she mentored and performed with students.

Ms Smith is a member of the Australasian Double Reed Society and has adjudicated the junior section of the Society’s national competition. She is actively involved with her local church, including annual community performances.