The Engineering Music Society (EMS) was created in 1991 as an outlet for students who are not necessarily studying music, but are interested in continuing to play music. EMS was formed as a student club of The University of Melbourne, Australia (under the umbrella of the Student Union), and has grown from a small orchestra to a society with over 200 members.
EMS is not just for Engineering students — membership is open to all Melbourne University students, staff, students and staff from other Universities, and the general public.
History
EMS was created in late 1991 by Astria Price , Patrick Quin , Bruce Clapperton . and Lucia McCausland , all Melbourne University science students, and it was originally called the Melbourne University Engineering Orchestra (MEO). The first rehearsal kicked off in March, 1992, and was held at the Laboratory in Queen's College , Melbourne.
Over time, the Orchestra grew and became the biggest student instrumental group on campus outside of the Music Faculty. EMS, supported by the Faculty of Engineering, has been involved in many events, including (but not limited to), the annual Faculty of Engineering McLennan Oration , the annual Faculty of Engineering Dean's Honours Awards, a performance at the IEAust National Engineering Convention, and various radio broadcasts.
Past presidents of EMS:
Groups
Orchestra
The EMS Orchestra is the "flagship" of the society. It was the first group created, and has consistently outgrown almost every rehearsal and performance venue. The Orchestra has a mainly classical repertoire, but is diverse enough to include show tunes, music from productions, and popular arrangements.
The Orchestra currently rehearses from 5:30pm until 7.30pm on Monday nights in room 204, Engineering block D , on the Melbourne University Parkville campus.
Conductors of the EMS Orchestra include:
- James Gunning (dates unknown)
- Michelle Stanic (1996 and 1997)
- Sue Cook (1998)
- Leila Marimuthu (1999)
- Willem Van der Vis (2000, first half)
- Tony Brookes (2000, second half, to present)
Stage Band
The EMS Stage Band was originally started by Daniel Ciddor in 2000, but due to lack of interest was disbanded. In the second half of 2000, Miles Izzo and Robyn Annett re-formed the Stage Band and continued to hold rehearsals despite attendance being low. The Stage Band has grown since then, and is now a 19-piece big band (5 trumpets, 5 trombones, 5 saxophones, piano, drums, guitar, and bass) with a dedicated leader/conductor. The Stage Band recently purchased a suite of music from composer Tim Davies , and performs at least one of these charts each semester.
The Stage Band currently rehearses from 5:30pm until 7.30pm on Monday nights in the Green Room , Frank Tate building, on the Melbourne University Parkville campus.
Leaders of the EMS Stage Band include:
- Daniel Ciddor (2000, first half)
- Miles Izzo and Robyn Annett (2000, second half, until 2002)
- Adam Arnold (2002)
- Sam Parry (2003 and 2004)
Concert Band
The Concert Band was formed due to the influx of woodwind and brass players (too many for Orchestra). It was properly formed in 2001 (previously the woodwind and brass players from Orchestra would rehearse after Orchestra rehearsal), and continues to grow.
The Concert Band currently rehearses from 5:30pm until 7.30pm on Wednesday nights in room 204, Engineering block D , on the Melbourne University Parkville campus.
Conductors of the EMS Concert Band include:
- Tony Brookes (2001 -- dates dubious)
- Adam Arnold (2002 and 2003 -- dates dubious)
- Andrew Conley (2004)
Other groups
EMS is also home to a number of smaller groups. Currently, these include:
- String quartet
- Brass quartet/octet
- Jazz choir
- Jazz combo
- Handbell ensemble
Social activities
One major aspect of EMS is the social activities. After each rehearsal (Mondays and Wednesdays), the groups attend a local pub for a few drinks (currently the Corkman Inn , Melbourne). In addition to this, there are many group outings (to see musicals, concerts, etc), and there is also the EMS camp. The camp provides a unique way for members to meet new people in the club, socialise, and of course to rehearse. The EMS camp is held twice a year.
Performances
Prior to 2004, EMS has held two major performances each year -- the First Semester Concert and the Second Semester Concert. Now, the society has doubled its performances -- two concerts in the first semester (usually around May), and two concerts in the second semester (usually around October).
In addition to these concerts, EMS has performances throughout the year. Other performances include O-week (campus), Discovery Day (campus), City of Melbourne Christmas celebrations, McLennan Oration (campus), Dean's Honours Awards (campus), and various internal University performances.
Concert venues have included:
- University High School , Parkville, Melbourne .
- Melba Hall , Faculty of Music, The University Of Melbourne, Parkville campus.
- Collingwood Town Hall , Collingwood, Melbourne .
- St Paul's Cathedral, Melbourne.
- Wilson Hall , The University Of Melbourne, Parkville campus.
- North Melbourne Town Hall , North Melbourne, Melbourne .
External links
