AMEB First Nations Composers Program

ARTICLE BY KRISTA IMBERGER (AMEB)

THE AUSTRALIAN MUSIC EXAMINATIONS BOARD (AMEB) HAS ESTABLISHED THE INAUGURAL AMEB FIRST NATIONS COMPOSERS PROGRAM, ENHANCING THE REPRESENTATION OF FIRST NATIONS COMPOSERS IN AMEB REPERTOIRE.

In our continued efforts to improve the diversity of the composers and arrangers represented in AMEB syllabuses and publications, the First Nations Composers Program also provides a way for thousands of music teachers and students to engage with contemporary First Nations compositions and their creators.

For many years we have been working to enhance representation of composers and arrangers in AMEB syllabuses and publications. This is important in creating new opportunities for developing and local composers, and promoting cultural diversity and connection amongst the many music educators and students using the AMEB framework. We actively encourage compositions from present-day Australian composers, including often under-represented groups such as female composers and First Nations people, but we understand there’s a particular challenge in composing repertoire that meets specific pedagogical requirements.

We are pleased to share that we’ve now taken the next step in helping overcome these challenges by embarking on a commissioning program, the inaugural AMEB First Nations Composers Program.

This program creates an entirely new opportunity for First Nations composers in the educational setting, and with it the opportunity for them to reach a significant audience.

Four First Nations composers are involved in the inaugural program, each writing four pieces across their chosen instruments and grades, with the intent that the works are included in AMEB’s grade book publications. We are delighted to be working with the following composers:

Brenda Gifford (Yuin)

James Henry (Yuwaalaraay, Gamilaraay, Yorta Yorta and Yuin)

Christopher Sainsbury (Dharug)

Aaron Wyatt (Noongar)

Specialist instrumental teachers are assisting the composers to refine their compositions and ensure they align with pedagogical requirements.

Photo credit: Jessica Bader Photography

Aaron Wyatt’s Aloft is the first commissioned piece to be published, appearing in our Viola Series 2, Grade 6 grade book.

Aaron explains that Aloft is a graceful meditation on flight that "reflect(s) the freedom and solitude of viewing the world from above”. We will be releasing more pieces from the composers in forthcoming AMEB publications.

We are also honoured to be working again with our colleague Dr. Candace Kruger who is the Cultural Advisor on the program.

This initiative builds on AMEB’s ongoing efforts to listen, learn and offer support to First Nations people and culture, which have included projects with the Yugambeh Youth Choir and the commissioning of the piece Morning Star and Evening Star for the AMEB Online Orchestra project in 2021.

We are grateful for funding support from Creative Australia to make this possible.

The website for the program will be launched in the coming months.

We are hopeful that this will be the first of many AMEB commissioning programs to enhance diversity and create new opportunities for Australian composers.

This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body.

Krista Imberger
Executive Officer for the Australian Music Examinations Board

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