Long time Chairman of the Soundhouse Music Alliance, Adrian Alexander handed the reigns to his Deputy Chairman, Rob Walker at this year’s AGM after 13 years in the role and 16 years as a board member. Adrian announced his intention to continue as a director for 2025.
Adrian’s annual report to the board noted that through its activity under Music For All, the Soundhouse Music Alliance has met its key aim of supporting music making across Australia through the successful awarding of grants to that end. He outlined how economic pressures in the current climate have been reflected in the number of applications for funding, which has nearly tripled since the previous round, and also in the compelling stories of applicants, which show significant struggles and obstacles which limit music making opportunities.
The board has been very fortunate to be able to respond to the needs of the successful applicants, and this has once again been largely due to the ongoing support of the Phil Taylor Foundation, along with the support of music products businesses, and their personnel who have assisted in making our grants go further in order to increase our reach. We also have welcomed private donations.
Adrian said it is vital that we are able to build our capacity to support a growing number of individuals, schools and organisations in subsequent rounds, and he looks forward to working with the board to secure expanded funding to facilitate that, with the support of the music industry.
Office Bearers were also elected at the AGM.
Stepping into the role of Deputy Chair was Sue Arney.
Sue, is a highly regarded music educator and is Lecturer in Teacher Education at The University of Melbourne where she teaches music education into the Early Childhood, Primary and Secondary Master of Teaching courses.
Tony Burn, was again appointed Treasurer.
Board Members returned were Ian Harvey, Tanya McKenna, Adrian Alexander and Leigh Olsson.
Retiring from the board was David Browne. At the AGM the meeting passed a unanimous resolution of appreciation for David’s service to Soundhouse, service spread over the years, including the role of Deputy Chair.
