The board has started recruitment for a full-time director, with Mr Wardrobe ‘‘leaving the conservatorium for health reasons’’.
Until it finds a replacement, Ms Butler will fill the temporary position.
She is a long-time supporter of the conservatorium and brings a raft of experience in the community services sector and arts-based community work with particular expertise in governance and quality improvement.
‘‘I have been so warmly welcomed at South West Music and am looking forward to supporting our wonderful teachers in the work they do,’’ Ms Butler said.
‘‘I am impressed at how well the organisation has coped with the considerable complications of the pandemic.
‘‘With barely a pause, they were able to shift their music tuition to online delivery, ensuring that music remained a constant in the lives of families who were dealing with unprecedented challenges.’’
And Ms Butler, who started last week, is already hard at work, looking at ways to expand the business.
‘‘We are in the fortunate position of being able to expand the scope of what we do over the next year and will be on the lookout for additional music teachers in Deniliquin and other communities where we currently outreach, from Barham to Berrigan, Coleambally to Hay,’’ Ms Butler said.
‘‘If you are involved in a music activity, group or event in any of the communities where we work, we are interested in how we can support you and, of course, we are looking forward to the return of live music, ensemble playing and singing as COVID-19 restrictions relax.’’
The conservatorium has had quite a few directors, including those in interim positions, over the past two years after former director Damien Johnson left the organisation suddenly in early 2019.
Former Deniliquin teacher Greg Danckert accepted the request to serve as interim director, starting in April 2019 before Peter Wardrobe joined South West Music in March 2020 as the first full-time director in more than 12 months.
Board chair Carlee Rundell Gordon said despite the short time Mr Wardrobe was with South West Music, he made a significant positive impact.
‘‘From pivoting the organisation to online learning when COVID-19 hit, to creating a dedicated professionally resourced concert hall space that any calibre of musician will be happy to perform in, we were very lucky to have Peter’s skills and experience for the time we did,’’ she said.
‘‘Kate brings a very different, but just as essential skill set to the role, and we look forward to her leadership through to the end of the year.’’
While online learning remains an option with the Conservatorium, most lessons have now returned to face to face learning.
For further information about music education in the region, South West Music invites community members and music teachers to call in to the former Commonwealth Bank premises in Cressy St, Deniliquin to check out the space and say hello.