Rolling Hills 1

I was born and brought up in Dunedin. A city that will always hold a special place in my heart!

From Left to Right [Catherine, Margaret, Bernard, Vincent, Paul]

 The oldest of 5 I often felt an over burdening responsibility as peacemaker in a troubled household. Our dad was the rock in a tumultuous relationship and sadly due to my mum's ill health was the brunt of verbal and at times physical attacks. Having said this though there are many happy memories and experiences I look back on during my growing years.

A fond early memory is when my sister and I got our first bikes and dad taught us how to ride them. We would often go out around the neighbourhood and at the local park to work on our riding skills.

I was most fortunate as a young lad to be given opportunities in music and speech that would ultimately shape my life. It was a regular school holiday event to be involved in local competitions for speech, singing and piano. I was extremely talented and hard working and won countless cups. There were so many that my parents finally gave up replacing them with miniature trophies on their yearly return. My sister and I were that good we invariably won everything we entered. We were especially good together singing duets that you will get to hear on another occasion.

One of the most memorable successes was when I had the lead part of Hansel and the girl I had a crush on got the part of Gretel. They were happy but somewhat scary times on stage in front of hundreds in the old Mayfair Theatre. The gingerbread house with real lollies that Hansel and Gretel got to nibble on sticks out as a highlight of the show. Also cuddling up to Gretel in the song Evening Prayer has special significance. I mean to say I was a normal hot blooded young boy. Trying to hit the high note in Rice Blamange mostly unsuccessfully caused some worries and upsets and in the end it was decided to speak it instead.

Thanks to our mother us children had been given opportunities to perform and develop our musical talents. She instilled a passion that has remained with me all my life. Music is an essential part of who I am and has impacted in countless ways to shape decisions I've made and directions I've taken. To you mum I will be eternally grateful!

Click here to listen to Rolling Hills from my musical Seems Only Yesterday

A Future Star

I would like to introduce someone who I believe has great prospects for the future.

I got to know Tilly when I taught her last year as a year 3 student. She was a bright young girl who showed lots of promise academically and musically.

Last year Tilly was in my guitar group and singing group. I saw in her someone who shared a passion for music like myself but just needed to build up her self confidence. I recall a quiet shy girl singing and playing the guitar at the Waikanae School Junior Talent Show. She struggled at the time as it was a new experience to perform in front of an audience.

What a transformation this year! She once again joined my guitar group. As we played and sang during our Wednesday guitar lessons it became quickly apparent what a lovely sweet and true voice she had. So much so that I handed over the microphone to her to take the major vocals.

Over the last 2 months with my encouragement I have been seeing this reserved young talent blossom into a more confident and mature performer.

Last week she performed at our School Assembly and has just recorded 2 of my songs at school.

Please take the time to listen to Tilly performing 2 of my original songs which you can view here and here! I'm sure you will be impressed as I am!  Here is a little video clip you can watch:

I will have limited computer access over the next few days, but will be back in action next week!  Catch up soon!