This year seems to be all about upskilling for me and attending the Australian National Band and Orchestra Clinic in Melbourne from the 12th to 15th of September was a decent part of it.

ANBOC brings together professional development, outstanding performances, and networking of directors. A distinguished collection of international and domestic presenters, conductors, and performers form the core of the conference program.

It only happens every few years and combines conducting masterclasses, repertoire forums, rehearsal techniques, instrumental pedagogy, large ensemble composition, and more.

It was a great mix of everything I love and to have some of the best thinkers and doers in these areas was very inspiring. I went thinking it would be all about directing groups but I was amazed at how much composition material there was too - I hit the jackpot!

Frank Ticheli (composer, conductor, legend) was an absolute standout and other highlights included Benjamin Northey (conductor), Stephen Chin (string guy), John Lynch (wind conductor) and Tim Fisher (composer for young people).

Looking back on my notes - all 4,000 words of them - there are so many great things I will take away from the few days. But it was also great to hang out with some friends from NZ, who also attended, as we checked out some of Melbourne I hadn't seen before.

One of those friends used a piece of mine, 'Dancing Thistles' in her conducting masterclass. It was very well received - I sold a few copies in the following week. Yippee!

What a wonderful few days, get to the next one, if you can!