By attending the school, she automatically became a member of ABODA NSW and was in the draw to win a new tuba donated by Engadine Music.

“The prize couldn’t have been better timed,” said Cathie, who decided to take music seriously in January this year, 38 years after she took her last piano exam. 

“As well as piano, I also love brass music, but don’t have my own instrument. 

“In fact, I had been asked to return the cornet I’d borrowed for a year two days previously. I was wondering what to do about an instrument (and even if I should play any at all) when I got the call from Sydney.”

Cathie said she could not have got a clearer message if it had been written in neon letters, and that was ‘continue with brass in a big way!’

“I wasn’t sure that I’d be able to play an instrument that is almost as big as I am, but I remembered someone telling me to ‘just breathe’ into the tuba. So I did.

“‘You’re vibrating the floor, Mum’, says it all.”

Cathie said she can’t actually fit the case in the car, so it will have to stay at home for the time being. 

“But it will give a different flavour to my monthly singalongs, and that will be a nice gentle start.

“Some people regard the tuba (the bass) as the most critical instrument in a band. 

“I don’t think there are many tuba players in Armidale, so who knows what doors it will open? (Certainly not those of my car, which would have to be removed to fit the tuba case inside.)”

Cathie said she was grateful to Engadine Music for their generous gift, and to ABODA NSW for the workshop itself. 

“I hear that ABODA is developing some regional workshops, so I’d encourage anyone who is serious about conducting (at any level) to get in touch with them. 

“I’ve made so many good friends, and learned so much about conducting just as an observer (as well as getting a tuba), it was worth every cent.”