Manifesto

Gareth Hamill, RCM

01. June 2008

I am standing for election for the position of Student Association President at the Royal College of Music for next academic year, 2008-2009. This website tells you about my varied background, my plans for the SA for next year and also the skills and experience I possess which I feel make me ideal for the position. I have been speaking with lots of you over the last few months about what you feel is good at college and what is not so good. My plans incorporate this valuable feedback as well as my own thoughts formed over the last four years as a student.

I would like your vote so that I have the opportunity to put these plans in place for the benefit of the students at the RCM for this incoming year and beyond.

More detail will be available soon as a PDF download - the calendar on this site will show when I plan to be in student halls to say hello, and I will be inviting many of you to discuss the things you would like the SA to do on the message board. If you would like to speak to me about any point please do not hesitate to call me on 07802 743668.

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Music – helping you succeed!

• SA Orchestra - run by students for students. New works commissioned from RCM composition students; external concerts arranged
  
• Woodwind Reed Making Room.
• Shoulder and Chin Rest clinic for upper strings.
• Brass practice room bookings – fairer system for those restricted to few practice facilities
• Piano accompanists – a fairer and more inclusive system of working together.
• Orchestra - Significantly streamline canteen for coffee/tea breaks, P&R week and bank holidays kept free of rehearsals, Sectional rehearsal dates not left to the last minute
• Orchestral etiquette training – as important in the real world as the notes
• Practice rooms in general – investigate if the room booking system is working efficiently
• Outreach – encourage/invite schools to attend orchestral rehearsals – encouraging the next generation of players and audience
• Practical exams – proper appeals process for those that feel they have not been given a fair mark
• ‘How to practice’ classes – helping you achieve even better results
• Music stands – solve the ‘sinking stand’ problem!

Money – helping it go furtherand generating more!

• Comprehensive list of all discounts available to students and obtain more
• Promotional photos and websites – low cost promo-photo and web design days using the economies of scale the RCMSA can bring
• Instrument and home contents insurance agencies – helping you protect what’s important to you and providing your SA with an increasing income stream
• Cash machine installed in college
• Sponsorship deal with networking website MOLI (www.moli.com) – already in initial stages
• Bring more investment to the SA through my network of contacts

Fun – much more of it!

• A vibrant, varied and inclusive social life in and out of college
• RCM Film Club – turning the Bar into a Cinema!
• Themed parties throughout the year
• Events reflecting the international mix at College
• China Town; Brick Lane Curry; Opera trips; Seaside trip ….
• Christmas Panto – featuring Colin Lawson … (well, maybe)!
• Making sure EVERYONE at the RCM feels part of it

 

Communication – it’s good to talk!

• I will actively seek out your views and feedback throughout the year
• Open surgery times every week
• SA first port of contact for all students for EVERYTHING
• Email aliases for every instrument
• Student Magazine - published regularly, at least twice a term
• I am ideally placed between student body and College
• Make sure your views are heard loud and clear
• Fully supportive of the students
• Awareness of how to get things done
• Regular updates on new initiatives and progress being made
• Better communication from the College to the student body
• Alumni email system
• Text communication service

 

Background and experience

• Originally from Northern Ireland
• Moved to London in 1990 to take up a place at the RCM
• After one successful year took a year out to see more of the world
• Worked in retail for five years - experience in management, personnel, staffing, customer relations, point of sale systems and sales.
• Joined Financial Services Industry – franchise with Allied Dunbar/Zurich
• Wide ranging experience/skills – business management, client generation, consulting, financial analysis, high level sales, database management, marketing, advertising, customer relations. Responsible for approx. £500,000.00 of investment and insurance contracts in excess of £10,000,000.00.
• Left Financial Services in 2004 to pursue career in music, returning to RCM as undergrad student.
• Event experience – all devised by myself
• 1. Open House Weekend at William Kent House – 2003 and 2004. Weekend series of 14 short recitals.
• 2. Ian Jewel Masterclasses – 2007 and 2008.
• 3. Music Uncorked! November 2007. Ambitious project comprising a wine tasting and music event spread over the entire top floor of the main RCM building. Huge success - net profit (after all costs including musicians) of over £750.00!
• 4. Vladimir Ashkenazy – organised present for one of the RCM’s favourites!

 

Legacy

• Make a real difference immediately and also for the future.
• Leave an income stream which will increase over the years
• Build on what is good, change what is not.

 

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