In praise of NSOM
As the Nelson School of Music heads into a major restoration and rebuild we hear from some key players about the role the school has played in their lives.
Kath Bee, Nelson-born children’s songwriter, says she simply would not have developed an award-winning career as an entertainer without the Nelson School of Music.
‘‘This might sound cheesy, but the Nelson School of Music (NSOM) changed my life. I’m not joking.
‘‘Firstly, singing lessons with Pam Sims once a week, then, on her recommendation, the Contemporary Music Course in 2000.
‘‘I remember being extremely nervous before my audition so I plastered myself with ‘Rescue Remedy’, then realised it’s alcohol based and I smelt like I’d been drinking whisky. I was doubly terrified they’d think I was an alcoholic!
‘‘At 35 years old, I had never performed publicly. I had nerves so bad at times, I couldn’t sing because my mouth was so dry, which continued for many years. I had never even plugged a guitar lead into an amp when I started the course, but I discovered many things I never knew about myself – like, for example, I could write songs.
‘‘Some of my life’s best memories were carved in Rainey House at the NSOM and some of my best friends were made there. It is always a privilege to sing in the auditorium and to this day, it is my favourite place to perform – it feels like a wise old grandfather embracing you, and of course, the acoustics are sweet.’’
To find out more about the restoration project or for details on how to make a donation, got to nsom.ac.nz