LEFT : TROMBONES OF THE STAGE BAND THIS IMAGE : THE CARDINALS
RIGHT : ROSS IRWIN CONGRATULATES THE DRUM SOLOIST WHO PERFORMED WITH THE ROSS IRWIN BAND
GIFTED PIANIST AND EDUCATOR IS THE SUBJECT OF A NEW BOOK
ROY SHEPHERD MBE – A TRIBUTE AND A LAUNCH
In the world of pianists , Roy Shepherd MBE ( born 7 February 1908 , SC 1923 , died 20 June 1987 ) is something of a legend . His biography was launched at the University of Melbourne , Graduate House , on Wednesday 1 November .
Walter Roy Shepherd was born in Geelong in 1908 . He attended Scotch in 1923 . Shepherd ’ s early interest was in medicine , but he had an exceptional soprano voice and showed great pianistic talent , so he acceded to his mother ' s wishes and studied music . He joined the choir of St Paul ' s Cathedral , Melbourne , where the director , Dr A E Floyd mentored him and encouraged him to continue his studies overseas .
In 1925 he won the ( Sir William ) Clarke Scholarship to study at the Royal College of Music in London . ( Other Clarke Scholars included famous Australian conductors Sir Bernard Heinze and Sir William McKie ). He remained in London for four years , then had two years of study under Alfred Cortot and Blanche Bascourret de Gueraldi at the École Normale de Musique de Paris . He mingled with the expatriate Australian musical community in Paris , including often performing at Dame Nellie Melba ' s soirees . After his father ' s death in 1934 , he returned to Australia to perform and teach at the University of Melbourne Conservatorium , later becoming Reader of Music .
In 1936 Shepherd was appointed Director of Music at Geelong College . His tenure was cut short by illness , and this presented the opportunity for George Logie-Smith ( later to become Director of Music at Scotch ) to be appointed Director in Shepherd ' s place , on Shepherd ' s strong recommendation .
Shepherd later became Director of Music at Wesley College and was involved with Scotch ' s Director of Music , John Bishop at Scotch during the sharing of the two schools in World War II .
In 1951 he was invited back to the École Normale to teach advanced students , being probably the first Australian pianist to be so honoured .
As well as teaching at the University of Melbourne , Roy Shepherd also taught at Scotch from 1974-85 , one of his notable students being Ian Munro (’ 80 ). The Roy Shepherd Room in the James Forbes Academy is named for him .
The book , called Roy Shepherd , Golden Boy – Gifted Pianist – Master Teacher was commenced by Dr Shirley Trembath with one of her colleagues , Janet Williams . However , Shirley , sadly , became unwell , and Emeritus Professor Martin Comte OAM PhD was invited to continue and complete the book .
The launch was a lovely occasion , and a great many former students were at the event , including a number of Scotch staff and some who had studied with Roy at Scotch . Tributes were paid by Liz Stoyanova , daughter of Shirley Trembath , and Roy ’ s son Bob , Martin Comte and Ian Munro . Ian performed Chopin beautifully , and , in a fitting acknowledgement to Scotch , current student William Cheah ( Year 9 ) performed Liszt and Scriabin with dazzling virtuosity .
The book is published by Australian Scholarly Publishing .
DR JOHN FERGUSON – DIRECTOR OF MUSIC ( notes taken from the publication and Wikipedia )
www . scotch . vic . edu . au Great Scot 57