Martin has always championed taking music into the community. He was instrumental in establishing lunchtime concerts with Group Homes Australia and St Ives farewells Martin Smith OAM Director of Music Mrs Jacqueline Fane salutes the long career of a great educator, innovator and passionate advocate for the joy that music can bring to life. accompanying boys to the Sir Eric Woodward School. He helped support College Street Band Tours into regional New South Wales where he enjoyed nothing more than to watch old boys of St Ives continue to develop their love of music. Similarly, Martin fully encouraged the Combined Prep School Choir and Band Tours and initiated combined concerts with PLC Sydney. He also received his OAM for establishing the Nova Youth Orchestra for boys and girls wanting to play in a community run string group.
At the heart of all this has been Martin’s love of teaching. His sense of fun always left the boys wanting to come back for more and he was an inspiration to staff and boys alike. He is generous, kind, selfless and dedicated beyond words. It has been a privilege to work alongside such a true gentleman and his immense legacy will endure for many years to come. Martin left Final Assembly with another wonderful message for the boys:
“Remember, Music is written in black and white, but it is our job as musicians of all ages to add colour, many colours to what we play for ourselves and our audiences.”
Martin, you have left the lives of staff and boys across all three Sydney Grammar School campuses rich and full of colour through all that you have contributed over your 33 years. ‘Smithy’ Encore!
