We are privileged to have the following members as Trustees for MAGA for 2023/2024.
Robert is one of Australia's leading musical directors and conductors in music theatre. His career spans from the musical direction of Robyn
Archer's A Star is Torn, Pirates, Candide, Jeannie Lewis’ PIAF – The Songs And The Story, Starlight Express, Anything Goes, Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story, Always Patsy Cline, Altar Boyz through to conductor for Big River, Jerry's Girls, The King And I, Variations, Evita, I Do, I Do, Pirates (original VSO production), Olympus On My Mind, The Sentimetal Bloke, Chess, Rasputin (Chorus Master), The Currency Lass, Tutti Flutti (Edinburgh Festival), Cats, Starligh Express, Bad Boy Johny And The Prophets Of Doom, The Rocky Horror Show, The Weddning Song, Piano Men, Two Up, Into The Woods, Hot Show Shuffle as well as Musical Supervisor and Orchestrator forOnce In a Blue Moon for ABC Television with the Melbourne Symphony and the AFI AWARDS.
His pre-eminence in orchestration has led to award-winning tracks for Marina Prior's Leading Lady and Aspects Of Andrew Lloyd Webber, Anthony Warlow's On The Boards and Jane Rutter's Apassionada. He has been Composer-In-Residence for both Melbourne and Nimrod Theatre Companies and written over 100 scores for repertory theatre, as well as even being Music Editor for Opera Australia.
Robert originally joined MAGA at 13 years old as a Copyist (Victorian Division) and later became Secretary of the nationally incorporated body from 2002 to 2015.
From 1994 to 2005, Julie Simonds was Music Editor for Symphony Australia - the Federal body for the six State orchestras. She is the President of the Fellowship of Australian Composers, a Full Writer Member of the Australasian Performing Rights Association, a Represented Composer with the Australian Music Centre, an Honorary Life Member of the Music Arrangers Guild of Australia, Jazz & Classical Consultant at Music Sales, radio presenter at 2MBS FM and board member (2002-2006), Convenor of the Young Composer of the Year - Willoughby Symphony Orchestra/2MBS FM, and Member of CHAOS (Conservatorium High Association of Old Students).
Paul has over 35 years professional experience as a freelance saxophonist and woodwind player and has played in a variety of music styles and ensembles from jazz, pop, rock, latin, big band to orchestral. He has performed with many International and Australianartists including Ray Charles, Sammy Davis Jnr, Natalie Cole, Shirley Bassey, Jerry Lewis, Hugh Jackman, James Morrison, Tim Minchin, Tom Burlinson, Kate Ceberano, Joe Camilleri and many local Perth singers and bands such as Juliana Arias & The Bossa Nova Babies, Bloozology, Greg Schultz Band & James Flynn Little Big Band.
Paul has played in numerous theatrical seasons such as Chicago, West Side Story, Matilda The Musical, Singin In The Rain, A Chorus Line, Dancin’ Man, Hot Shoe Shuffle, Fame, Annie, Jesus Christ Superstar, Dirty Dancing, Dusty, The Boy From Oz, At Last, Let’s Get It On etc. He is also very experienced in the studio having played on numerous CD recordings, TV and radio jingles and Film soundtracks.
Paul is lead alto sax player and Music Director of the Perth based 18 piece jazz band Straight Ahead - The Big Band and leader of PMQ, the Paul Millard Quartet and the jazz/ funk outfit Groovefactor. Other groups include The Three Kings Blues Revue, Unforgettable - The Natalie Cole Story and Cookin’ With Miles Quintet.
In addition to performing Paul is a music arranger, composer and producer and has written and produced music for many live concerts and studio productions. He also teaches saxophone/woodwinds and high school instrumental ensembles.