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In June, an exceptional young composer from Lismore, Tilly Jones, was invited to work with the Australian Chamber Orchestra (ACO) as part of the ACO Move Program, which works with young adults with a disability.
On Tuesday 20 June, ten young adults came together for four sessions with facilitator Dean Watson to create a performance piece using Tilly’s compositions as their inspiration.
Tilly lent three of her pieces to the program so that participants could create movement in response to her music. Fifteen-year-old Tilly currently studies through the Southern Cross School of Distance Education and the Northern Rivers Conservatorium of Music. She can play five instruments and has been composing since she was nine years old.
Tilly had the opportunity to work with ACO Violinist, Maja Savnik, to develop her compositional ideas, which were then performed by a quartet of ACO musicians. She has also formed a relationship with writer and spoken word artist, Emily Dash. Together they have written a poem inspired by the story of one of Tilly’s compositions.
Tilly, tell us about your involvement with the Australian Chamber Orchestra and your music.
Earlier in the year, I was approached by the ACO where they play music to people with disabilities and each year they use a different composer’s music. They found about me through my documentary.
I have disabilities and I compose so I am a perfect match. They are using some of my pieces, which will be played by the ACO MOVE string quartet on 20 June 2017 in Sydney at the ACO studios in Circular Quay. The pieces are:
· The Chase
· Castle
· Tango in A minor
I’ll be Skyping in with the ACO MOVE quartet and I will have sessions before the concert with the musicians. I will also go to Sydney and watch the concert and be involved with the concert.
Tell us three things that have helped you to get to where you are.
1. My mums – they help me; 2. The Northern Rivers Conservatorium and my teachers; 3. The teachers.
What are some of the barriers you have overcome in your life?
Disabilities is a big one. I had to quit violin as I could not play anymore. My first teacher was like you’ll never be able to play the guitar and I would not be able to play certain types of music. I got a new teacher and they said you can play the guitar and you can play all these pieces, nothing is stopping you
My disabilities are physical – stuff that stops me from playing stuff. I know what I am doing most of the time.
I play five instruments. Cello, piano, clarinet and guitar. I had to stop playing the violin due to my disabilities. At the moment, the cello, followed by guitar, piano and clarinet.
I play in the Northern Rivers Conservatorium Youth Jazz Orchestra, Chamber Strings, World Music Ensemble, Northern Rivers Youth Orchestra, Cello Ensemble and Jubilee Orchestra.
What are some of the things you do that help you to compose music?
Playing music. I get a lot of ideas from the pieces I play.
Do you ever feel overwhelmed by all the things that are happening?
Sometimes.
What do you do (when you feel overwhelmed)?
I play more and I’ll go and compose more! If I have an exam, I do stress practice but if it’s not music that is stressing me out, I go and do music. If it is music that stresses me out, I play different music.
What else do you do in your life other than music?
I do Distance Education and computer club house. I went to Boston for a teen summit and I am part of a youth reference group called Care 2 Change, for kids in out of home care. We try to get the government to listen to those of us who have experiences in out of home care to make it better and improve the system, which has worked. We have had the Children’s Commissioner come and give us feedback after we visited her.
Do you think your success with music keeps you motivated?
Yes
Coming into Distance Education, how has this made things easier for you?
I know what I’m doing now, as I left school in Year 7 as that didn’t really work out. I moved all my time to music during that time. Now I can balance my life.
How has being at our Distance Education Outreach Centre helped you - what does this opportunity bring to your life?
I’ve made friends. I get to connect with people who don’t just do music.
For our staff – what do you find most valuable in how we contact you – do you prefer us to visit, phone calls, internet?
They kind of all work. I’ve had a couple of visits.
You are going overseas, would you share a little about this with us
I’m going to France/Europe in 6 months in July. My parents are dropping me off in Paris and I’m staying with my grandma who is a musician who knows a lot of musicians. My Foster Uncle, who did a symphony has asked me to be a part of the orchestra that is commemorating battles that have happened in France - a musical tribute.
Tilly, you are doing amazing things. Do you see yourself as someone that others could inspire to do like you do.
I’m a modest person.
What inspires you?
Seeing other people play music, other people with disabilities.
What motivates you?
I can’t see myself not doing music, so I keep doing it.
Every now and then I have bad days but its way better than I was in the past at a normal school setting. It’s less pressure on me to conform.
Is there anything else you would like to tell us?
Subdivide!
Is this how you make your complex compositions?
Yes I try and listen to Snarky Puppy. If all else fails, count and subdivide and listen to Snarky Puppy.
With your career pathway already started with ACO with a contract and being paid, where do you envisage yourself heading to – what’s your dream?
To keep composing. I don’t see myself as a solo performer, rather in an orchestra or an ensemble.
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Link for documentary about Tilly on ABC iview Creatability
Tilly’s Symphony
http://iview.abc.net.au/programs/createability/IV1616H005S00
Further background re Tilly’s foster carers
Tilly’s carers speak about Tilly from 1minute 49-1 minute 59
Life Without Barriers Disability Services Achievement Award Winners Jenny and Marj
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSjI5DN7NP0
Australian Chamber Orchestra ACO websites
ACO
ACO MOVE
https://www.aco.com.au/education/schoolsandcommunity/events_people_with_disability