Micaela Schmitz was appointed RDO for the West Midlands region in April 2008 and is both an accomplished communicator and musician. Although the West Midlands is fortunate in having Arts Council funding for this position, regrettably, this does not extend to more than 3 days a week for Micaela's services (nonetheless a considerable improvement on the 1 day a week she formerly spent in the job having been originally appointed in November 2002).
Micaela provides support for individual members, lobbying and advocacy for voluntary music generally, and gathers information for dissemination to member groups and the regional committee. Her job entails the encouragement of diverse membership within Making Music, bringing members up to date on young people's activities and engaging with the West Midlands as part of the national team supporting national priorities.
Part of her duties includes a monthly e-bulletin of news and gossip from the region. Micaela is there to support member enquiries. She can be reached on 01386 859648.
Dr. Micaela Schmitz (originally from the U.S.) specialises in early keyboard instruments, including harpsichord, fortepiano and clavichord. She earned her Doctorate of Musical Arts (on 18th century keyboard music) under Arthur Haas at the Eastman School of Music, in Rochester, New York. This was preceded by a first degree in Music at U.C. Berkeley, and a Masters in Choral Conducting.
She spent two years studying with Jacques Ogg and Bart van Oort at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague on a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship. As a soloist she received acclaim for her performance of Bach’s Goldberg variations, which features an entertaining pre-concert talk to help audiences appreciate the masterpiece.
BACKGROUND
THE REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
