Administration Staff
Executive Director
Andrew Smith
Andrew Smith has over 40 years experience as a performing musician, music teacher, band director, music arranger and music administrator.
Andrew spent 20 years as a classroom music teacher and director of the ensemble program at Denison College, Bathurst High School, and he was Head of the Creative Arts faculty for 17 of those years.
Andrew’s tertiary music qualifications include an Associate Diploma in Music from the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, Bachelor of Music from the Canberra School of Music, ANU, and a Graduate Diploma of Education from the University of Canberra. He also holds a Certificate III in Live Production (Technical Theatre), a Certificate IV in Workplace Training and Assessment, and a Certificate IV in Workplace Health and Safety.
Musically, Andrew is an experienced drummer and percussionist who has been playing professionally since he was 15 years old. He has played rock, country, Latin, reggae, music theatre, classical orchestra and operatic music. However, he is most well known as a specialist jazz drummer and a nationally respected jazz ensemble and orchestra director.
Andrew was appointed Executive Director of the Mitchell Conservatorium in 2021 where his activities include percussion instruction, ensemble direction, conducting coaching and the delivery of professional learning courses in curriculum delivery. He is also a big Dr Who fan and has a large collection of Phantom Comics.
Corporate Services Manager
Vivienne Galvin
Vivienne joined MitCon way back in 2004, starting in a part-time role three days a week doing the general office duties. This then turned into a full-time job in 2005.
Vivienne enjoys concerts, going to the movies, reading and also loves to watch really bad reality TV. Her favourite bands include AC/DC, Jimmy Barnes, Nickelback, Fleetwood Mac and pretty much most Aussie Rock Bands from the 80s and 90s.
Vivienne works in Admin at the Bathurst Office. She hasn’t a musical bone in her body, but enjoys being surrounded by those who have.
Administration Assistant
Janette Collins
Janette started working at Mitchell Conservatorium in 2005 as an admin assistant.
Janette grew up in Bathurst and has remained in her hometown.
Her musical background is nonexistent prior to joining MitCon. She does play the keyboard, though – when it is attached to an office computer.
Janette enjoys spending time with family and her two dogs. Animals are one of her favourite things in the world.
Administration Assistant
Kaitie Baker
Kaitie Baker joined the Conservatorium’s administration team in early 2023.
She loves everything music and is recognised most of the time for grooving behind her bass guitar on stage. She prides herself in being a session musician for the Central West area and is currently playing in multiple music groups including The Dave Webb Project, CONnections Big Band and her own band Blue Attribute.
She has recently slowed down her 10-year career as a qualified chef to allow more time for her musical endeavours, but she still loves cooking!
Kaitie has loved the opportunity to work in a musical environment among great staff and talented musicians. She loves to meet new people as passionate about music as she is. Make sure to pop into the office at Havannah Street and say “hello”, as you will be greeted with a friendly smile.