Tamworth 2016 – Day Nine (The Past Catches up with you)

After last night, I felt shattered. A person’s body can only handle so much punishment. Therefore the sleep in this morning was not only well deserved, but reinvigorating. It seems that there were a couple of shaky heads this morning/afternoon; however everyone extremely loved everything about last night.
 
This afternoon was an opportunity for a Pecha Kucha. I’m embarrassed to say that I thought from looking at course timetable that I thought we were going to have a lecture from a guy or girl called Pecha. Turns out it’s just a translation for chit chat (Japanese). This meant that the lectures gave us a visual history of themselves (and their musical journeys) via a semi informal speech over a series of pictures. It was remarkable to see the diversity in their stories, as well as the common characters and events that occurred to them during their past.
 
Cathy’s history was done slightly differently, as she was put into an interview scenario. I almost felt ashamed that I (and many other New Zealanders) don’t know enough about this incredible woman. Her story was one of those “drive to succeed” stories, with many examples of her pushing herself hard, and making the most out of all opportunities given to here during her still illustrious career. I’ve taken down tons of notes, and will be enforcing much of these when I get back in New Zealand. I One thing I noted during her interview was that she (although not mentioning it) has the biggest respect for her father. Once her father knew she wanted to be a musician, he seriously planted heaps of seeds for her to group including dropping a cassette for her to listen to, a book to read, plus much more. She found these to be like little challenges that her father set for her. Cathy’s life and appreciating for music has a lot to do with this upbringing. I hope to be just as much of an inspiration to my children when I become a father.
 
To finish the night, we went through the history of Country Music. I admit that I wasn’t looking forward to this lecture, however it had a twist. Every new change within country music was followed up with examples of performers or songs … which we all played and/or sung as a group. What a fantastic way to finish a night. All we were really missing was the camp fire, however I think the school would frown upon that as there’s a fire ban … and we were inside.