St Mark's Church, Fitzroy

250 George Street, Fitzroy, Victoria 3065

Office: (03) 9419 5051

 

 

Janet Gibbs

MusB, FRCO, FTCL, LRSM, ARCM(Hons)

Organist & Director of Music

Janet was born and educated in New Zealand and emigrated to Melbourne in 1998.

Since childhood she has been passionate about music and began playing piano as soon as she could reach the keys. Initiation into the pipe organ world occurred in early teens.

While studying at Auckland University Janet gained valuable training in choral music as a member of St Mary's Cathedral choir and as an assistant organist. Though her love of music is in a broad capacity her skills and energies are particularly focused on sacred music.

In New Zealand Janet led an active musical life as an organ recitalist and accompanist for numerous choirs in Wellington and around the country. She was rehearsal pianist for the Orpheus Choir of Wellington for fifteen years, Director of Music at St James' Church Lower Hutt for ten years, and Contract Organist with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra for many years. In addition Janet was a teacher of piano, organ and theory, and an accompanist for singers and instrumentalists.

Integration into the musical circles of Melbourne has been a gradual process, requiring much patience and tenacity. Janet has now gained recognition as an organist and piano accompanist, choir director and teacher. She is an itinerant teacher at Scotch College, Associate Organist at St John's Church Toorak, plays frequently at Christ Church South Yarra, and deputizes at many other churches, chapels and schools on occasions, for services and concerts. She is also regular accompanist to Maroondah Singers and Victoria Chorale. In addition Janet is an examiner for St Cecilia School of Music. She has begun producing a series of accompanying CDs to assist student learning. (These are accessible at www.PianoPlus123.com.au)

Her new appointment as Director of Music at St Mark's Church, Fitzroy brings together a lifetime of experience and innate skills. As a vibrant and compassionate inner-city church it offers the challenge and inspiration that potentially provides Janet with the opportunity to fulfil many life-long dreams and continue sharing her musical gifts to uplift others.