Margery performs an eclectic mix of music, from classical to improvised genres. Past work has included Associate Principal Clarinet with the Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and Lecturer in Clarinet and Saxophone at the University of Newcastle Conservatorium of Music, where she is also currently studying for a PhD. Her solo CD, Viva Sax was released in 2000 on Tall Poppies Records.
As a composer, Smith’s works include pieces for saxophone quartet, bass clarinet trio, full orchestra, and saxophone and electronics. These works take their inspiration from her improvisation practice and collaboration with artists in many genres, including ongoing collaboration with Michael Davison (didgeridoo). Recently she has ongoing collaborations with Ros Dunlop, PACT Youth Theatre, (original music for their recent production Song of Ghosts) and Brigid Burke in performances and workshops in Newcastle, Sydney and Melbourne. In 2003, Margery was selected to participate in Symphony Australia’s composer development program with the State Orchestra of Victoria, directed by Richard Mills. In 2004, Margery was Composer in Residence for Sydney Youth Orchestra Association. In review: ‘Smith…writes about sonority in her program note, and it's true that the timbres of Tundra are striking, but it's Smith's ear for harmony that I find most impressive.’ – From Review of Continuum CD, 24 Hours Magazine (Oct 2002).

Developing a piece of music with a Skeleton Score

Session Abstract

The use of Skeleton Scores in improvisation has many benefits: They can provide structure/starting point for your improvisation, they can be adapted for whatever instrumental resources available, and be utilised in many different settings, such as studio, classroom and band sectionals. A Skeleton Score is a piece that is complete in itself, but with the quality of having space for other parts that can be fleshed out by a group. This session will explore improvisation using skeleton scores.