The Tutors
The Saplings tutors form a special group of musicians. They all share a passion for playing tunes, singing songs and sharing their knowledge of Australian folklore.
Of course they are all vetted with the Working With Children Check.
Helen Romeo
tutor and founder
Helen lives in the Illawarra and plays English concertina.
In 1979 she stumbled upon the Bush Music Club and found a group of people passionate about preserving and publishing Australian music, song and dance. Very quickly she became involved in the club, joined a bush band and fell in love with the songs, music, dancing and poetry which have become a large part of her life.
In 2014, with Kerry Doherty, she initiated the Saplings programme and is currently the co-ordinator of the Saplings sub-committee.
Dave Johnson
Head Tutor
Dave is a life member of the Bush Music Club, who has performed for over 40 years with such bands as The Reedy River Bushmen, Pinchgut, Southern Cross and Paddys River. He has directed the Heritage Ensemble for nearly 40 years, and has published numerous collections of songs and tunes.
Chris Poleson
tutor
Noted for his unequivocal banjo and singing style and his mischievous sense of humour, Chris brings a wealth of songs and performance experience to share. He is fully vaccinated and treated for termites.
Rebecca McCullum
Tutor
Exposed to bush music and dancing all her life and inspired by countless musicians effortlessly playing jigs and reels until all hours of the morning. She learned piano for a while in primary school then progressed to the fiddle in high school and then stumbled across the English concertina one day and found her instrument. Always learning, and enjoying the challenges, that are there in Bush music.
Tony Romeo
tutor
Tony Romeo plays guitar, bass, and percussion and has a large repertoire of bush songs and dances. He has been a member of the Bush Music Club for many years, first “cutting his teeth” in the Club’s Concert Party. He joined Southern Cross Bush Band in ’81 and remains an integral part of this band as main caller and singer. Tony is well known for his lively lagerphone playing, adding rhythm and accent to both dance music and songs.
Samantha O'Brien
tutor
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Vanessa Lockwood
Tutor
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Steve Lockwood
tutor
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George Bolliger
tutor
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