OPTIMO SYSTEMS - Key Persons

Job Titles:

• Education Services Manager for Yamaha Australia

Russell commenced his career as a music teacher with the Victorian Education Department in the early 70s. Russell commenced his career as a music teacher with the Victorian Education Department. In the late 1970's he transitioned to Queensland and established the ‘Flying Music Program' in the Queensland outback. In 1982 Russell was appointed the Education Services Manager for Yamaha Australia where he advised schools and universities on the establishment of Instrumental Music Programs. Russell went on to create the Melbourne College of Advanced Education Wind Symphony. Many wind band compositions, new to Australia, were premiered during the ensuing five years. His role as an educator and conductor saw him travel extensively overseas visiting universities, primary and high schools in Japan, United States, Korea, Hong Kong and England. In 1990 he formed the Australian Wind Orchestra which travelled to many countries performing at major music conventions including the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago. They also performed a concert at the renowned Carnegie Hall, New York. Shortly after Russell joined Action Music as a co-director, the business expanded to support local Australian composers with the launch of the publishing company HL Music (Australia). HL Music (Australia) was created to publish primarily band and choral music by Australian composers. Later it took on the role of re-publishing Australian music that had been allowed to go permanently out of print by overseas publishers. In 2017 Russell received the AM Order of Australia - most honourable and highly recognized award for those that have excelled in their profession. He is one of only six honorary members of the prestigious American Bandmasters Association and an honorary life member of the Australian Band and Orchestra Directors Association. He has received the Citation of Excellence from the National Band Association (of America) on three separate occasions and is a Fellow of the Academy of Wind and Percussive Arts, the highest honour that's awarded by the NBA.

A graduate of the University of Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Yvonne has been instrumental in the development of Optimo with her years of experience as a music educator and her extensive knowledge of the music industry. Yvonne was the founder and creator of Action Music, a successful wholesale and retail business. Action Music distributed print music to schools and universities and leading music stores around Australia.