richard gawned - Clarinet, Flute, Saxophone & TRUMPET

Educated Christ Church Grammar School, Claremont, W.A. Received clarinet instruction during secondary education. Studied under Jack Harrison (principal clarinet in W.A.S.O.) Owen Fisenden (principal flute. W.A.S.O.) and Peter Clinch saxophonist.

Performed in a light orchestral series with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra and was a participating performer in the first stereo recording of a symphony orchestra in Australia.

Worked in T.V. orchestras at Channels 7 and 9 (Perth) 

Moved to Sydney in 1969 to further career and study. Studied arranging and composition under Professor Raymond Hansen at the Sydney Conservatorium and completed B (mus) degree. 

Later assisted in the first jazz education courses at the Sydney Conservatorium directed by American jazz saxophonist Howie Smith. Continued to work as a freelance musician. Worked on Mike Walsh Show (Channel 10), Elizabethan Theatre Trust Orchestra (pre- Opera-house) Newtown, ABC Showband radio, house session musician EMI, United Sound and Festival recording studios working on artists' albums, radio and T.V. jingles and film and cartoon music. Played in the Tommy Tycho Orchestra, "Saturday at the Opera House" series. 

Silver Spade Orchestra at the Chevron Hotel, Kings Cross, backing International artists..... Andy Williams, Jerry Lewis, Jack Jones, Frank Gorshin, Gene Barry, Carmen McRae, Shirley Bassey, Leslie Uggams, Roberta Flack, Cilla Black, Jose Feliciano, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Howard Keel & Dorothy Lamour, Harry Secombe, Barbara Feldon, Barbara Eden, Al Martino, Lovelace Watkins, Bobby Rydell, Ike & Tina Turner, Sonny & Cher, Frankie Laine, Gene Pitney and Buddy Greco. 

Toured Australia with Shirley McLaine, Bette Midler, the Two Ronnies, Peter Allen and Marlene Dietrich & Sammy Davis Junior

Sydney Theatre Shows include: "Promises Promises", "Westside Story", "Man of La Mancha", "Hair", "Oliver", "Annie", "Guys & Dolls", "Mame", "Jesus Christ Superstar", "Rocky Horror Show", "Moscow Circus", "Disney on Parade" and "Disney on Ice".

Performed with the N.S.W. Dance Company in a World Premier series of new works at the Opera House. 

Played in various Jazz ensembles and big bands performing at Jazz clubs and Jazz festivals.

Toured extensively with Daly Wilson Big Band. 

East coast tour with Max Merrit and the Meteors.

Three years in Marcia Hines backing band touring Australia and S.E.Asia.

WAM Band with Ron Barry (Manzil Room) ’78-‘79

World tour with Jon English '80-'81. 

Worked in Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Austria, France and Italy until ’82.

Recorded with Chick Corea in Risk Band ‘83

Leader of 10 piece pop cover band Slippery When Wet at the "Palais" in Newcastle from '82-'85 all Sydney based session musicians.

Final Australian Crawl tour ’85 ‘Two can Play’. 

Moved to Taree with family, teaching and playing then moved to Southern Highlands in 2007, Continues teaching and performing with The Southern Highlands Symphony Orchestra, Southern Highlands Concert Band, Sinfonia and HTG productions. Also now leads the newly formed Southern Highlands Big Band, a 17 piece Jazz Orchestra