Composer

Biography

Helen Caskie was born in 1930 in Wanganui, New Zealand and educated at the Wanganui Girl’s College, Canterbury University College and Otago University followed by Teacher’s Training College. Then followed a busy life of teaching, conducting, broadcasting, adjudicating and marriage. Now widowed, Helen lives a nearly retired life in Palmerston North teaching just a few singing students and following her first love, composition. Helen has won a number of national awards for her compositions and has had children’s music published in London. Commissioning opportunities arise quite often and have resulted in a cross section of works for soloists and varying ensemble combinations. Educational music has featured largely in her compositional output and she has enjoyed listening to young people bringing her music to life. She is patron of the Palmerston North Renaissance Singers and the Manawatu Youth Choir which she founded and conducted for many years and is a life member of other various musical organisations and a Fellow of the Institute of Registered Music Teachers.