CQCM News
Idol life of Conservatorium students
The Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music established yet another link with Australian Idol this weekend as the CQCM Jazz Orchestra performed on Hamilton Island during the Hahn Premium Race Week presentation evening on Saturday.
Performing with the Jazz Orchestra was past top 3 Australian Idol Courtney Murphy, who lit up the stage with his famous ‘Idol’ charm as he sung the Beatles ‘Help’ and ‘Bad Habits’ by Billy Fields to a Race Week crowd of over 700 people.
A 2004 Australian Idol Top 30 contestant Ngaiire Jacobs is currently a student of the CQCM and 2005 Idol Top 30 contestant Ben Worthington is a past student of the CQCM, so this latest performance highlights the Idol link for the third time.
“Courtney Murphy is a great performer who fitted
in really well with the big band sound,” said Glen Hodges, jazz senior
lecturer from CQCM.
“The CQCM jazz orchestra was involved in a number of events during
the week,” said Glen. “Certainly the final night in front of
an international audience was a highlight, with the band receiving tremendous
applause and positive feedback".
The CQCM Jazz Orchestra is the premier jazz ensemble of the Conservatorium of Music. The Jazz Orchestra, which incorporates CQCM staff, students and musicians from as far a field as Cairns, Townsville and the Atherton Tablelands, has an extensive performance history.
According to Glen, “Hahn Premium Race Week is one of our favourite events as it provides a great opportunity for CQCM jazz students and staff to showcase some of our diverse ensembles in front of a discerning international audience. That we were so well received is a credit to the students’ professionalism and to the work of our bandleader and CQU lecturer Derrin Kerr".
In 2002, the CQCM developed a partnership with Hamilton Island Enterprises. The first part of this exciting partnership involves the CQCM jazz orchestra taking up residency on the island four times a year for periods of up to 5 days. This blending of education and industry experience at one of Australia’s premier tourism destinations is unique and has received much attention and praise from national and international jazz educators as an innovative model for training jazz artists.
These kinds of performances are also in line with the CQCM’s focus on industry partnerships. Not only do the students get to learn from industry professionals such as Courtney Murphy, Grace Knight, Don Rader, Don Burrows and James Morrison, but they also get to work and perform with them at some fabulous locations.
“The feedback, as always, was overwhelmingly positive and CEO of Hamilton Island Wayne Kirkpatrick was very happy with our performance,” said Glen.
To find out more about programs on offer through the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music, or to apply online, visit www.cqu.edu.au/cqcm. Applications for 2006 auditions close on September 30, 2005.
Photo:(front row) Joel Hodges, Cameron Matthews (CQU student), Mitchell Watkins (CQU student), Derrin Kerr (CQU Jazz lecturer). (back row) Two members of Courtney’s band, CQU Jazz Coordinator Glen Hodges (3rd left), Peter MacKenzie (CQU student), Wayne Kirkpatrick (CEO Hamilton Island), Courtney Murphy, Adam Thompson and a member of Courtney Murphy’s band.
Another
top show
Once again the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music
has put on another top show in the form of Barry Manilow’s Musical
Comedy ‘Copacabana’.
Over 750 people visited the Conservatorium Theatre to enjoy
the CQCM’s major production for this year, which featured a cast of
35 Bachelor of Music Theatre students and live music provided by the CQCM
orchestra.
Saturday night's sell-out performance was fantastic and
the surprised audience showed its appreciation when the cast danced up the
aisles singing the title song ‘Copacabana’.
“The CQCM just keeps coming up with the goods,” said one audience member.
“It was even better than Chicago,” said another.
Congratulations to all students for their outstanding performances, in particular
the lead performances by Cilla Slack as 'Lola', Wade Colbran-Thomas as 'Stephen'
and Kristy Gee as the very sultry Cuban 'Conchita'.
As Mackay audiences have come to expect, the standard of
performance was outstanding and the show was thoroughly entertaining. We
look forward to the next one.
Photo (above): The Stars of ‘Copacabana’ from
left to right are, Steven Kenyon, Erin Oostenbroek, Wade Colbran-Thomas,
Cilla Slack, Kristy Gee, Kristopher Brennan.
Photo caption (left): CQCM students perform the closing number 'Copacabana'.
The ‘Proms’ was a musical highlight
For one night the Mackay Entertainment Centre played host to the classics as the Mackay Choral Society and their 50 person choir celebrated their 60th Anniversary with a very special concert.
Over 500 people arrived at the Mackay Entertainment Centre to experience the Mackay version of London’s famous ‘Last Night of the Proms’, and tickets were selling like hot cakes at the door.
Musical director and lecturer with the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music (CQCM) Kim Kirkman, directed the 50 piece orchestra in this wonderful classical event, and according to Kim it was an exceptionally good concert.
“The standard of the performers was very high and the audience really loved it”, he said. “We actually received a standing ovation which was wonderful".
“About 100 people brought tickets at the last minute, so the concert had to start a little late”, he said. “But that just added to the excitement and anticipation of the event".
Kim, who commenced lecturing at the CQCM in 2004 said, “I can quite easily say this concert was my musical highlight in Mackay so far”.
As well as soloists from Perth and Brisbane, local artists included Kirsten Kerr who performed Winter from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons; Daisy-May Wegner who presented a surprise country number and vocal performances from several Bachelor of Music Theatre students from the CQCM.
'The Proms' originated in London in 1895 and the 'Last Night of the Proms' is one of the most popular classical music concerts in the world, watched and listened to by an audience of many millions around the globe.
Here’s hoping the ‘Last Night of the Proms’ becomes an
annual feature of the Mackay calendar.
Photo above: Musical director and CQCM lecturer Kim Kirkman directed the
50 piece orchestra during the concert, which coincided with the ‘Last
Night of the Proms’ in London.
She’s not the real Kylie,
but she’s 100%
Ms Lucy Holmes, star of the internationally acclaimed Kylie
Minogue tribute show ‘100% Kylie’, will soon be back in Mackay
to perform at her old training ground - the Central Queensland Conservatorium
of Music.
Lucy, who studied music and music theatre at the CQCM, has been performing with ‘100% Kylie’ for the past 3 years in a Kylie Minogue tribute show that is in huge demand across the country and internationally – largely due to Lucy’s uncanny resemblance to the real Kylie.
From a young age Lucy Holmes received comments that she looked a lot like Kylie Minogue, however it’s only in recent years that Lucy has been making a living from impersonating one of Australia’s most famous musical exports.
Quotes abound and people everywhere are amazed by Lucy’s resemblance to Kylie, both physically and vocally.
"She looks like Kylie, she sounds like Kylie and she even dresses like Kylie!" Ray Martin, A Current Affair, Channel 9, Australia.
"Fans are amazed by the physical and vocal similarities!" QLD's Ipswich Newspaper.
To help create the total ‘Kylie’ effect, Lucy’s
tribute show is choreographed by Melbourne choreographer Mitchell Bartlett
who has worked extensively with the real Kylie Minogue, and the dance team
includes a couple of Kylie’s ex-dancers. Replica costumes complete
the show and the total effect is “100% Kylie".
Judith Brown, sub-dean of the CQCM, remembers Lucy Holmes as a student just
4 years ago.
“As a student of the CQCM, Lucy was constantly receiving comments about her resemblance to Kylie Minogue”, said Judith. “We expected Lucy to go on to do amazing things with her talent, and what better way to showcase all of her talents than with a show like 100% Kylie".
“We are thrilled that Lucy agreed to bring her show to Mackay and are expecting a huge rush on tickets,” said Judith.
‘100% Kylie’ will perform at the CQCM Theatre, Boundary Road, Mackay on Saturday October 8 for one show only.
Just like a real Kylie concert it’s sure to be a sell-out, so get your tickets fast!. For tickets and information phone 4940 7800.
Photo: Lucy Holmes stars as Kylie Minogue in the internationally acclaimed tribute show, ‘100% Kylie’ in Mackay on Saturday October 8.
CQCM helped SCOPE Carla’s career
Network
Ten’s new children’s science show ‘SCOPE’, which
premiered on Monday, is yet another achievement in the successful career
of the show's Producer and CQCM graduate Ms Carla de Jong.
Carla completed her Bachelor of Music Theatre in 1998 from the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music, and said her time at the CQCM has helped her to achieve what she has so far achieved in her career.
“I found in particular, the industry experience, the opportunity to work with professionals already in the industry and the contacts I made while studying at the CQCM, really helped to get my career up and running,” she said.
According to Carla she loved Mackay and had a great time.
“It was easy to study in Mackay as the relatively small number of students at the CQCM meant that I was able to build stronger friendships and have more one-on-one time with my lecturers,” she said. “Some of the programs were also tailored to suit my needs, something that is not possible in a larger institution".
“The staff and my fellow students were just wonderful and I still maintain contact with many of them today,” she said.
After completing her degree, Carla went on to study at
NIDA in 1999. Her career in television began in 2002 when she completed
a ‘Writing for Children’s Television’ course at AFTRS
and then went on to be named as one of the “emerging producers”
at the 2002 Screen Producers of Australia’s conference. It was here
that she met the Head of Children’s Television at Network Ten and
landed her first job in the elusive television industry.
Carla’s career then gained momentum and she went on to produce Network
Ten’s award winning children’s television show ‘Totally
Wild’. Now, as the producer of ‘SCOPE’, Carla says her
life is very exciting and very busy.
‘SCOPE’, Mondays on channel 10 at 4pm, is hosted by CSIRO scientist Dr Robert Bell (Dr Rob). The show aims to tackle a new science topic each week in an off-the-wall kind of way which appeals to kids.
“It’s a half hour of fast, funny and informative scientific entertainment for children aged 8-12 years, which explores the science behind everything".
If you would like to begin your career in the entertainment industry, visit the CQCM web site at www.cqu.edu.au/cqcm.
Photo above: Successful producer of children’s television
and graduate of the CQCM, Ms Carla de Jong.
Photo left: Dr Rob, a CSIRO scientist, is the host of Network Ten’s new children’s science show ‘SCOPE’, produced by Carla de Jong.
Theatre with a shot of something
on the side
Central Queensland University performing arts students will produce a ‘spoofy, madcap, hoot with lots of singing and dancing’ when they present Brasco & Yanovich.
Promoted as ‘music theatre with a shot of something on the side’, the production will be staged at the Bencke Studio, CQU’s building 4, on Friday and Saturday October 7-8 starting at 7pm.
The script has been written by first and second year Bachelor of Performing Arts students and has been directed by Howard Cassidy and Jane Bacon.
The story has a Romeo and Juliet twist with a story of
two feuding families, a shot of Italian and Russian mafia, and of course
it would not be complete without the gangsters, transvestites, violent grannies,
manic German backpacker, mail order bride and assorted mobster backup singers.
According to Cassidy: “it’s a pastiche of Bill Shakes, Baz L,
The Godfather and Pulp Fiction”.
Tickets for the show are $10 and are available at CQU Student Association Services Office and Missy Fashion K-Mart Plaza. Telephone reservations can be made on 4923 2770.
Photo above: Tegan Devine, Lynda Dowley, Tessa Coulter, Belinda Crawley and Joanna Warren prepare to dazzle audiences in their home-grown production Brasco & Yanovich.
Photo
left: Tegan Devine, Lynda Dowley, Tessa Coulter, Belinda Crawley and Joanna
Warren with Adam Sleeman (transvestite in the red dress) and Rob Cartright.
Blessed with Kylie look-a-like
genes
When the diminutive Ms Lucy Holmes steps onto the stage this Saturday night you could be forgiven for thinking that Kylie Minogue is in town for an impromptu performance – but no – it’s Ms Lucy Holmes, winner of Channel Nine’s ‘Starstruck’ program and star of ‘100% Kylie’.
Lucy, who bears a striking resemblance to Kylie Minogue, (she should be so lucky) has been performing for the past 3 years in her internationally acclaimed tribute show, ‘100% Kylie’, and says she has “the best job in the world”.
"From a very young age I have enjoyed singing and acting and I used to put on concerts for my family”, said Ms Holmes. “I think performing is in my bones".
Five years ago Lucy was living in Brisbane when she decided to pursue her love of singing and dancing by studying Music and Music Theatre at the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music in Mackay.
“My time at the CQCM had a great impact on my career,” she said. “I learnt a lot and got a good solid grounding.” “The CQCM was able to attract some amazing teachers from all over the world and I had a great time there".
From the age of 16 Lucy began receiving comments that she looked a lot like Kylie Minogue, and at first she was offended.
“I used to think people meant that I looked like Charlene off Neighbours, but later realised it was quite a complement to be told I resemble Kylie Minogue”, she said.
Not always a Kylie fan, Lucy began to appreciate Kylie’s music when she saw her perform live and realised what a remarkable performer she is. Shortly after this, Lucy was approached by an agent and asked to start a Kylie Minogue tribute show, and the rest is history. ‘100% Kylie’ was born and the show is now in huge demand across the country and internationally.
Performing with ‘100% Kylie’ has given Lucy a glimpse into Kylie’s world and what an extraordinary world it is.
“Occasionally when we get picked up in a limo I think,
I could really get used to this”, said Lucy. “But most of the
time I can only imagine what it must be like to live Kylie’s extraordinary
life”.
After 3 years on the road with the same dancers and crew Lucy says they
are like a big, happy family and have become very close.
“We have a lot of fun on the road and I am so blessed to have this opportunity”, she said. “It’s the best job in the world".
Lucy’s most memorable performances to date have been
performing at an outdoor festival in Tasmania with crowds of 15,000 people
and her ‘Starstruck’ win earlier this year.
"That was a lot of fun”, she said.
Although Lucy has never met the real Kylie, she hopes to one day, and is
certain that Kylie would be happy with her tribute show.
“We have only ever received positive feedback from Kylie’s camp,” said Lucy.
Lucy admits that Kylie Minogue’s cancer diagnosis earlier this year has had an impact on the tribute show. When Kylie was diagnosed, ‘100% Kylie’ was in the middle of their Sydney tour.
“We were unsure about what to do”, said Lucy. “At first we thought we should cancel our tour out of respect, but in the end I contacted the Breast Cancer Foundation, told them who I was and what I was doing, and we decided that since it was such a pertinent issue we would take the opportunity to raise money".
“The audiences were very supportive and we had a huge response”, said Lucy. “At the end of our concerts people donated amazing sums of money to the Breast Cancer Foundation, which just demonstrates how much Kylie means to her fans".
What does the future hold for ‘100% Kylie’?.
“We’re hoping to take the show to the UK next year”, said Lucy. “That’s what we’re working on at the moment so we’ll see what happens”.
‘100% Kylie’ is performing for one night only, this Saturday October 8, at the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music Theatre, Boundary Road, Mackay. To purchase your tickets phone 4940 7800.
Photo above: The gorgeous and talented Ms Lucy Holmes, a past student of the CQCM, loves impersonating Australia’s most famous musical export when she performs with her tribute show '100% Kylie'.
Conservatorium awarded grant for visiting scholar
The Bachelor of Jazz Studies program at the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music (CQCM) has just been awarded a visiting scholar grant to bring Professor Michael Tracy from the University Of Louisville, Kentucky, USA, to Mackay, to consult with staff about the jazz program and research projects.
While he is in Mackay, Professor Tracy will also consult generally with CQCM staff and provide input into research and teaching at the Conservatorium.
According to the Dean of Education and Creative Arts at Central Queensland University, Professor Richard Smith, "Visiting scholar funds are provided for projects that link the university with experts in various fields, and foster research collaboration”.
“This project will have the extra advantage of benefits to regional arts activities [in Mackay and the Whitsunday’s]," said Professor Smith.
CQCM Jazz Coordinator Glen Hodges, said staff were excited about the visit which would include Professor Tracy's participation, from October 25 - 28, in one of the regular residencies that the Bachelor of Jazz Studies program has on Hamilton Island.
"Professor Tracy's visit is also supported by the University of Louisville which has expressed a great deal of interest in the unique jazz teaching project that has been developed with Hamilton Island Enterprises," said Mr Hodges.
"This project is a world first as far as we know, and represents a great opportunity for the [Mackay/Whitsunday] region to showcase its unique tourism facilities, tropical environment and culture in combination with education".
Professor Tracey, himself a talented jazz musician, will be in Australia from October 25 to November 4 and can be seen performing at the Clarion Hotel at the Mackay Marina on Sunday afternoon October 30 as part of the CQCM’s regular Sunday jazz sessions.
"The Clarion Hotel has become a valued supporter of the Bachelor of Jazz Studies program at the CQCM,” said Glen, adding that “The growing links between the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music, Hamilton Island and the Clarion Hotel also place us in a unique position to provide some truly exciting performance experiences for our students”.
Photo: Visiting scholar Professor Michael Tracy from the University of Louisville, Kentucky, USA, will join the CQCM Bachelor of Jazz Studies program during one of their regular residencies on Hamilton Island this month.
Kylie
fever hits Mackay
When Lucy Holmes stepped onto the stage of the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music Theatre on Saturday night the audience went wild – and why wouldn’t they - she looks just like the real thing!.
Lucy, the star of ‘100% Kylie’, has been getting her kicks for the past 3 years impersonating Australia’s number one musical export and loving every second.
“What’s not to like”, said Lucy before the show. “I get to dress up like Kylie, sing all her hit songs, wear replica costumes, dance her moves and give the audience a thrill – it’s an amazing job and I feel very blessed".
Even loyal Kylie fans are hard pressed to find fault with Lucy’s performance.
“If you close your eyes she sounds just like Kylie, but with your eyes open she IS Kylie”, said one excited audience member after Saturday night’s performance.
The concert opened with the svelte and sexy moves of the dancers, two of whom have toured with the real Kylie, before Lucy joined them on stage for their opening number.
The show then moved through the list of Kylie’s greatest hits, including ‘Spinning Around’, ‘On a Night Like This’, ‘Slow’ and ‘Locomotion’, with a record number of costume changes just to keep us guessing.
The audience participation was great, particularly from the CQCM students in the front row, and Lucy Holmes has clearly rehearsed her Kylie Minogue moves!.
“I have studied Kylie, watched her video clips and
live performances and I also use my training in music theatre to mimic her
moves,” said Lucy. And mimic Kylie she does – so well in fact
that ‘100% Kylie’ is now in demand across the country and internationally.
Following the performance on Saturday night Lucy took time to sign posters
and T-shirts, mingle with the crowd and to chat with the current batch of
CQCM students in attendance.
“Performing tonight in Mackay really brought back memories of my time studying at the CQCM,” she said, “especially when we arrived and saw all the cane”.
Lucy has fond memories of her time studying at the CQCM and had a few words of advice for the students.
“It’s a tough industry with a lot of talented people,” said Lucy. “You really have to make your own work”.
And make her own work she has. ‘100%Kylie’ will be performing in Perth next weekend and they have performances booked for the remainder of the year. With a UK tour planned for next year, the future of ‘100% Kylie’ is looking bright.
No
doubt the UK fans who are known to idolise Kylie Minogue, will be the harshest
critics; but after seeing ‘100% Kylie’ perform they are certain
to be a hit.
Photo above top: Lucy Holmes, star of ‘100% Kylie’,
performing “On a Night Like This".
Photo above bottom: Lucy has clearly practiced her Kylie Minogue moves.
Come and spend a great
night in
Get your weekend off to a great start this Friday October 21 at the 'Big Night In' jazz concert being held at the CQCM Theatre, Boundary Road, Mackay.
Presented by staff and students from the Bachelor of Jazz Studies program at the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music (CQCM), the concert is a showcase of this year's work and incorporates an eclectic mix of musical styles and groups.
Promising to be a great night of varied entertainment, the concert incorporates music from around the world - African, Reggae and Country, and includes an easy listening ‘Radio’ jazz band, a vocal ensemble and the Conservatorium’s own ‘Big Band’.
The evening begins with the 'Big Band' and includes the
premiere of 'Carnival Concerto', a three-movement work for jazz orchestra
written by final-year trombonist Nathan Ford.
“In my opinion the Conservatorium’s jazz orchestra is one of
the finest ensembles in Mackay, and it has been a pleasure working with
them,” said Nathan.
There is also a guest appearance by a traditional African percussion ensemble led by Ray Agius.
“As the evening progresses, the diversity and high standard of the ensembles will keep the audience intrigued,” said jazz lecturer Derrin Kerr. “There is something in this concert for everyone”.
The concert starts at 7.30pm. Tickets can be purchased at the Conservatorium office or booked by phone on 4940 7800. Prices are: Adults/Concessions $10, Students $5.
Photo: Some of the Bachelor of Jazz Studies students who will be performing on Friday night at the “Big Night In” jazz concert.