Top End tunes and talent
Budding musicians from regional Northern Territory communities explored their passion for the arts with CQUniversity staff at the 2024 SmArts Dry Season Music Camp.
CQUniversity’s Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music (CQCM) partnered with the Smith Family and renowned Australian jazz educators – John Morrison and Jacki Cooper - to run the three-day music camp.
Designed to support neuro-diverse high school students, the initiative welcomed all abilities, instruments and singers to explore and develop their own musical identity, creativity and potential.
CQU music lecturers Dr Peter McKenzie and Dr David Reaston travelled to Darwin where they guided the students through a range of music electives, workshops, rehearsals, industry talks and a final concert performance.
Dr McKenzie, Senior Lecturer, said the regional-based camp helped overcome some of the barriers to accessing music classes and teachers, as not all students have the support or means to participate in arts opportunities.
“Part of the Smith Family’s mission is to create opportunities for young Australians in need by providing long-term support for their participation in education. This mission aligns with CQUniversity’s strategic plan and social innovation objectives,” he said.
“We aim to be a beacon for removing participation barriers to world-class training, education and research, particularly amongst underrepresented groups and underserviced communities.”
Dr McKenzie said the experience allowed the teenage students to bond over shared interests and hone their skills under the guidance of musicians and educators.
“A lot of the students had never met each other. Getting a group of kids together and creating music and seeing what they can achieve over three days was incredible.
“Students also got the chance to delve into something that really interests them through specialised electives. It was a way to personally connect with professional mentors and explore future opportunities.”
The program immersed students in the broader world of music, exploring potential career and education pathways they might not have previously considered.
Over the three days, students learnt a range of contemporary and jazz songs before developing arrangements which culminated in a concert.
The model was designed to give students an intensive experience that provides insight to what is taught in CQCM’s Bachelor of Music course.
“The students can hear about what they can do and maybe it can open some doors for them,” Dr McKenzie said.
“Even from a young age they can start thinking, maybe music is what I want to do, and start to consider how to start. Being able to provide my expertise to them is a bonus.”
Dr McKenzie added that passionate CQU staff, students and alumni had a longstanding history with SmArts Dry Season Music Camp which was developed in 2019.
While CQU students were not involved in this year's camp, they have assisted in the workshops and performances in previous years (watch video below) and the experience has been a great opportunity for them to develop their education and social innovation capacity.
“This year the industry speaker was CQU alumnus Captain Ben Bonney - Music Director of the Australian Army Band of the 1st Brigade.
“We hope our involvement will continue to highlight the importance of providing accessible and inclusive programs for many years to come - inspiring and empowering the next generation of musicians.”
