Students bring the beat to jazz festival
Young musicians from across Queensland came together in Mackay for the 12th annual CQUniversity Schools’ Jazz Festival, held from 1–3 August at the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music (CQCM).
Now part of the Queensland Regional Ensemble Program (QREP), the festival provided more than 150 students from 10 schools in regional and rural communities with the opportunity to experience high-quality jazz education through rehearsals, workshops and live performances with professional musicians.
Acclaimed conductor, arranger and bandleader Daryl McKenzie headlined the 2025 festival as guest clinician and adjudicator.
The festival opened with a gala concert featuring Mr McKenzie and CQCM music staff, giving students, many of whom had never attended a live jazz performance before, an inspiring experience.
He praised the event for its unique format and strong educational outcomes.
“Spending a full hour with each ensemble allowed me to revisit key concepts and model stylistic interpretation live with the students. This festival is a vital resource for jazz education in the region and has great potential to expand its reach,” Mr McKenzie said.
Festival Director and CQCM Music Lecturer Jason Smyth-Tomkins said the event demonstrates the University’s commitment to regional outreach and creative arts education.
“The CQUniversity Schools’ Jazz Festival inspires students to develop as musicians and builds meaningful connections between schools and the university,” Mr Smyth-Tomkins said.
"It’s a powerful example of the lasting impact that music can have in regional communities."
Lakes College teacher, Mr Bruce Coombs said the festival gave the students an opportunity to immerse themselves in a weekend of performances and workshops with other schools
"They’ve come away with confidence and an enthusiasm to get better at playing jazz," he said.
"We achieved everything we set out to do, including consolidating our jazz culture at our school.”
