Hamilton Island was abuzz last week as Bachelor of Jazz Studies students and lecturers from Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music (CQCM) took to the stage as part of Hamilton Island Race Week.

CQCM Bachelor of Jazz Studies co-ordinator Glen Hodges and lecturer Derrin Kerr (pictured) were part of the team of musicians, which included visiting artists Paul Hudson (drummer) and Peter Walters (Bass Player), both from Brisbane.

The team also featured seven CQCM Jazz Studies students, including vocalists Hayley Cox and Kerry Armstrong.

According to Glen Hodges, “Hamilton Island Race Week is a great opportunity for staff and students to perform at various venues around the island and to try it all out on the job.".

“The main purpose of a trip like this is to give the students an opportunity to showcase their talent and get a feel for live performance with immediate audience feedback and appreciation,” he said.

The musicians were booked to perform at many of the islands executive functions with two performances per day.

During breaks in performances, the musicians made the most of the visiting artists by recording an album for the CQCM Jazz Department, which will go into the archives to showcase staff and student talent.

CQU Associate Professor Bruce Knight said, “The Hamilton Island experience offers students a wonderful opportunity to bridge the theory/practice nexis by giving students a platform to perform at international level.".

Audition applications close on September 24 for the 2005 intake of students for CQCM programs in music, music theatre, jazz studies and the performing arts. For information please contact Kim Mackenzie on 4940 7800.