CQUniversity Australia
 

Engaging Indigenous people within Higher Ed

CQUniversity's Office of Indigenous Engagement recently hosted a visit from the Oodgeroo Unit of Queensland University of Technology (QUT), at Rockhampton Campus.

Professor Anita Lee Hong, Director of the Oodgeroo Unit, and Lone Pearce, Project Officer, met with Office of Indigenous Engagement staff to discuss employment issues and best practice models for engaging Indigenous people within the higher education sector, including governance matters.

Full Details…

Conservatorium graduates give Tassie talents a voice 

Two Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music graduates are the driving force behind an innovative vocal program in Tasmania.

Juliane Di Sisto and Sara-Jane Neep, both graduates of the Bachelor of Jazz Studies program, are coordinating an exciting new music program titled Voice in Schools through Newstead College in Launceston.

PhotoID:5744, Juliane Di Sisto and Sara-Jane Neep are coordinating a new music program for Tasmanian schools.
Juliane Di Sisto and Sara-Jane Neep are coordinating a new music program for Tasmanian schools.

Juliane and Sara said the Voice in Schools program offered tutoring for young vocalists in schools around the northern part of Tasmania.

"The program is designed to enhance and provide extra assistance to music departments within schools, focusing on vocal ensembles and vocal techniques, whilst building students' confidence and having fun," Juliane said.

Sara explained: "the aim is to encourage students from primary through to high schools, giving them the opportunity to experience being in a large ensemble and in a performance situation".

The program was initiated through Newstead College's music department, which found there was a need for a program within schools that established a new and contemporary style of vocal performance, building on group unison singing as well as harmony.

Now both back in their home town of Launceston, Juliane and Sara both hope to be able to pass on some of the skills and inspiration they received during their time at the Conservatorium.

"Our degree has equipped us with different skills and knowledge of various genres, techniques, and performance styles to help us tutor these students and create a fun learning environment," Sara explained.

"Not only has our degree enhanced our ability in voice and performance, it also has given us the opportunity to work with various national and international mentors within the music industry," Juliane explained.

Sara and Juliane are both working musicians in various outfits around Launceston and are both working on gaining recognition as solo artists.

Sara is in the process of recording her solo EP with HPRC productions and is performing her original material at various venues. Within the next 12 months she aims to further develop her songwriting skills and work towards releasing her EP and perform nationally.

Juliane is writing and collaborating with various local artists and is performing with original soul band 'Mayfield'. She is also working towards opening up her own music school in Launceston.

The pair believes strongly in developing music education in Tasmania and helping to promote developing local talent.