Twenty high school students from the Mackay region have been taking part in a new program at the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music (CQCM), observing and participating in a range of classes as though they were professional music students at CQCM.

The program, suitably named Jammin’ is designed to give the budding musicians an insight into studying music professionally at the Conservatorium.

Running through until Friday, the students will have a chance to participate in workshops, academic lectures and rehearsals – much of what a regular CQCM student can expect in studying any of the three music courses available at the Conservatorium.

Jammin’ is the brain child of Derrin Kerr, lecturer in Jazz at the CQCM. Derrin spoke to the region’s music teachers encouraging any students contemplating a career in Music to come along.

The program has had an excellent response and Derrin is pleased to welcome such a cross section of musicians to the course.

“It is great to have so many students interested in Jammin’ in its first year. The response from the students has been fantastic. Next year we hope to see students from across Australia coming to Mackay for this program”.

“This is not like a traditional music school or music camp. The school students are able to taste the full university experience working alongside conservatorium students in bands, classes, projects and on-campus social activities”.

“This will enable school age students considering studying music at tertiary level to make an informed decision in this area”.

The Jammin program will end appropriately with an information session on Friday night followed by a concert in the CQCM theatre. Parents of the students will have a chance to talk to lecturers and see the fruits of their student’s efforts at Jammin’.

For further details, please contact Derrin Kerr on 4940 7811.

Photo Above: High school students from around Mackay spend this week Jammin at CQCM to see what it’s really like to be a professional music student. Back row: Tom Lagan,(WAS), Joel Denman(MSHS), Dean Williamson(WAS), Julian Schleger(HSC), Brandon Collett(MNSHS), Ainslie Smith(MSHS), David Woodfall(MNSHS) Second back row: Hayley Curtin (with guitar)(MIRANI SHS), Juliet Marshall (with cello)(HSC) Middle row: Hannah Prouse(MNSHS), Eloise McIntyre(WAS), Luke McIntosh(HSC), Kristine Handley(WAS) Second front row: Alice Gaynor,(HSC), Zoe Hadok-Quadrio(MSHS), Jessica Byrne(MNSHS), Erin Dixon(MNSHS), Nerida Curry(HSC) Front: Vanessa Hjorth(MSHS).

Photo left: Budding Drummer Tom Lagan of Whitsunday Anglican School, gets a few rockin’ tips from third year Bachelor of Jazz Student Damien Campbell.