04 March 2010
Central Queensland students learn how to JAM
Students in central Queensland will soon be jamming with professional musicians and teachers in a series of interactive workshops aimed at culturally and socially enriching young locals.
The workshops, run by Join Australian Music (JAM), focus on engaging young people in musical activities that leave a lasting, sustainable understanding of the importance of music for health and well being, education, team building, family bonding, communication, and community development.
Four workshops will be held in state schools in Woorabinda, Emerald, and Clermont from 21 to 27 March 2010.
JAM project manager Michael Thomas said the workshops bring professional musicians out of the city to share with communities in regional and remote Queensland.
"Children in regional and remote Queensland have limited access to professional musicians and teachers, yet music is one of the most powerful and influential forms of communicating," Mr Thomas said.
"The workshops will get the students learning about the art and trade of music and include activities such as singing and playing instruments, writing songs, recording and mixing sounds, and having fun with family and friends."
The project is being funded by Rio Tinto Coal Australia (RTCA) with almost $25,000 from Aboriginal and community development funds in Clermont and Emerald.
The funds support a range of projects designed to deliver sustainable outcomes in their local communities.
Kestrel Mine general manager operations Tony Lennox said the project is part of a broader goal to build a sustainable future for local young people and create opportunities that will help develop their skills.
"We believe it's important that the future generations of Clermont, Emerald, and surrounding regions receive the benefits of a diverse and fulfilling education that encourages them to express their individual stories and talents, and get involved in their communities," Mr Lennox said.
"Our investment in this programme particularly enables young people to reconnect with the region's cultural heritage in a highly interactive and engaging way; and develop their communication skills, self-confidence, and personal well-being.
"At the end of the day, the project creates a healthier and inclusive environment where the seeds it plants now will help build stronger and highly capable communities in the future."
A schedule of the JAM workshops is below:
- 22 March - Woorabinda State School
- 23 and 24 March - Emerald State High School
- 25 March - Clermont State High School
- 26 March - JAM Performance at Emerald PCYC.
For more information about the workshops, please contact JAM project manager Michael Thomas brothersgibson@hotmail.com or 0419 120 917.
The RTCA funds and their contributions to the project are listed below:
- Clermont Aboriginal Community Development Fund - $5000
- Kestrel Aboriginal Community Development Fund - $9600
- Kestrel Community Development Fund - $9600.