Five music students from Boorowa Central School have swapped the schoolyard for a university campus last Tuesday to take part in a new program on the coast.
The University of Wollongong (UOW) and Wollongong Conservatorium of Music (WollCon) have launched a new collaboration to boost access and opportunities for regional and rural talent with the five students joining in with others from across the state to explore possible musical pathways.
The Local Community Partnership – formalised in July through a Memorandum of Understanding is aiming to bridge the gap between rural and urban learning opportunities and inspire students to consider music beyond the classroom.
“UOW is committed to ensuring every student, wherever they live, can match their passions with university pathways that lead to rewarding careers,” UOW Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic and Student Life) Professor Mark Hoffman said.
“Through partnerships with regional schools and organisations, we open access to world-class education, hands-on experiences and the skills needed to succeed.”
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Staff from UOW’s School of the Arts, English and Media, with support from UOW student ambassador and musician Xavier Do gave the students, aged 15-17 years, a tour of UOW’s state-of-the-art music facilities, including digital recording studios, post-production suites, a 3D audio room and dedicated rehearsal and performance spaces.
The group visited WollCon, where a hands-on jazz workshop offered insight into university-level music study and careers.
“I planned a broad range of styles and grooves, from blues to Latin to reggae ska, and we explored chord‑scale relationships for improvising along with the basic structures used in jazz and general performances,” Jazz Program Lead David Rodriguez‑Lovibond said.
“This unique experience builds our students’ skills and confidence, while giving them their first glimpse of life on a university campus. We’re grateful to WollCon and UOW for making it possible,” Boorowa Central School music teacher (and UOW graduate) Lauren Crokett said.
