ACADEMY OF ARTS

Performance Coordinator: Mrs Desley Herschell C Mus A  A T Mus A

Instrumental Music, Speech & Drama

BRASS

  • Mr Stuart Bent studied at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music receiving a Bachelor of Music (Instrumental)
  • Regularly performs with The Queensland Orchestra and other professional groups
  • Principal Trombonist of Brisbane Excelsior Brass Band
  • Taught for a number of years in Brisbane schools
  • Freelance trombonist including radio performances and soundtrack recordings
  • 2007 Trombone Champion – New Zealand Brass Band Championships
  • Performed internationally in solo and band competitions

PERCUSSION

  • Mr John McDerrmott studied at the Adelaide Conservatorium of Music receiving a Bachelor of Music with Honours, majoring in Jazz Performance
  • Has lectured in rhythm and jazz accompaniment at the University of Adelaide
  • Teaches in a number of Brisbane schools
  • Has instructed Primary and Secondary percussion groups and ensembles
  • Tours and performs with Musica Viva both nationally and internationally in schools
  • Freelance percussionist and drummer for bands, orchestras and soundtrack recordings

CLARINET AND SAXOPHONE

  • Mrs Julie Elvery studied at Queensland Conservatorium of Music receiving a Bachelor of Music and Graduate Diploma of Instrumental Performance
  • Achieved Licentiate of Music, Australia (L.Mus.A) on clarinet
  • Achieved Associate of Music, Australia (A.Mus.A) on piano and saxophone
  • Taught for 15 years at a number of schools in Brisbane plus home studio
  • Freelance clarinetist with QLD Philharmonic Orchestra and various chamber groups
  • Played alto and tenor saxophone in the Youth for Christ Big Band for a number of years
  • Currently plays clarinet in the Brisbane Philharmonic Orchestra
  • Ms Sandi Morris studied at QUT receiving a Bachelor of Music with distinction
  • Received Associate of Music, Australia (A.Mus.A) on alto saxophone
  • Teaches saxophone & clarinet in a number of schools
  • Multi-instrumental teacher with Creative Kids on Stage
  • Performed in a number of bands
  • Currently enrolled in Masters of Audiology at University of Qld

FLUTE

  • Mrs Cathy Anderson received an Associate in Music, Australia on flute whilst studying for her degree in Physiotherapy at University of Queensland
  • Received a Postgraduate Diploma in Music Studies - Instrumental teaching from Queensland Conservatorium on Music in 2007
  • Teaches flute at a number of schools in Brisbane as well as piano and theory at home studio
  • Currently directs a number of ensembles
  • In 1993 received a Rotary Club “Pride of Workmanship” Award in the area of music
  • Has played in the Harvest Rain Productions Company Orchestra

GUITAR AND ELECTRIC BASS

  • Mr Simon Geeves studied at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music receiving a Bachelor of Music studying Jazz Guitar
  • Taught guitar for over 14 years privately and in several schools
  • Plays in various cover bands.
  • Toured with a number of bands nationally and internationally
  • Played on various CDs and worked as a session guitarist

  PIANO / KEYBOARD / INTRODUCTION TO MUSIC / STRINGS

  • Mrs Kendre Bent studied at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music receiving a Bachelor of Music
  • Taught piano, strings and brass for over 9 years in a number of Brisbane schools and in a home studio
  • Conducted music workshops in various schools
  • Currently directs a number of instrumental ensembles including concert bands and string orchestras at both Primary and Secondary levels
  • Travelled nationally and internationally with a number of instrumental ensembles
  • Performed in the Harvest Rain Theatre Company’s 2008 season of The Sound of Music

KEYBOARD / PIANO / MUSIC TECHNOLOGY

  • Mr Ian Thomson studied at the Newcastle Conservatorium of Music receiving a Master of Music Technology
  • Received a Bachelor of Computing from the Central Queensland University
  • Achieved a Associate in Music, Australia on piano
  • Performed on piano at concerts and with bands
  • Followed a career in electronics and communications particularly in the area of music technology which is incorporated into lessons
  • Has been a musical director of local church
  • Experienced sound and recording technician
  • Teaches and records in home studio
  • Member of Music Teachers Association of Queensland

STRINGS

  • Ms Cristina Zanfir studied at the Bucuresti Conservatorium and the Queensland Conservatorium of Music
  • Received a Bachelor of Music double majoring in Violin and String Pedagogy
  • Completing a Masters of Music in String Pedagogy
  • Has taught at the George Enescu School of Music in Bucuresti, Romania
  • Currently conducts a number of string ensembles at Primary and Secondary levels.
  • Teaches in a number of schools
  • Performs in a quartet at many functions

VOICE

  • Ms Kathryn Dunstan received a Graduate Certificate in Music Studies from the Queensland Conservatorium of Music
  • Received an Associate Diploma in Speech and Drama from the Trinity College of London
  • Taught for over 10 years in a number of Brisbane schools and music schools
  • Owns and manages a vocal services business providing tuition and professional entertainment services
  • Actively involved in the Entertainment Industry for over 20 years

SPEECH AND DRAMA

  • Ms Joanna Butler has a Bachelor of Theatre Arts (Acting) degree from University of Southern Queensland,
  • Received an Associate Diploma in Speech & Drama (Teaching) from Trinity College London in 1999
  • Taught at a number of private schools and drama schools in South East Queensland
  • Works with Harvest Rain theatre Company as a Writer and Director
  • Toured as an actor with the Queensland Arts Council in over 100 schools in 2008
  • Teaches acting, speech & drama and voice