Vol. 17, No. 4, May 2008
Relatives often travel the road to musical success together - from the Bee Gees and the Jackson 5, to the Good Charlotte twins and Queensland's own state school stars, Lisa and Jess Origliasso of The Veronicas. Now a new set of siblings will take centre stage in a spectacular celebration of State Education Week. REBECCA PERRY reports.
A dissonant teenager usually means conflict, but at Narangba Valley State High School, north of Brisbane, Dissonance is creating perfect harmonies.
The boys behind the band ' 13-year-old Year 9 twins Jake and Nick Tomlins, elder brother Alex and mate Trent Lewis, both 16-year-old Year 12 students ' are already a class act.
Since 2005, from their first gig at a friend's party, Dissonance has been making their mark at school and in wider music circles.
They were placed in the top 15 of last year's Nova Rock School at the EKKA and played at Fortitude Valley's Fringe Bar as part of the Catalyst Youth Arts Program.
Their individual rock blend, inspired by the likes of Pearl Jam, U2 and Pink Floyd, stood out in auditions for Creative Generation ' State Schools Onstage 2008, the forthcoming gala finale to State Education Week.
The band will feature along with more than 550 other state school students and professional artists.
Narangba State High's head of performing arts John Coulson said the band didn't need to be pressured, showed initiative and jumped at the chance to perform.
'They are such a tight act, and all get on very well,' Mr Coulson said.
He said the band's legion of loyal fans lined up for performances, including lunchtime gigs in the school's amphitheatre.
'They have a very strong support network, both from their families and the school community, and we try to give them as many performance opportunities as we can to nurture their skills.'
He said music teachers Paul Berardi, an accomplished guitarist, and classically trained Rachel Scammells had played a strong role in the band's development.
Ms Scammells said practical experience would help them to succeed.
'They want to perform professionally and go to university, and I have pushed them to do what they need to do to get a foot in the door,' she said.
'They are definitely a one-off group, and it is very exciting as a teacher to look at them and think "Wow, this is why I wanted to do this job ".'
With a demo CD and single Stormy Friday launched, Dissonance's next professional step is recording an EP.
Ms Scammells said performing at Creative Generation ' State Schools Onstage would be an unforgettable learning experience for the band.
In its fourth year, the professionally produced variety event at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) Concert Hall will showcase talent from more than 65 state schools across the state.
Diverse musical styles will feature through a 70-piece orchestra, a 220-voice choir, 220 dancers, vocalists and professional artists including Ingrid James, one of Queensland's foremost jazz vocalists, and leading choreographers William Forsythe, Helena Moore, Louise Deleur and Chris Sherriff.
Other professional groups working with students and performing in the show include Zen Zen Zo Physical Theatre, Flipside Circus, Raw Dance Company and Phoenix Fire Tribe.
Tickets are available from the QTIX box office from late April. Visit www.qtix.com.au or phone 136 246. Adults $28, children $14, concessions $20, plus booking fee.
The performances are Friday May 30 at 11.30am and 7pm and Saturday May 31 at 7pm. The matinee performance is a great chance for students to attend a performance as part of a school group, and bookings include one free ticket for an accompanying teacher.
For more information visit the State Education Week website
Queensland entertainer Jamie Dunn is making his next career move - into our schools.
With a resume that includes two decades behind the microphone at top-rating radio shows in Brisbane and on the Sunshine Coast, being the voice of long-running children's television character Agro, and his early days as a singer-songwriter, Jamie Dunn has earned his self-proclaimed title as Queensland's most well-rounded performer.
Education Views spoke with Jamie Dunn about his next role, where he will work-shadow Gympie State High School's Murray Wegner for Principal for a Day, held across Queensland on May 26 during State Education Week.
What schools did you attend?
Rocklea State School and Salisbury State High School in Brisbane.
What was your experience?
I absolutely loved school, enjoyed it immensely.
What about your teachers?
Most of my teachers inspired me in one way or another, apart from the history teacher who would occasionally nod off in class.
How did school prepare you for your career?
It gave me an all-round base to work from and an ability to talk to and deal with people in general.
What was the best thing you learned at school?
That music and art are things to be embraced.
What do you wish you had done differently?
Applied myself a little more in maths and English.
Why did you sign up for Principal for a Day?
To have some interaction with the students and have some fun. I developed a unique bond with all of my teachers and look forward to sharing those thoughts with the students at Gympie State High School.
Why Gympie State High?
I was approached by the school and asked to be involved. I've had a lot to do with the Gympie area with different community fundraising and the like, so was happy to do so.
What do you think you can offer students?
Well, being a lacklustre academic student in my time, I feel I can give them the benefit of my experience on how to find your niche in business and life.
For more information on Principal for a Day visit the State Education Week website
Queensland state schools are encouraged to invite past students back to the classroom during State Education Week for Back to School.
The initiative is a great way to reconnect with past students and get them to share their stories of success. It helps to build community support and develops an alumni group of former students who can continue to be involved with the school.
More than 2000 schools and 6500 former students across the country have participated in the program over the past six years. Last year's participants included Channel 9 presenter Joseph May and Gold Coast Titans Rugby league players Clint Amos and Luke O'Dwyer.
Back to School is run in Queensland by Education Foundation Australia with the support of the Department of Education, Training and the Arts, and the Queensland Teachers' Union.
For more information visit the State Education Week website
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© The State of Queensland (Department of Education, Training and the Arts) 2008.