Cristina Taylor Brell
Cristina Taylor Brell is a dedicated and passionate trombone major in her final year of a Bachelor of Music at CQUniversity. Having grown up in Mackay, QLD, Cristina has actively engaged with the local music scene, performing in several community groups, including the Mackay City Band and the Mackay Blue Water Big Band. With a strong focus on jazz and contemporary music, she has developed a solid foundation in both ensemble and solo performance. Cristina is now looking to translate her experience and passion into a successful career in music performance, with a particular interest in jazz and contemporary genres.
Cristina has been an active member of the Mackay music community, contributing her trombone talents to groups such as the Mackay City Band and the Mackay Blue Water Big Band. These experiences have allowed her to develop her performance skills in various settings, from community events to formal concerts, further solidifying her passion for music.
Matthew Romer
Matthew Romer is a third-year drum student at CQUniversity. Originally from Rockhampton, Matt interests are in performance and composition. A graduate of The Cathedral College (TCC), Matthew has immersed himself in the study of jazz and contemporary music while performing with groups such as the Mackay City Band.
His musical interests are diverse, extending to Afro-Cuban rhythms, which influence his unique style and approach to drumming. Matthew’s ultimate goal is to become a composer for games and films, where he can combine his love for music and storytelling to create compelling and immersive soundscapes.
Matthew has performed with the Mackay City Band, where he contributed to various performances and gained valuable experience in ensemble settings. His involvement in the local music scene has allowed him to refine his drumming technique and explore different musical styles.
WILLIAM KERR
William has experience playing and performing various styles of music, having prepared for and passed his grade 8 AMEB violin exam in high school. William majored in jazz and popular music on piano during his studies at university which provided valuable experience performing in those styles of music. William has also volunteered extensively in the band at Oasis Church in Rockhampton, providing skills in leading people, leading band rehearsals and playing keyboard in a band setting. William has experience tutoring music and music theory in a private and music school context. This gives him experience teaching kids of a wide range of ages and working with them to further their musical ability and theory. Currently studying to become a secondary classroom music teacher, William aspires to grow in his experience in the music and education industries.
Education
Bachelor of Music - Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music - Central Queensland University (2023)
Work Experience
* Private Music Teaching | 2013 - 2022 | Piano tutoring
* Oasis Music School | 2014 - present | Piano & violin teaching
Musical Achievements
* AMEB Grade 8 Violin exam - (A)
* AMEB Grade 4 Music Theory exam - passed
Musical Experience
* Experience performing violin & piano in eisteddfods and concerts
* CQ Strings - Playing and performing violin to a high level in an ensemble setting * Keys player - Oasis Church band | 2013 - present
* Songwriting/arranging for church/youth bands | 2016 - present
* Leading/directing church/youth band rehearsals and performances
Other Education/Teaching Experience
* AMEB exam preparation - prepared a piano student for an AMEB piano for leisure grade 4 exam (2020)
* Current Student enrolled in Master of Teaching (CQU) for 2023
Cameron Hollis
Cameron Hollis is a third-year guitar major at CQCM with a versatile musical background, also excelling as a multi-instrumentalist on trumpet, piano, and vocals.
His deep love for jazz and contemporary music has driven his active participation in the Mackay music scene, where he has performed with various community groups, including the Mackay City Band and the Blue Water Big Band. In addition to his passion for jazz, Cameron has a keen interest in musical theatre, which further enriches his diverse musical palette. With aspirations to become a professional performer, Cameron is committed to honing his craft across multiple instruments and genres.
Jacob Legaspi
Jacob Legaspi hold a Bachelor of Music with Distinction from CQUniversity. He has been actively performing extensively within the Central Queensland region and beyond.
PERFORMANCE EXPERIENCE
Australian Army Band Brisbane (2024)
(Reservist) – Trumpet/Bugle
Rockhampton Big Band (2024) - 1st Trumpet
Rockhampton Youth Orchestra (2024) – 1st Trumpet The Natural Culture Band (2024)– Trumpet
A2Z Live Entertainment (2024) – Trumpet/Saxophone
Yeppoon Wesleyan Methodist Church (2015-2024) – Worship Team – Drums/Trumpet/Saxophone
Rockhampton Symphony Orchestra (2023)
Airlie Beach Festival of Music (2022-23)–
Band: Weathered - Trumpet/Percussion
Bluewater Big Band (2021) - 1st Trumpet
Village Arts Festival (2023)
Jazz & Shiraz/Blues – Trumpet/Drums
Musicals
Chicago – 1st Trumpet (Mackay Musical Comedy Players)
Pirates of Penzance – 2nd Trumpet (Yeppoon Choral Society)
The Little Mermaid – 1st Trumpet (Heights College)
State Honors Ensemble Program (4th - 1st Trumpet) 2012 – 2018
Southern Cross Soloists Winter Music School (Scholarship) 2014
AWARDS
University
Dean’s Award for Excellence in Performance 2023