Western Cape College music teacher Amie Hosking (middle) sends Talei Rokosoi, Rhiannon Portell, Halle Kootoofa and Blake Kootoofa off to their SHEP experience. Photo: Supplied.
Western Cape College (WCC) has shown it is brimming with musical talent after four budding musicians showcased their skills at a competitive ensemble program in Cairns earlier this month.
Talei Rokosoi, Rhiannon Portell, Halle Kootoofa and Blake Kootoofa were selected to participate in this year’s State Honours Ensemble Program (SHEP) after outstanding work in the school’s band program.
Run by one of Australia’s leading music education institutions, the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, SHEP is a highly selective program which brings together talent from 26 schools across Far North Queensland.
Instrumental music teacher Amie Hosking, who nominated the Weipa students for the program, said the quartet did the school proud.
“It’s a very competitive program, and I’m extremely proud to say that four of our students got accepted into the program,” she said.
“They’re all really hardworking and dedicated musicians; they’re always asking questions and always wanting to know more information on how to get better.
“I thought it was a great opportunity for them to go and experience music outside of school.”
Ms Hosking said it was only the second time WCC had participated in the SHEP program.
“Last year was the first year that I nominated people, and it was mainly because when I first started the [band] program, it was very much beginner based,” she said.
“Now that the kids are progressing further through the levels, they’re getting to a point where they can actually go away and be successful at these opportunities.”
She explained programs like SHEP, which allowed students to venture out and learn from new teachers, see the calibre of their peers, and collaborate with other musicians, were incredibly valuable to a musician’s progress.
“This is the first time most of them have experienced something like this,” Ms Hosking said.
“To be honest, having done the SHEP program myself through school, there is nothing quite like these programs – they’re amazing.
“The kids are all really excited to keep playing; it’s really reinvigorated their learning and helped them get more motivation.”
