The Bandicoots
 |
Craig Morrison with "his" band the Bandicoots playing at the Crowbar. Unfortunately this was the only photo from the Crowbar gig clear enough to use so we have to apologise to Jess. At least it shows half of her unlike the photo in the Gympie Times which left her out all together. Our apologies Jess |
 |
The Bandicoots playing at the RSL on the Wednesday after the Muster. Jasper, Jess and Jake (left to right) with Ben (obscured) on the drums. |
The Bandicoots is a new band of middle school aged student formed at the AICM. Jasper (lead guitar) Jess (rhythm guitar), Jake (bass guitar and vocals) and Ben (drums and vocals) have been rehearsing for a couple of months and have so far performed at four functions, twice at the Gympie RSL and twice at the Muster.
For a brief period they were known as "The Scooby Don'ts". That came about because we had to put together a press release at relatively short notice promoting their backing Craig Morrison at the Muster. A name for the band was required for the press release and as one had not been chosen by the members at the time, AICM staff had to make an on the spot decision. As you can see, "The Scooby Don'ts" turned out to be the wrong decision.
Keep an eye and an ear out for The Bandicoots. We believe they have a great future.
The Crowbar gig
 |
Gympie Kids Rock rocking the Crowbar |
 |
Certificate III students performing on the Crowbar Stage |
 |
More Certificate III students performing on the Crowbar stage |
Members of the AICM groups and classes had the great opportunity of performing at the Crowbar during the Muster. Thursday afternoon between 3.00 and 5.00pm, the stars of the show were Gympie Kids Rock, AICM Fiddle Group, the Certificate III students and The Bandicoots with Craig Morrison.
The Crowbar is the premier venue at the Muster site after the Main Stage and it was a great opportunity for our students to be able to play from a stage fully set up with lighting and sound gear and be looked after by professional sound technicians. Most musicians never get that kind of experience until they hit "the big time", so as an introduction to the music industry, it doesn't come much better than that.
As well as the Crowbar gig, The Fiddle Group, The Bandicoots and the Certificate III students were all hired to play at the Grove, another Muster venue on Thursday evening for a corporate function.
AICM at the Muster
 |
AICM volunteers in the camping grounds preparing for a hard day's night. |
 |
AICM volunteer Karen Thompsen prior to the arrival of the Muster Crowds. |
This year, the AICM was charged with helping to run the Talent Search at the Muster and most of the work was done by members of the Adult Guitar group which meets on Monday evening. Between Debra and Robyn, the volunteers were organisted and arrangements were made with Liz Rauchie, the Talent Search co-ordinator, to make the whole thing happen.
The Talent Search was a great success again this year, due in no small part to the work done by the AICM volunteers. Thanks to all concerned and we look forward to camping with everyone again next year.
Shane Peters' visit
 |
Visiting artist Shane Peters harmonising with AICM Cert III student Rachel Hogan. |
AICM Certificate III students were pleased to be able to welcome Shane Peters to their class recently. Shane has been successful in the music industry, having worked in a band with Keith Urban in his early days and then living in Nashville where one of his single releases of an original song made the Billboard country top 100 thereby becoming the first independent Australian artists to make it on to the American charts.
Shane spoke about his experiences in the music industry and shared with the class tips and tricks he learned along the way. Shane is keen to come back to the AICM and work with students on an area of particular interest to him - harmony singing.
We look forward to more visits from Shane.
Chairs in the Auditorium
 |
Comfortable chairs bought for the auditorium from a grant made availiable by the Gambling Community Benefit Fund. |
As a result of a successful application to the Gambling Community Benefit Fund, we have been able to purchase over $9 000 worth of chairs for the auditorium and tables for the lunch room.
We have put in another funding application, this time for high quality sound equipment for the auditorium. It is our aim to make the auditorium a quality venue that will attract artists to perform in this community. We are well on the way to making that happen.