Alumni Profile: Jodie Michael

How an In School Music Program began Jodie Michael’s jazz career

It was during the high school music program at Holy Spirit College with WollCon teacher Eric Dunan, that musician Jodie Michael realised playing jazz would be her lifelong career.

She played drums with a small jazz combo group at the school as well as the jazz orchestra, and for the last three years of her secondary education had the opportunity to tour the USA as part of the 2007 WollCon Jazz tour.

“We toured San Francisco, Oakland and Reno. I instantly fell in love with the passion and creative spirit of the music scene on the West Coast and made a firm mental note to return to the US as soon as possible.” Said Jodie.

That experience allowed Jodie to also play drums with well-known Australian musicians James Muller and Craig Scott. The exposure to a wide range of musicians and creative expressions, allowed her to develop her confidence and dedication to pursue a long-term career as a drummer.

Soon after completing a four year Bachelor of Music Performance degree at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Jodie was awarded the 2013 Jann Rutherford Memorial Award, which supports the professional development of an outstanding young female jazz musician.

The award was a turning point for Jodie and allowed her the opportunity to tour domestically and record an EP. It also led to many other professional opportunities, such as performing with musical icons like Katie Noonan.

“To this day, I do not take for granted the fortune that continually stems from the honour of winning that award. The collaboration and performance opportunities that followed were important for my artistic trajectory.”

Back in the USA

After a significant stretch of working in the music scene, and frequent bouts of work in New York with master drummer Michael Carvin, Jodie completed a Masters of Music degree at the Berklee Global Jazz Institute (BGJI) in Boston, MA.

“Studying in the USA allowed me to take advantage of the rich knowledge inherent in the country’s musical culture and community, whilst getting exposure to the world’s greatest musicians and absorbing their knowledge.”

It was during this time she was able to perform with many great artists, including Danilo Perez, the artistic director of the BGJI.

“I was fortunate to be able to participate in groups coordinated by Danilo at the 2019 Panama Jazz Festival and the inaugural Global Association for Inter connective Arts (GAIA) collaborative ensemble at the Bimhuis in Amsterdam and the Conservatorium of Amsterdam.”

After moving to New York, prior to the pandemic in 2019/2020, Jodie was touring New York City and New Jersey and expanding her experience by playing with many of her favourite musicians, including Ingrid Jenson – acclaimed jazz trumpeter and dedicated jazz educator.

“I felt most welcome and at home on the east coast. The spirit and drive towards excellence was palpable within the music scenes of New York and Boston, and I was encouraged to take many risks and capitalise on opportunities. New York is a different country, in itself!”

What’s next?

Prior to lockdown, Jodie had a period of teaching drums at the Wollongong Conservatorium, and continues to take on keen percussion students privately. In the long term, she hopes to share her knowledge through various performance and education opportunities domestically and abroad.

Right now she’s patiently anticipating the end of lockdown in Sydney and Wollongong, and planning some new recording projects.

“As always I am working on becoming a better composer, the eternal goal! I am also researching and preparing for the possible commencement of my PhD, early next year (2022) through the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. My dissertation will focus on potential for gender equality within the arts and music representation in the Middle East and communities.”

Sue is an accomplished and seasoned manager with a wealth of experience in government administration and community service delivery. With a strong background in strategic planning, organisational development, community engagement, project planning, and building strategic partnerships, Sue has consistently demonstrated her leadership and expertise and brings a wealth of knowledge to the board. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business focusing on Local Government and Creative Industries from the University of Wollongong, reflecting her commitment to public service and innovative leadership. Sue’s extensive career and dedication to community and social service make her a valuable asset, offering both strategic insight and practical experience to drive meaningful impact.

Anne has been a member of the Wollcon Board since 2019. She holds a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts from UNSW. She is an Accredited Specialist in Family Law and an accredited Mediator and Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner. She has taught family law and other subjects at Wollongong University.

For a number of years she has been a subscriber to the Australian Chamber Orchestra which regularly performs in Wollongong . She has been passionate about music and in particular music education to children and adults.

Jake has worked in the disability sector for 24 years- 17 of these with Interchange and 7 years as their CEO. Jake is passionate about inclusion and equality for both people with disability and their carers.

He holds an MBA, Bachelor of Commerce, Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, as well as completing Diploma’s in Case Management, Community Services Coordination and the AICD Company Directors Course.

Jake is also a committee member on the International Short Breaks Association Board and has been a Director on the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music Board since 2022.

Wayne is a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors as well as being a qualified company secretary and accountant with over 35 years experience in banking and finance. He performed for nine of those years as Chief Executive of IMB Ltd, and the preceding seven years as Company Secretary and Chief Financial Officer, also with IMB. Wayne’s primary expertise is in the areas of governance, management, accounting, risk management and banking and finance. He has spent his whole life living in the Illawarra and is passionate about ensuring the Illawarra can provide the best possible opportunities and lifestyle for its residents. In 2024 Wayne was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for services to the community.

Dr Terumi Narushima is a senior lecturer and Music Discipline Leader at the University of Wollongong. She is a composer, performer and sound designer specialising in microtonal tuning systems. Her works include Tritriadic Chimes, a sound installation for LA MicroFest, Hidden Sidetracks, a composition for custom-made instruments premiered by Ensemble Offspring at Sydney Opera House, and a project to build microtonal flutes using 3D printing. She has worked on theatre collaborations which have been presented nationally and internationally, including Yasukichi Murakami: Through a Distant Lens, Lost in Shanghai, and The Story of Chi. She performs with microtonal ensemble Clocks and Clouds, and her book Microtonality and the Tuning Systems of Erv Wilson is published by Routledge.

Nicky is the CEO of Community Industry Group. She has degrees in Dementia Care, Community & Environment and Marketing, and a Grad Dip in Project Management. She is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and an Honorary Fellow of UOW. In addition to Chairing the WollCon Board, she is Deputy Chair of the Regional Development Australia Illawarra Shoalhaven Board and an Independent Non-Executive Director of Warrigal, a large not-for-profit specialising in the provision of services for older people.

Her corporate governance and strategy experience extends through a 20+ year career on boards in the corporate, government and NFP sectors.