12 Dec 2017
A Dubbo College band, made up of students and staff from the Delroy Campus support unit, is making a name for itself in the Dubbo community and providing an important source of inspiration to other students.
The Delroy School of Rock band began its journey in mid-2016 with lead guitarist and student learning support officer (SLSO) Doug Gordon at the helm
Since that time Doug has been joined by fellow staff member and vocalist Sharon Andrews and students William Heycox, Mathew Dicker, Levi Saffy, Jack Winner, Courtenay Wark-Austin, Kade McQuillan, Tyreece Fernando and Tyson Power, with the band going from strength to strength.
"We started off when teacher John Wade asked us to perform a couple of songs at a special education assembly at Delroy," Doug said.
"It proved so magical that we decided to make the band a more permanent feature at Delroy, and we now practice on Mondays and Thursdays.
"So far the band has played at College functions, including assemblies, and we've performed at West Dubbo Pre-School and Taronga Western Plains Zoo.
"People have been very supportive and complimentary and it's great feedback for the band members, who are providing excellent role models for other students at Dubbo College, as well as in the wider community."
The Delroy School of Rock was privileged to receive a special $2,000 STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) grant earlier this year, which helped to purchase a drum kit and PA system.
The grant enabled staff to run a special instruction program for support students across all key learning areas based around the work of the band
Dubbo College teacher Nicole Wonderley produced a video on the band, with the work taking a top 10 place at the Focus on Ability international short film festival in Sydney earlier in the year.
"We were competing against other schools from throughout the world and we are really proud of that achievement," student Kade McQuillan said.
"In the band we can all try different instruments and we can spend time with our mates.
"We all feel really happy to be part of Delroy School of Rock."
Vocalist Sharon Andrews said she was slowly increasing in confidence with the rest of the band members.
"Like the kids, I was initially scared and nervous but the more we perform, the more confident I become, together with the kids," she said.
"We find the band really lifts the kids' spirits and music provides a universal bond for all of our students and the community at large."
The band's repertoire includes a number of Michael Jackson hits like Beat It and Billy Jean, as well as hits including Long Way to the Top, Summer of 69, Never Tear Us Apart, Purple Rain, True Colours and Nutbush City Limits.