Lucas takes a full circle to inspire his students

Lightning Ridge students join Bairnsdale students for a workshop with the Australian Navy band during the Merimbula Jazz Festival. Photo contributed

Lightning Ridge Central School

Story by Tricia Duffield

Students from Lightning Ridge Central School had the experience of a lifetime when they took part in the Merimbula Jazz Festival on the south coast over the long weekend.

For the students, it was the first time they had seen live jazz performances or taken part in workshops with such renowned musicians, including the Australian Navy band and other professional jazz musicians.

For Lucas Schembri, it was full circle – ten years ago he attended the festival as a keen young music student. Lucas knew his calling was in music and teaching, and when he graduated as a teacher, he was offered the post in Lightning Ridge.

The impact of the jazz festival experience was an inspiration to Lucas when he was a student, and he decided one of his goals as a music teacher was to give his students the same life-changing experience. […]

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