Musical Director

Jessica completed a Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Education (Honours) at the University of Newcastle. She has been working with young people in the performing arts for the past 20 years in a variety of roles including in schools, as a peripatetic teacher, managing her own teaching studio, working with music ensembles and coordinating workshops.

She has worked in various roles in education including as music teacher, Creative Arts Coordinator, Learning Growth Leader (Data and Differentiation) and Gifted Education Mentor. She has also been awarded the Monsignor Frank Coolahan Award for Excellence in Teaching (Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle).

Jessica has been ASPIRE’s Stage Band Ensemble Director 2014-2021 and Vocal Ensemble Director in 2013. She has also written original music for ASPIRE including “Imagine Life’s a Musical” as well as original arrangements and medleys for the ASPIRE production. Jessica has coordinated the ASPIRE Song Competition, workshopping original compositions with students in preparation for the finalist showcase concert.

Jessica has made significant contributions to support the Arts in the Maitland-Newcastle Diocese. Her involvement includes Instrumental Specialist for The Manning Creative Arts Project, course facilitator of the “Music Toolbox” professional learning for primary teachers, musical director for various Diocesan Masses and liturgies and as part of the team for DioSounds, the annual music showcase for high schools at the Civic Theatre Newcastle.

Jessica is a highly skilled musician with a diverse performance background in clarinet, saxophone, guitar, piano and singing. She studied clarinet with Dr Ian Cook at the University of Newcastle and undertaken contemporary voice training with Francine Bell and Dr Bernadette Matthias at the Newcastle Conservatorium of Music.

Jessica’s strengths lie in her ability and performance experience in a variety of ensemble types including orchestra, concert band, rock band, stage band, choir and soloist. She has studied conducting, arranging, music technology, sound engineering, live sound and has been musical director for various community and school groups. Jessica is also a keen composer and songwriter and has been a semifinalist in the 1233 ABC Newcastle Music Awards.

She has a diverse performing background including as a member of the University of Newcastle Wind Orchestra and Gospel Choir, Lake Macquarie Winds Concert Band as well as lead singer/instrumentalist of rock bands ‘Liquid’ and ‘Full Circle’ and currently as an acoustic soloist. 

Jessica is excited and proud to be part of the ASPIRE program, helping to nurture and develop students’ talents in the performing arts.