Thirty-five of the best young rockers from across the Sunshine Coast delivered energetic performances at the recent Eumundi School of Music (ESOM) Mini Festival held on 13 September, held at the Eumundi School of Arts Hall.
Founded by five-time ARIA Award-winning songstress Katie Noonan, the program, now in its ninth year, offers budding young musicians across the Sunshine Coast a pathway to chase their musical dreams. It provides them with individual lessons and mentorship from professional musicians over three months.
The 2025 program culminated with students performing at the ESOM Mini Festival, showcasing bands Artificial Dreams and Boiling Pot, ESOM teen band Area 51, ESOM show band White Keyz, the ESOM horn section The Chapsticks, and alumni band Karma Police.
Katie said, “Each year I am truly blown away by the local talent and it is really is going from strength to strength in leaps and bounds.”
“The young musicians were extraordinary and filled the hearts of every audience member. It is deeply meaningful to have the opportunity to create a safe space for young people to express themselves and find their tribe though music.
“Our amazing teachers Mark Moroney, Alys Ffion, Brodie Graham, Jazzella Coogan, Zac Hurren, Brett Newman, Jarrod Tutbury, Rob Ewan, Sive Hughes and Jimmy Halliday have inspired our young musicians to be the best they can be, confront their weaknesses and fears, support their band mates and embrace the inclusive magic of music making.
“I am really grateful to live in a community that supports our initiative each year and am very excited for our 10-year shindig next year,” Katie said.
The students shared what they felt about their ESOM experience, and performing at the mini-festival.
Hugo Wilson, 12, sings with Artificial Dreams and said they were amazed at how supportive and encouraging all the teachers were.
“If I made any mistakes, they would encourage me to keep on going and it was beautiful. Their support has helped me to believe in myself and I’m so grateful to them. I can’t wait for ESOM to start again next year,” Hugo said.
Nate Campbell, 14, is on saxophone with Boiling Point and Artificial Dreams, and keys with Area 51.
“ESOM has given me great opportunities to learn from industry professionals, but my favourite part I love is playing music with like-minded friends. I feel like I’ve found my tribe. I wish the program lasted longer,” Nate said.
George Hillhouse, 13, plays trumpet with Boiling Point and Artificial Dreams.
“I love meeting new cool people who enjoy playing music. It’s my third year at ESOM and it just keeps getting better,” George said.
Three times ARIA Award winners The Superjesus headlined the night, with frontwoman rock queen Sarah McLeod proudly watching on as alumni band The Greater Good performed their smash hit ‘Gravity’ to open their set.
They then played an epic set with ESOM bassists Madi Grose and Nate Morgan in their band, and closed the set with an epic version of ‘Highway to Hell’ with double kit, horn section and 35+ ESOM kids all rocking out together!
Nate, 15, was blown away by the opportunity to perform with rock royalty.
“The Superjesus were so great. I loved their energy and stage presence, inclusivity and it was an out of world experience to play with a band full of seasoned musicians,” he said.
Madi, 15, shared her gratitude.
“I’m so grateful for the opportunity to have played bass with the legendary Superjesus as a part of Katie Noonan’s Eumundi School of Music as well as with Karma Police. The best day ever!,” she said.
