Program leads to job for Jayden

A YOUNG Morrisons musician is helping others pursue their music industry dream by working as program coordinator for this year’s Moorabool Shire Young and Local program.

Jayden Vermeend has taken on the role after being part of the program in 2022 and returning last year as a mentor to new participants.

“Being a part of this program has allowed me to develop not only my musicianship, but also my leadership skills and my knowledge of how everyone’s involvement in an event is important,” Vermeend said.

“Above all else, this program helps young musicians to understand that they are more important than many people would lead them to believe, and the world will always need the entertainment that musicians provide.”

Vermeend is working on the program in conjunction with his university studies.

The six-week program is designed to help young musicians aged 14 to 25 develop their skills in songwriting, performance, musicality and stage production.

It culminates in a live performance during the Hide and Seek Festival in Ballan, which for some participants could be their first time in front of an audience. That show is scheduled for Saturday 2 November.

As well as building the capacity of young people in the shire to produce events and form pathways to a career in the music industry, the program also offers workshops with local industry experts covering topics like creating biographies, marketing, audio engineering, event management and song writing.

The shire has extended the closing date for applications to next Monday, 5 August.

Applicants must live, work or study within the Moorabool Shire. Applications can be completed at moorabool.vic.gov.au.

More information is available by emailing a[email protected].