22 - 24 AUGUST 2025 PIMLICO STATE HIGH SCHOOL, TOWNSVILLE
GUEST CLINICIAN & DIRECTOR
Ray Cassar is widely respected as one of Sydney's finest trumpet players, and regularly performs with the music industry's leading artists. He often performs live on national television, most recently playing lead trumpet with Harry Connick Jr on the 2023 grand final of “Australian Idol”. Other notable performances include appearing as a guest soloist with Vanessa Amorossi at the 2019 Carols in the Domain and playing lead trumpet with "The Voice" house band 2017-2019.
Ray is in high demand as a studio musician, and his trumpet can be heard on recent episodes of Netflix originals “Beat Bugs” and “Motown Magic” alongside first-call Los Angeles musicians including Wayne Bergeron and Gary Grant. Other credits include music for "Love Child", "The "Wiggles" and many albums and television commercials.
Ray is proficient on several instruments, including trumpet, piccolo trumpet, flugelhorn, and piano. He is comfortable performing across a huge range of styles, including jazz, latin, pop, musical theatre, and orchestral music. He regularly performs at jazz festivals, jazz clubs, and major concert venues around Australia and abroad, with ensembles ranging from big band to full orchestra.
Ray has appeared with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra as principal trumpet, where he was a featured jazz soloist at the front of the orchestra. Ray also regularly plays principal trumpet with the Sydney Lyric Orchestra for their annual "All You Need Is Love" Beatles Concerts at the Sydney Opera House, where he is featured on the famous "Penny Lane" piccolo trumpet solo. Ray is an accomplished jazz pianist, and his experience is extensive, ranging from performing and recording in small jazz combos, to performing with musical comedy sensation Tim Minchin at the steps of Sydney Opera House.
QREP (NQ) COORDINATOR / CLINICIAN
Jason Smyth-Tomkins is a Lecturer in the Bachelor of Music degree at CQUniversity. For almost 15 years, Jason has taught drum-set, ensemble, jazz history, and music pedagogy at CQUniversity, bringing with him a decade of experience as a percussion specialist and multi-instrument teacher within the Central Queensland region at Education Queensland. This regional experience, coupled with CQCM’s unwavering commitment to developing musicians in regional and remote areas, has been the motivation behind the practical development of CQU's online music degrees.
In addition to his significant contributions to music education and performance, Jason has been recognised for his exceptional service and dedication. In 2013, he was the recipient of the CQUniversity Opal Award in the Engaged Service category, and in 2015 he was awarded the CQUniversity Vice Chancellor's Award for Outstanding Contributions to Learning and Teaching, underscoring his commitment to fostering pre-tertiary music education and engagement and to enhancing the learning experiences of students within the Bachelor of Music program at CQCM. One of Jason's significant contributions has been as the Artistic Director of the CQUniversity Schools' Jazz Festival since 2012. This festival has garnered attention and participation from across Queensland, fostering a platform for jazz education and performance. Supported by esteemed organisations like Yamaha Music Australia, Queensland Music Festival, and Creative Capricorn, the festival has provided invaluable opportunities for keen musicians to engage in intensive musical experiences and showcase their talents.
Beyond his roles in education, Jason is a seasoned and versatile drummer and percussionist, boasting a rich performance background. He has lent his talents to various jazz ensembles, big bands, corporate commercial bands, orchestras, and pit orchestras. Notably, Jason has shared the stage with esteemed jazz artists such as Don Rader, Don Burrows, Richie Cole, James Morrison, Wilbur Wilde, Kristin Berardi, and many others.
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