Softening The Edges

Russell Hammond believed that country children could learn to play musical instruments as quickly and as well as city kids. In 1978 he was made director of a music program for south-west Queensland, based in Roma, to serve small towns in the area, and also in the huge area to the west. A pilot as well as a top musician, Russell set up a flying conservatorium with other teachers. This program looks at the far west section of the circuit, Charleville, Quilpie and Cunnamulla, and at a week-long music camp at a sheep station.