Musical composition
Oro Yarta Milyarra
UniSC Graduation Ceromony (Sep-2024)
2024
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UniSC NewsAbstract
Research Background
Australian Universities are seeking to embed First Nations knowledges and practices into curriculum (Dianati & Bolt 2025). The approaches that Australian universities implement “Indigenisation” are varied (p. 1, 2025). One publicly visible way to demonstrate cultural collaboration with First Nations peoples would be to replace the academic procession music, “The Prince of Denmark’s March”, previously used at UniSC. This music is often used in film and television to signify pageantry or British heritage (Le Huray & Day, 2011). This work sought to discover ways to challenge the customs of the academic procession by the composition of a new ceremonial piece for a multi-campus university, led by First Nations Elder Uncle Kevin Starkey.
Research Contribution
Uncle Kevin extensively consulted with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across the country, to compose “Oro Yarta Milyarra”, meaning Northwind Country Ceremony. After a monologue, the work opens with a wullwora (bull-roarer) specifically created for the composition and recorded at an abandoned train tunnel for its acoustics. Uncle Gordon Browning performed a pre-colonisation yidaki (digeridoo) and modern replica yidakis, and the addition of clap sticks and Torres Strait drums represent many ceremonial practices across Australia. The work was recorded by the music faculty at UniSC in the K1 studios and on location. This project incorporates Aboriginal and Torres Strait ceremonial practices to mark the handing down of knowledge and connect graduands to ancient knowledge holders of the past.
Research Significance
“Oro Yarta Milyarra”, commissioned by the Vice Chancellor, is played at the commencement of every UniSC graduation ceremony since September 2024. Media coverage of this significant change to the graduation ceremony included local ABC radio, The National Indigenous Times, and the UniSC website.
Details
- Title
- Oro Yarta Milyarra
- Authors
- Kevin Starkey (Composer) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Law and SocietyLachlan Goold (Producer) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Healthy Ageing Research ClusterAndy Ward (Producer) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Healthy Ageing Research ClusterBriony Luttrell (Producer) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Business and Creative Industries
- Event details
- UniSC Graduation Ceromony (Sep-2024)
- Date published
- 2024
- Organisation Unit
- School of Business and Creative Industries; Healthy Ageing Research Cluster; School of Law and Society
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991172345302621
- Output Type
- Musical composition
Metrics
22 Record Views