Rachel Howley is a conductor, music educator and researcher. She completed a Doctor of Musical Arts (Orchestral Conducting) at the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University. Rachel is the conductor of The University of Queensland Wind Symphony and the Young Conservatorium Wind Ensemble. Additionally, she regularly conducts in the Queensland State Honours Ensembles Program, is a member of the Queensland Wind Orchestra conducting team, and is regularly engaged as a clinician throughout Australia. In 2023, Rachel became a Reynolds Conducting Institute Fellow at The Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Conference and in 2022 was named as one of Australia’s Most Influential Educators.

In 2015, Rachel was the founding Director of Grace Academy at Grace Lutheran College, a leading Queensland program in Performing Arts. Rachel’s research explores the role of the conductor in championing the works of Australian female composers. She actively advocates for diversity and fair representation through repertoire selection.  

Cherie Deacon began teaching the violin and viola in Brisbane while studying at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music under Elizabeth Morgan and John Curro.  While still studying at the Conservatorium, she was invited to play with the Queensland Philharmonic Orchestra as a casual member.  At this time, Cherie was the Principal Viola with the Queensland Youth Symphony.  She was also awarded the AMEB Sydney May Memorial Scholarship and the Inaugural John Curro Viola Prize. 

Marrying fellow viola player, David Deacon in 1998, she moved to Sydney whilst David was a member of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. During this time, Cherie taught at many schools including Barker College, St Andrews Cathedral School, Tara Anglican School and the International Grammar School before having her two daughters, Heather and Alyssa. 

Returning to Brisbane in 2006, Cherie taught at various private schools in Brisbane before becoming the Lower Primary Strings Coordinator at St Peters Lutheran College in 2008.  During her tenure at St Peters, Cherie has taken great joy in her role of starting the musical journey for many students who pursue their musical studies to Year 12 and beyond.