Beats Across the Sea: A Music Mentor’s Journey to Saibai Island

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When music teacher and mentor Kathryn McLennan planned her February return to Saibai Island—a small, low-lying Torres Strait Island just kilometres from Papua New Guinea—she didn’t expect the hurdles ahead. Tropical Cyclone Alfred forced a postponement to May, and the eventual journey saw her navigate four connecting flights, weather delays, and lightning storms before she finally arrived.

Yet for Kath, every disruption was worthwhile.

Kath’s visit, co-funded by the AYO Music in Me program and her Brisbane school, forms part of the Australian Youth Orchestra’s commitment to delivering quality music education to Australia’s most remote communities, through the Music in Me teacher mentoring program. For Saibai Island’s students and teachers, this program has been transformational.

“There’s no qualified music teacher on our island, or even in the whole college across all the islands,” explains Helen Clinton, Year 3-4 teacher at Tagai State College Saibai campus. “Having someone with music expertise to help me navigate the curriculum is so valuable.”

Working alongside the school’s classroom teachers, Head of Campus Myree Sam, and community teacher Kinau, Kath spent a week integrating culturally responsive music education into classroom learning. Students composed new lyrics to familiar melodies, weaving in Kalaw Kawaw Ya language to sing of local wildlife. Kinau, language coordinator at the school, emphasised music’s place in their identity:

“Music is part of who we are. We sing, tell stories, and use instruments passed down from our ancestors. It’s how we teach and connect.”

For many students, English is their second or third language. Yet in music, Kath saw confidence bloom. One older student was able to demonstrate his natural ability for drumming—his father is also a respected local drummer. “He didn’t stop smiling all week,” Kath recalls.

Kinau also welcomed the chance to see students working with djembes. “It’s giving them an early start with drums. Usually our traditional drums are only played when they’re older, so this is an opportunity for them to learn rhythm early.”

Saibai Head of Campus, Myree Sam, highlighted the importance of in-person mentoring:

“Face to face is so important. Online learning doesn’t allow for the questions and cultural understanding that come with being here. Having someone experience our classrooms and context directly makes all the difference.”

For the teachers, Kath’s approach—introducing small, manageable music activities rather than expecting full lessons immediately—built confidence quickly. Classroom teacher Helen reflected:

“The drums seem like such a natural thing for the students here, and your videos and resources help me continue teaching after you leave.”

For Kathryn herself, the trip offered professional growth. “I used to think I had to leave behind a perfect lesson plan,” she says. “Now I know it’s about giving them tools to build gradually, and they can grow into it.”

Without formal accommodation on the island, Kathryn stayed with a colleague, and was required to gain special permission to come onto the island. The logistical challenges are considerable, but the program’s impact is undeniable. This work has only been possible through the generous support of AYO donors and the flexibility of Virginia State School, which enabled her leave and contributed in-kind to the project.

As Kath plans her next visit later this year, she carries with her the rhythms of Saibai—the joy of the students, the pride of their teachers, and the deep beat of cultural resilience.

Saibai at a Glance

“Music is part of who we are…we sing, tell stories, and use instruments passed down from our ancestors.” – Kinau, Saibai Island Language Coordinator

For more on Music in Me, visit musicinme.au

To support this work, give through the Australian Youth Orchestra, and select ‘Music in Me’.