WAYNE PIGRAM - DRUM & PERCUSSION
Wayne has been playing drums since he was in his late teens and brings a vast wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to the RCM Team.
Whilst living in Sydney Wayne was an early member of the signed band Ha Ha Humans. He was also a member of Signal Room, recording two CDs produced by Aria Award winning producer Tim Whitton (Powderfinger) touring Los Angeles and New York. Wayne participated in the development and performance of ‘David Bowie – Life on Mars’ and toured nationally with The Rocky Horror Show starring Reg Livermore, Cabaret with Gina Riley, Tommy and Bad Boy Johnny and The Profits of Doom. Wayne toured China, Vietnam, Thailand and Hong Kong with Kix Entertainment performing corporate music stageshows for Fosters, Heineken, Kodak and Coca Cola. Wayne was a member of the Company B Belvoir Street Theatre production of The Threepenny Opera working alongside Bob Bertles (master saxophonist), the show toured Columbia as part of the Bogata International Theatre Festival. He worked with Kris Abrahams (The Necks) recording a soundtrack to Farscape (US/Aust telemovies and TV series).
Wayne also recorded an original CD with Edot alongside fellow RCM tutor Klauss Bussman and plays locally in Wagga with Klaus as part of The KB3. Wayne performs locally as part of Ifinc, producing live performance-art pieces including Big River, The Bull and The Bridge.
Wayne is a professional actor with over 50 theatre credits working with The Sydney Theatre Company, Playbox Theatre, Nimrod, Bevoir Street and The State Theatre South Australia. Wayne has worked extensively in Australian Television appearing in Water Rats, Fire, All Saints, A Country Practice, Home and Away, Underbelly, Stingers and has appeared in movies filmed in the UK, Malaysia, Hawaii including Heatstroke, Return to Blue Lagoon, Farewell to the King, The First Kangaroo, Mission Impossible and American productions including Farscape, The Lost World and Lost.
Rachel Cope - Drum & Percussion
Rachel Cope is a distinguished percussionist and drummer with over six years of professional experience across orchestral, military, and contemporary music settings. Currently serving as a full-time percussionist with the Australian Army Band Kapooka, Rachel brings a dynamic blend of precision, versatility, and artistry to every performance.
Rachel holds a Bachelor of Music in Classical Percussion (Performance) from the Elder Conservatorium of Music, where she honed her technical and interpretive skills under expert guidance. Her career has since encompassed performances with major Australian ensembles, including the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra (ASO) and Canberra Symphony Orchestra (CSO), as well as collaborations with acclaimed artists at high-profile events such as the Adelaide Cabaret Festival and Melbourne Comedy Festival.
Beginning her musical journey on drums at age 10 and percussion at 11, Rachel has cultivated a deep-rooted passion for rhythm and performance. She thrives in both ensemble and solo contexts and is widely recognized for her disciplined musicianship, leadership qualities, and commitment to artistic excellence.
The Riverina Conservatorium of Music offers opportunities for Drum and Percussion students to engage in exciting and dynamic ensembles for students of all ages and abilities, including:
RCM Student Concert Band - AMEB Grade 3 and above
RCM Rock Band - Junior & Senior
Riverina Conservatorium Orchestra - Brass/Woodwind/Percussion (AMEB Grade 5 and above)
Simmons Street Big Band - Swing, Jazz, Latin, Rock