It’s busy days for the Gunnedah Eisteddfod Society, with Schools on Stage fast approaching.
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The biennial event will be held on September 5 and 6 in the Gunnedah Town Hall, with an Australian musical theme.
Ten of the shire’s schools are involved this year including Gunnedah’s high schools, Carroll Public School, Curlewis Public School, Sacred Heart Primary Boggabri, GS Kidd Memorial School and all of Gunnedah’s primary schools.
Eight of the schools are also in the massed choir, which will be singing Australian classics such as You’re the Voice by Johnny, Geronimo by Shepphard and Absolutely Everybody by Vanessa Amorossi. A band will also be formed, with representatives from most of the schools.
The first practice session on Monday was facilitated by musical directors Emma Kersley and Jamie Brown.
“We had a 3-hour rehearsal and that went really well,” Ms Kersley said.
“We had a really good representation from all of the schools, which was excellent, and they were all enthusiastic about it and genuinely enjoyed being able to sing with other like-minded kids.”
Ms Kersley said events like Schools on Stage were important for the shire.
“There's nothing really in Gunnedah that allows all of the kids to join together for a performance,” she said.
“Regardless of what school they go to, it’s really good to join with other kids and there are so many of them as well, which is awesome.
“It’s all about giving kids the opportunity to perform, which is what kids need to increase their confidence. And one of the best ways to do that is to get up and sing in front of people and with other people.”
The matinee performance will be held on September 5 at 12:30pm and the evening performance will be held on September 6 at 6.30pm.
“We urge the community to save the date and come along and see what all of the schools have on offer because there is a great sense of education in Gunnedah and a great sense of music and it’s great to showcase what we have,” Ms Kersley said.
Tickets are available at Second Edition Book Store. Entry for the matinee is $8 for adults and $3 for students. Entry for the evening performance is $10 for adults, $3 for students and $20 for families.