Today the Nambucca Valley was visited by the Chatswood High School Orchestra where they played for a crowd at the Macksville River Front Park.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Stephanie Sexton was one of the music teachers in charge of the group on their eight-day tour, along with Gavin Staines who started this music program 38 years ago.
“We think it's important to have trips like this, they work so hard and deserve to be heard,” Ms Sexton said.
“Its also great because the children get to see other parts of the country and meet lots of great people.”
“Its also getting to the end of the year, so it's a great reward and a little holiday.”
Today was the second day of their tour, and the park was filled with dozens of interested onlookers keen to hear some music. Once the music started, even more people began to appear to enjoy the spectacle.
Among the crowd was Bob Carline, an ex-principal and teacher who was more than a little impressed with the display.
“They are absolutely brilliant, probably the best band I've seen play in a long time,” Mr Carline said.
Whatever they are teaching them at Chatswood, its working
- Bob Carline
The talented youngsters played the theme from Pirates of the Caribbean, some Christmas carols, songs from the musical Grease, Chicago The Lion King and even a few requests from the crowd.
Most of the Orchestra also toured America in April of this year and played at the historic Carnegie Hall.
“We went to L.A, Chicago, New York and we even played at Disneyland, it was a once in a lifetime trip,” Ms Sexton said.
“We went to few different schools and did workshops with the kids as well, the exchanges were great, Chicago was such a different experience.”
“All of them practice so hard, often outside of school hours, its great they are getting attention for their achievements.”
CDs of their Carnegie Hall performance can be purchased at any of their of their concerts, all funds raised will go towards helping fund their current trip.
Anyone who wants to see them in action will be able to catch them in Coffs Harbour tomorrow, and Nambucca Heads at the Community centre from 2pm this Saturday. The Valla Vocals Youth Choir will also be joining them in Nambucca.
While this tour has only just started, Ms Sexton has already considered the future.
“I’d be happy to do another, I’m keeping this going as long as I can,” she said.