Nambucca Valley Christian Community School music student Jonah Spriggs was thrilled last week to have his HSC composition recorded at Sydney's Musica Viva's Janette Hamilton Recording Studio by the Acacia Quartet as part of the Bellingen Fine Music Festival's acclaimed Music-By-Youth Project.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Performing along with the Sydney-based Acacia Quartet was Jonah on drums, sister Hope on clarinet and teacher Carolyn Allen on percussion.
The Music-by-Youth Project supports local young musicians in a number of ways such as mentoring, performance in the festival, participation in associated workshops and the recordings, which Acacia Quartet then perform on the opening night of the festival. This follows Jonah's success at the Festival's Composer Slam, adjudicated by composer Paul Jarman.
Now in its sixth year the project is partially funded by Camp Creative in memory of Peter Nance, a founder member of the festival. This is the first year that Musica Viva has become involved. It's great news that they want to continue this involvement.
Music-By-Youth is a terrific success. Having the opportunity to work with the outstanding Acacia Quartet has been an invaluable experience for the HSC students involved. Those graduating have all done extremely well in music for the HSC in New South Wales. For example, one student last year achieved 100 per cent for his composition subject.
Over sixty per cent of the participating HSC students are now studying music across Australia. Many are returning this year to help celebrate the Festival's 10th year and perform in a free concert in Maam Gudaying park on Saturday afternoon, September 28.
Previous students have commented that recording their compositions with the Acacia Quartet felt empowering for them as musicians and composers because they were in control of the music that was being produced and they were able to experience what it would be like to be working professionally in music. Jonah has yet to decide where his future in music lies, but we wish him well.
Come to the Bellingen Fine Music Festival hear Jonah's composition, along with those of three other local HSC music students, performed by the Acacia Quartet, on Friday, September 27 at the Bellingen Memorial Hall, the opening night of the 10th Bellingen Music Festival.
For more information about the main concerts and huge fringe program of the Bellingen Fine Music Festival 2019 visit the website at www.bellingenmusicfestival.com.au or call 0419 401 901. Children 12 and under are free.