Contemporary Musicians in Schools

The Contemporary Musicians in Schools Program has been an inspired program of live contemporary music for students in the middle years of school (metropolitan and regional SA), from years six to 10. It has assisted in unleashing the inspiration and potential of students to make music of all descriptions, while also providing employment for both professional and emerging musicians.

Enabled by funding through Arts SA and assisted by partnerships with Ausmusic SA and Rockshow 101, programs offered to schools were designed to enable the students to participate in a professional, contemporary, music experience.

It has been a busy and fruitful three years of the Contemporary Musicians in Schools Project. In that time, over 60 schools, and 2,742 South Australian students participated. In excess of 300 workshops were delivered, 70 odd live performances, and more than 100 musicians employed. School audiences for the performances were almost 11,000, and around 30 original songs were written.

This program has exposed more students to live music than otherwise would have been possible, and the feedback from both teachers and participants has been overwhelmingly positive.

There have been challenges but more importantly, opportunities and partnerships, that have been created directly as a result of the project. From the very first live music stage at the Croc Fest in Port Augusta 2004 to the potential collaborations in future events - Port Augusta Year of Culture 2008, performance opportunities with OTC Tarago, and employment pathways for young musicians.

There has been strong interest in the programmed events, with loud expressions of dismay when informed of the discontinued funding for the project. Regional and remote schools are frequently left out of accessible events and their appreciation of Carclew's engagement has been overwhelming.

Participation in the live music workshops has produced feedback that overwhelmingly supports the current research about the efficacy of including music in school activities, showing increased attendance at school and less behavioural problems with the students.

Being able to conclude the regional focus in Port Augusta with all but one of the Primary Schools there accepting a set of custom made instruments (the Sound Playground). These instruments are installed permanently outside in the students' playground, always available to be played. This has made leaving the community a little easier.

The students in the middle years of school have had a chance to work in a medium that means a great deal to them - music. They have created excellent songs, all types of music, and memorable performances

Schools Involved:
Carlton R – 9 School
Augusta Park Primary School
Port Augusta Special School
Caritas College
Flinders View Primary School
Willsden Primary School
Port Augusta West Primary School
North Primary School
Ceduna Area School
Port Augusta Secondary School
Ocean View College
Le Fevre H.S.
Pt Lincoln H.S.
Underdale H.S.
Para Hills H.S.
Christies Beach H.S.
Kuarna Plains H.S.
Whyalla H.S.
Quorn Area School
Edward John Eyre School
Stuart H.S.
Port Pirie H.S.
John Pirie Secondary
Gladstone H.S.
Snowtown Area School
Hamiliton Secondary

Musicians and Bands Involved
Tyson Hopprich
Benjamin Speed
Lou Bennett
Alex Gate-Eastley
Peter Arthur
Johnno
Brett Woolford
Tim Hogan
Todd Kinder
Nick O’Connor
Electra Cave
Brainchild
The Dairy Brothers
Riot
Eyre
Damian Holland
David pagano
Shannon Cross
Libby O’Donovan
Robert Pippan
John Altman
Vonce Cooltard
Bronwyn Stuart
Sam Morrison
Kylie Cowling
Jess Porter
Dale Taylor
Snap to Zero
Legless
Double Handed
Munchkin

Contact

Drew Landt - Coordinator, Off the Couch

FREE Off The Couch music industry training - contact Carclew for more information.

Do you want to know more about the specifics of the music industry? Carclew's Off the Couch (OTC) program has FREE music industry training open to all young people under the age of 27. There are some excellent training opportunities coming up so watch this space. if you would like more information contact Carclew.

Want to get the latest info on what is happening in the South Australian music industry, learn about free training, up and coming events and get the lowdown on how to get your hands on a grant? Join our OTC BLITZ list. Simply email Carclew with the subject heading BLITZ ME.

Do you want to be part of the OTC Teams and assist in the programming, production, promotion, and implementation of the OTC events? Call Drew Landt on 8267 5111, or email Carclew.

Contemporary Musicians in Schools

Contact

Off The Couch