Following months of rehearsals, a group of 13 Quaama Public School students headed up to Sydney to perform as part of the combined Primary Proms Choir performance on Thursday, 17 September. The choir composed of about 650 students sang 10 songs during the concert, showcasing the talents of NSW public schools. The concert also featured piano and viola solos and several orchestral and ensemble pieces.

For our Quaama students, it was a magical night full of nerves, excitement and wonder. To be part of such a large number of soprano and alto voices in a very beautiful building was an experience to remember.

While in Sydney there were other firsts for some, such as being on a train, crossing the Sydney Harbour Bridge or eating in Chinatown.

The choir was coached by local artist Melanie Horsnell, one of Quaama’s music teachers, who auditioned the students and worked with them to learn the songs.

‘It is so important for young people to have access to this sort of choral experience and to learn that even if you come from a small school in the bush, you can perform on a big stage and build big dreams with your music,’ Melanie explained.

Many members of the students’ families made the trip to Sydney to see the performance and were rewarded not only with beautiful warm singing but also with slick choreographed actions and sounds. The most popular songs with the students were ‘Jungle Rhythm’ from The Jungle Book and ‘I Don’t Want to Live on the Moon’ from Sesame Street.

Thank you to the Bowerbird Op Shop for providing assistance with the cost for the school to take students on the three-day trip to Sydney.

Matthew Farran

Photo: Quaama Public School choir on the steps of Sydney Town Hall.