Festival of Music

On Monday, 18 September 45 year 5/6 students performed on stage at the Adelaide Festival Theatre as part of the Public Primary Schools Festival of Music. Our school was also represented by Alia F who was selected to co-host the event.

The Primary Schools Festival of Music, an official state icon, and custodian of an iconic South Australian tradition, engages our students in artistic excellence, cultural diversity and social inclusion through performance in Music and the Arts. 

This year, Paul Jarman was commissioned to compose a set of four songs entitled “World of Tomorrow.” In this rapidly evolving modern world, it is hard to imagine that less than two hundred years ago there was no electricity, no running water or central heating and cooling. We lived without antibiotics and medicines. Cars, trucks, buses and planes were not yet invented. There were no telephones, let alone smartphones. While most of these differences have improved our lives, some haven’t. Many of these differences are greatly influencing our lives. Are we heading the right way? The technology challenges of our changing world form the theme of our four-part song cycle for the 2023 Festival of Music, “World of Tomorrow.” 

During the concerts, there were a number of guest artists from public primary and secondary schools, other choir items that presented different musical genre, and two pieces that specifically showcased the talents of the orchestra.

It was a spectacular event that our students and staff enjoyed being a part of.

Thank you to Lesley Raeside for her wonderful work with the choir this year and to Debbie Hoffman, Grace Sodeman & Sarah Harris (parent volunteer) for their support on the day.  

I'm Alia from 1405, otherwise known as one of the 10 brilliant hosts chosen for the 2023 Festival of Music. The opportunity really caught my eye, so I decided to apply for it. There were many great speakers, but I guess I stood out. I was thrilled to officially be announced as a host for the festival. Before I knew it, the concert came around.

The rehearsals a couple of hours before the concert didn't make me as nervous because I didn't have to present all the scripts, there wasn't much of an audience and there wasn't too much pressure. At least that was until the very evening approached. I was nervous, unlike my hosting partner Harper, who had already presented an entire script onstage to 1500 by herself. I had a side-stage announcement first, then it was time, for my first script onstage. Lucky for me, the audience was pitch black in my view, so it looked as if nobody was there. But as soon as I opened my mouth, my feet became comfortable, my legs had stopped shaking, and I was on a roll. I got some laughs, played my role and engaged well with the audience.

It was a breathtaking experience, literally. Harper and I worked so hard for it, as well as the other hosts, and I tell you it was worth it. If I could, I would do it all over again. This is why I highly recommend that any year 5 students who are interested in this go out and have a go. When you're out there, you feel like you're on top of the world, trust me.

Alia F - Year 6 Student & Festival of Music Host  

I really enjoyed performing at the Festival Theatre. It was a long but fun day and it was exciting to sing our choir songs in front of an audience. The choir, orchestra, hosts and performances in between the songs were really good and I will definitely do the performance next year. 

Josie E - Year 5 Student