MATTERS OF INTEREST

SPECIAL INTEREST MUSIC CENTRES

The Hon. J.M. GAZZOLA (15:21): I recently had the pleasure of representing the Premier at a reception at Government House for Special Interest Music Centres. Over 80 guests were introduced to the Governor, His Excellency Rear Admiral Kevin Scarce, to celebrate the good work done by the practising public schools. This is a joint program involving four schools: Brighton Secondary School, Fremont-Elizabeth City High School, Marryatville High School and Woodville High School, under the authority of the Department for Education and Child Development.

The Special Interest Music Centres offer talented public school students the opportunity to progress under an intensive music program, covering school orchestras, concert bands, big bands, performance choirs, solo and ensemble performance and percussion ensembles. Students who have the motivation and dedication to extend themselves are given the opportunity to develop these skills while still being present in mainstream education.

To be a member of this program, students must go through a two-part process. Firstly, the audition requires students to undertake a series of musical exercises, as well as one short musical performance of up to three minutes, where their ability is assessed by an expert panel. If successful, the student then undertakes two further contrasting performances which can include a second instrument, then a final interview with the student and parents.

The history of the music centres dates back some 30 years, with the then minister of education, the Hon. Hugh Hudson, announcing in 1975 the establishment of a taskforce to realise the four centres. The first centres, Brighton and Marryatville, came into being in 1976, followed by Woodville in 1977 and Fremont in 1979, the four sites being chosen because of their strategic positioning to cover the metropolitan area. In 2011, His Excellency agreed to become patron of the four Special Interest Music Centres.

It is a busy program for these students. Years 8 to 10 study includes: theory, concert practice, solo and ensemble performances, composition and arranging, history, music pathways, and music technology. Senior students are offered a broader musical education covering SACE stages 1 and 2, as well as following a pathway for further study at tertiary level.

Each music centre offers students, either handpicked or auditioned, the opportunity to perform in public, including competitions, festivals, school functions, and interstate and international performances. For example, last year, Brighton Secondary School Special Interest Music Centre students participated in performances such as the opening of the Brighton Performing Arts Centre, Government House open day, and the Brighton Jazz Cabaret.

This program not only offers students the best opportunity to develop, but also teaches them the necessary commitment to follow their passion and to continue their development. The gain in self-confidence through working with other students and teachers in diverse situations is a wonderful opportunity for aspiring musicians. As one would expect in Special Interest Music Centres, the students are mentored by teachers committed to excellence. Such exposure obviously benefits the growth of and support for music in South Australia,

As evidenced on the night, the Special Interest Music Centres program is an excellent program that benefits further music development in South Australia. The address by the Governor and awards presentation by Ms Leanda Herring, head of music at Woodville High School, recognised the passion and commitment of all involved. I thank Leanda for her help in this matter of interest as well as noting the information from the other four schools.

Though I cannot mention by name all of the guests, I commend all the regional directors, the chairs of the schools governing councils, the principals, the heads of music and teachers, and not to leave anyone out, the students and parents, for the wonderful job all are doing in furthering the study and performance of music in South Australia.

I congratulate the award winners for 2011: Mr Shai Martin, Brighton Secondary High School; Ms Stephanie De Zen, Fremont-Elizabeth City High School; Ms Amelia Jutilane-Maynard, Marryatville High School; Mr Nathan Cummins, Woodville High School, and note with pleasure the performances on the night by several recipients. In conclusion, let me quote in part from 'A statement on the arts for Australian schools, the value and importance of learning and performing music':

Music is not merely an adornment to life: it is a basic manifestation of being human, a profound contribution to personal, social and cultural identity, and a means of expression and communication in every culture.