UNE sponsors Autumn Festival school band competition

March 28, 2007

The Five Star High School Band Competition, a highlight of next weekend's Autumn Festival, will be a showcase for some of Armidale's brightest young musical talent.

Sponsored by the University of New England, the competition will provide prize money totalling $1,800 to support music programs in the winning schools.

Nine bands, representing all six Armidale high schools, are entering the competition. They include brass bands, jazz bands, and other instrumental ensembles. The winning bands in the inaugural competition last year came from Duval High School, The Armidale School, and PLC Armidale.

The competition will take place in Civic Park after the Autumn Festival Parade on Saturday 31 March. The scheduled starting time is 1.45 pm.

The Vice-Chancellor of UNE, Professor Alan Pettigrew, said that the University had decided to sponsor this year's competition because the high standard of music in Armidale high schools enriched the entire community. "Music is an important part of Armidale's vibrant cultural life," Professor Pettigrew said, "and the University is proud to play a role in fostering the talent of our young performers."

The prize money will help schools to buy instruments, sheet music, and equipment such as music stands.

Armidale Chamber of Commerce has organised the competition. Mark Stevens, the President of the Chamber, said it was a good example of UNE working with the community for their mutual benefit. "The University's support of music education in high schools will help provide our young people with a gift they will take with them for the rest of their lives," Mr Stevens said.

THE PHOTOGRAPH displayed here shows Professor Pettigrew with Amy Burton (alto saxophone), a member of the PLC Armidale Wind Ensemble, which will be competing in the Five Star High School Band Competition. The photograph expands to include two other members of the Ensemble: Claire Hodgson (bassoon) and Georgina Khlentzos (tenor saxophone).

Posted by Jim Scanlan at March 28, 2007 04:46 PM