The 27th Annual Catholic Schools Music Festival took place on the 21 to 24 September 2015 at Adelaide Festival Theatre. The theme of the four nights of performances was dedicated to the music from the 1910s, 20s, 30s & 40s commemorating one hundred years since the Gallipoli landings and 70 years since WWII ended.
While preparing for the Festival, through songs, the students came to appreciate what life may have been like for their grandparents and ancestors during this era. They had great fun singing; ‘It’s a long, long way to Tipperary’, the Ellington and Mills standard, ‘It Don’t mean a Thing - If It Ain’t Got That Swing ’ and the Judy Garland classic, ‘Over the Rainbow’.
More than 2000 primary and secondary schools students from 65 Catholic schools across the Adelaide and Port Pirie diocese performed on stage in front of a collective crowd of more than 7000. The Festival also included more than 40 support, accompanying and foyer acts and soloists from primary and secondary schools, showcasing their vocal and instrumental talents. The Minister for Education and Child Development, the Honourable Susan Close was our special guest, along with Bill Corey AO, 98, World War ll Veteran and friend of Catholic Education SA, on the Wednesday evening. Both the Minister and Bill loved the occasion and commended the students on their performance.
Intergenerational playgroups are truly something special — an experience that enriches the lives of both the young and the older members of our community. These playgroups are more than just a space for children to play; they are a vital platform for different generations to come together, share wisdom, and build meaningful relationships.
