6_Hillsongs-Kidsongz 2009-11

KIDZSONGS 2011

(Formerly known as Hillsongs)

SING IT! ROCK IT! JAZZ IT! WITH RHONDA DAVIDSON-IRWIN The Dandenong Ranges Music Council's Children's Choral Festival involved five primary schools and one High School: Birmingham, Dorset, Karoo, Monbulk and Tecoma with Ferny Creek withdrawing in July and Upwey High School. Each school performed an individual item then combined to form a massed choir for the finale. The Concert was held on Wednesday 16 November at The George Wood Performing Arts Centre at Yarra Valley Grammar and was officially opened by Shire of Yarra Ranges Councillor Graham Warren. The guest Musical Director was the dynamic and respected performer, composer, producer, lecturer and educator in early childhood and music education Rhonda Davidson-Irwin Master in Mus.Ed. BA Mus. Ed. AMusA Flute/Piano. Rhonda also acted as MC during the concert, introducing items and talking about the importance of music in schools and the community. She managed to encourage the entire audience to participate in the final song! Prior to the Concert a Professional Development Day was held for all choral directors and two massed rehearsals for the participating choirs. In 2011, it was decided to invite a community choir to participate in the project to promote lifelong learning, enjoyment and involvement in a choir. Tecoma Sing Australia performed two items and joined the school choirs in the finale. All school choir members were seated in the auditorium to ensure they would be able to experience and observe the community choir. This was followed by the finale - a massed choir involving all schools and Tecoma Sing Australia - over 250 voices accompanied by Kathrine Jacobsen.