Last chance to hear the full depth of musical talent in the Combined Primary School Band before it is drastically reduced.
Tomorrow night is the 39th Combined Primary School Band performance at the Derwent Entertainment Centre. This performance combines the talents of more than 1100 students from 35 Tasmanian government primary schools.
But this event, one of the highlights of the school calendar, is at risk.
So far this week 12 schools have opted out of the band program because of funding cuts, and the number is growing by the day. In only three days nearly 500 people have signed a petition supporting the band program.
Parents and students are devastated.
Tomorrow morning an ensemble of students want to show off a bit of what they can do. The kids also want to talk about how much the band means to them. But mainly, they want their music to do the talking.
Some affected parents, and a former school principal and band leader, also want to outline the depth of the loss.
Speaking:
• Former Barnardos mother of the year Bernadette Black, whose family has been affected. “My two eldest children have benefited greatly from public school music programs, I am so sad my youngest son will not have the same opportunity,” Bernadette said.
• Mother Kirsty Grierson: “ Music is so important for children in all areas of learning”.
• Former school principal and band leader Tom Goninon.
• Molly, grade 6 Blackmans Bay Primary (where the program is under threat): “It would be the absolute worst day of my life to know that students wouldn’t be able to do band next year”.
Please come along to support Tasmania’s children,
10:30am main doors to the Derwent Entertainment Centre, where the children are rehearsing loudly!
Kirsty Grierson, Bernadette Black, Tom Goninon
