Premier and Arts Minister Anna Bligh has announced a new program that will nurture skills and boost opportunities for secondary student chamber music groups.
Ms Bligh said the Playing it Together program, presented by the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), will encourage students to work together to develop their instrumental technique, sharpen ensemble skills and strengthen their live performance experience.
The $50,000 statewide program is the latest initiative from the Queensland Government’s Children and Young People in the Arts Action Plan for 2008-2011.
“Playing it Together is a competitive process that challenges students to achieve their very best,” said the Premier.
“The program offers our most outstanding ensemble an opportunity to perform in concert with leading chamber music group, the Southern Cross Soloists.
“The program is open to all Queensland secondary students of any level of musical experience across the State, challenging them to explore the full dimensions of chamber repertoire, from the cherished musical greats to the most dynamic contemporary music.”
In September regional heats will take place in Brisbane, Bundaberg, Cairns, Gold Coast, Mackay, Mt Isa, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba, Townsville and Rockhampton.
One group from each region will be chosen to take part in a Chamber Music Development Program at QPAC and perform in a special concert with the most outstanding performers announced at the event.
The winning group will be given three performance opportunities, including a concert with the Southern Cross Soloists, a $5,000 voucher for their school to purchase music instruments or equipment and a digital video camera for each musician in the group.
The Playing it Together program will be led by musician and educator, Paul Dean, director of the Southern Cross Soloists and a solo clarinettist.
"The project is an excellent way to motivate and inspire young musicians across several months and the social experience of being in a chamber group is appealing to many young people, providing a great balance between developing skills as a soloist while learning to collaborate as part of a group” Mr Dean said.
Secondary student school ensembles must submit a sign up form by Monday 20 July 2009, with a fee of $20 per student payable at the time of registration.
For more information go to www.playingittogether.qpac.com.au or ring (07) 3840 7209.
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