TESTIMONIALS

The most obvious difference in the short time was an increase in confidence, and with it a real development of their personality.  Many children arrived at the first camp very shy, unsure of their musical ability and some insistent that they were “good at nuthin’ and shouldn’t be here anyway”.  Within a day they were able to hear the change in their voices and realised there were 80 others in the same boat. The affirmation and positive reinforcement from the artistic director helped build confidence and self-esteem, which flowed out of the rehearsal room into camp and back to school. With personal growth and the confidence to step outside the comfort zone came the opportunity to join in skit nights, make new friends, sing solo, learn to sight read, memorise new music, and finally perform in front of an audience of 600.

Liz Markey – Moorambilla Mum 2006 and 2007

As the Community facilitator in my region I have seen first hand the positive effect this opportunity has had on the participants and the community at large, and the amazing musical and social experiences this project has offered the region.

The skills they have achieved musically, and the pride their communities and they personally have in their performance and achievements is really remarkable. I can understand why there is so much school and parental support for the project in 2008. It is really a unique opportunity for Indigenous and Non indigenous children to meet on a level playing field and create works that reflect their life experiences with some outstanding professional staff who make them achieve more than they – or I – ever thought possible.

Enngonia Community Facilitator

This is a truly unique experience in a remote region which does not have access to regular high level arts skills development opportunities.  This point cannot be stressed enough - in many schools music programs are skeletal with serious issues with staffing in music.  Moorambilla delivers high calibre musical education and encourages excellence in children who in many cases lack a strong musical background but have a natural ability and talent.

Angela Sidoti – RADO Outback Arts

I believe the talent development aspect of the project is extraordinary. The students who excel as part of the project may be selected to represent at national youth choir events such as Gondwana. The Moorambilla Regional Children’s Choir should be commended in the opportunity to give young children the opportunity to experience arts and cultural activity and first-class music performance and music opportunities.

The project provides a chance for participants for further their education in music, performance ability and enhances social skills. The project will enable local children to come together in the context of a locally-driven project plus create opportunities for greater exposure musical activity work. On a social level, the project promotes a greater sense of wellbeing and community pride and demonstrating a high level of community involvement.

RADO Orana Arts

The Leichhardt Espresso Chorus has been proud to sing and work with the Moorambilla Regional Children’s Choir since our first tour to the region in 2002. Since then, we have built on the creative relationship, touring again in 2005, 2006 and 2007. We look forward to this year with great anticipation to further develop our mentoring role with the possibility of a tour to the children’s own home towns. The potential for sharing our life experiences with theirs is a stimulating and inspiring catalyst for our own work, and coincides with our deep commitment to community music making.