This Sunday Join the Overture

By Madeleine Murray

MURWILLUMBAH FESTIVAL of Performing

Arts turns 100 this year, as featured in The Weekly, and the music section has come up with a whole new approach.

Performing and developing your skills is not just about winning, so for the first time, every musical performance will be recognised and rewarded in a program for schools called Overture.

The three categories of speech and drama, music, and dance are open to all schools and competitors from across the Tweed Valley and beyond.

To win the festival has always been a young performer’s dream. Past winners include Jeremy Secombe, who went on to play The Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera in West End, London, or David Hibbard who is an internationally acclaimed opera bass singer.

Overture will provide an opportunity for school instrumental ensembles and choral ensembles to celebrate their young musicians and music teachers by encouraging musical excellence through performance.

The emphasis is on improving the quality of ensembles, promoting the highest possible standard of performance, striving for excellence and encouraging participation.

There are no place getters in this program. Schools are awarded the appropriate certificate for the performance chosen, according to the performance descriptor statements.

“You can enter in a section based on your level of experience,” music co-convenor Vikki Armour told The Weekly.

“You are awarded a certificate based on the quality of your performance. That way, every single person walks away with a positive experience, as well as first-class adjudication comments and suggestions.

“Adjudication is not based on a comparison with other ensembles performing in Overture events or a group’s past achievements or future potential.”

This exciting new initiative will encourage young performers, and give them a tangible reward for their hard work and dedication. Overture is bound to lead to a lot of smiling faces.

The full traditional Eisteddfod Competition Program will go ahead as usual.

Music entries close on Friday, April 14. Murwillumbah Festival of Performing Arts music enquiries please phone Heather Martin on: 0418 647 355 or email mfpa.music@gmail.com.