Six local schools, a packed hall and plenty of musical magic made Rotary Daylesford School Music Night a night to remember!
After a two-year absence while essential maintenance was carried out on the Daylesford Town Hall, Rotary Daylesford School Music Night made a triumphant return on 14 October. And what a welcome return it was!
With a packed house of excited students, proud parents and grandparents, and enthusiastic teachers, the concert celebrated the wonderful musical talents of students from six local schools. This much-loved event has been running for more than 30 years, with interruptions for COVID and Town Hall maintenance, and its return proved just how much it means to our community.
Daylesford College bookended the evening with outstanding performances. Student Julian Jolly opened with a piano solo he had composed himself, while the college’s Jazz Band brought the concert to a swinging finale. Vocalist Jamie had the younger audience members dancing with delight to the band’s own rendition of Fever!
Hepburn Primary’s choir tackled Cup Song and Ordinary, while Newlyn Primary’s small, multi-age group delivered Katy Perry’s Roar with infectious enthusiasm.
Creativity was on full display when Daylesford Primary’s Grade 3/4 students performed a butterfly dance they had choreographed themselves to a Papua New Guinean tune, Abebe. They had developed the choreography themselves while studying the country. Clearly, the creative spirit for which Daylesford is renowned starts young!
The Dharma School violin quartet demonstrated the magic of students learning and performing together, with two younger and two older violinists sharing the stage. They later joined their schoolmates in song, their pleasure in making music warming hearts throughout the hall. We look forward to seeing their musical journey continue next year.
Bullarto Primary’s school band brought the whole school into the performance, delighting the audience with its enthusiasm and skill. It was a wonderful demonstration of a school culture where every student has a place and a chance to shine.
Behind every performance were dedicated teachers who give their time and energy to music beyond the classroom. Special thanks go to Denis Toner, Daylesford College music teacher, whose commitment brings this special event together.
Rotary Daylesford also distributes the concert proceeds, along with additional support, to participating schools to help fund their music programs.
Six schools, countless smiles and one very happy audience showing that music is well and truly back at the Town Hall!
