Students of Boorowa Central School were delighted when they received shiny new musical instruments from rural charity Gift of Music and the generous fundraising efforts of Canberra Grammar School.
Young Regional School of Music has worked very closely with Boorowa Central School with its music programmes and individual tuition over the last 12 months and together the schools have identified a need for more guitars. Rather than going out to their drought-stricken community to ask for donations or the parents themselves to pay hundreds of dollars for these instruments, Gift of Music is donating these instruments from the kind donations from the Canberra Grammar School who have organised a fundraiser concert at their school.
CEO of Young Regional School of Music Matt Bolger was overjoyed when Gift of Music confirmed they would include Boorowa Central School on their road trip. They understand firsthand the impact of this drought on rural communities and how much joy it gives to children to receive these instruments. “To see the joy when the students were unwrapping these instruments was something to behold,” Mr Bolger said. “Learning an instrument is a lifelong skill which gives so much happiness.”
Gift of Music has been travelling in rural and regional communities hit hard by drought and flood. Its CEO Wayne Thomson was very excited to be visiting Boorowa Central School. “In our travels, we get to see firsthand the impact of droughts and floods, from Cloncurry in the north to Kyabram in the south, children are just so happy when they’re playing music,” Mr Thomson said. “We are dedicated to give as many instruments as we can to drought and flood affected communities across eastern Australia due mainly to the wonderful generosity of the Australian public and Canberra Grammar School!”
Young Regional School of Music undertakes a regular schools programme in schools. “We are so happy of the support we receive by these schools, our specialist tutors can travel to these schools and deliver quality music tuition, it’s a great partnership,” Mr Bolger said.
Young Regional School of Music delivers an outreach programme to more than 20 schools across the south west region in keeping with its mission of enhancing the appreciation and enjoyment of music by providing access to quality music education by people of all ages.
