Arabic version: طلاب من المناطق ينضمون إلى حفل أوركسترا شباب أديلايد

According to ABC News, about 100 music students from 14 schools across South Australia’s Mid North and Southern Flinders Ranges gathered at Peterborough Town Hall for an annual concert with members of the Adelaide Youth Orchestra.

The one-day performance brought together instrumental students who had practised the songs throughout the year, including many who usually learn in remote classrooms. The workshop is now in its third year, following an inaugural 2023 event involving 50 students. For some participants, it was their first experience performing in an ensemble of that scale.

Music teacher Kate Mawson spearheaded the concert after previously teaching instrumental music online to students at nine schools in the region. She said music could be difficult to teach remotely, describing “creative ways of communicating”, including using colourful dots on instruments to guide students.

Orroroo Area School student Lucas Wood said in-person trumpet lessons made learning easier after online instruction. He performed a solo at the concert and said playing alongside different instruments felt very different from playing only with trumpets. Fellow trumpet student Toby Nutt, taking part for a second year, said the large number of instruments made mistakes less noticeable.

Several schools, including Orroroo, have regained access to in-person instrumental music education this year through the Department for Education’s Instrumental Music program. Program leader David Hopgood said two in-person staff were found at the end of last year to deliver weekly lessons, while the annual concert gives students a chance to play with peers and watch the Adelaide Youth Orchestra perform.