Schools unite nation in song

THOUSANDS of young voices will rise up in song around the nation on November 1.

They will belt out the same song at the same time, as part of Music Australia’s Music: Count Us In.

Last year, 3000 schools and more than 660,000 students took part in the program, and it will be even bigger this year. The focus in Hobart will be on Bellerive Boardwalk, where more than 2000 students and teachers are expected to gather to take part in the shared performance of One Song.

Albuera Street Primary School teacher Danny Munting said taking part in the event was eagerly awaited by the students every year.

“Our entire school is going — 270 students,” he said. ‘They’re very excited about it already,” he said.

Mr Munting said the event, as well as being fun, was an ac- cessible way for students to participate in music.

“It reinforces the value of learning music in schools. It is often an add-on but it’s an essential part of the curriculum.

“There’s nothing else that engages your brain like participating in music or playing an instrument.”

Australian actor Justine Clarke is this year’s mentor for Music: Count Us In.

“I’m thrilled to be part of this program that promotes music education, creativity and community in one loud and joyful song that’s heard right across the country,” she said.