Song unites nation’s schools

SCHOOLCHILDREN at Northern Bay College’s Wexford Campus are warming up their vocal chords to sing along with thousands of others across the nation.

The college is one of 11 local schools taking part in Music: Count Us In, a governmentfunded program to raise music’s status in Australian schools.

Since 2007, more than 2.5 mil- lion children have taken part.

Musician John Foreman, who produced the song, said: ‘‘We know that Music: Count Us In has become so popular it has triggered many more music activities in schools throughout the year.’’

Northern Bay College teacher Ms Allison Whytcross is teaching children how to sing for the November 1 event and said the college had taken part in the program for five years. She said the program had helped children from different year levels get to know each other, and the children loved the song.

Celebrities taking part include ARIA award winner Josh Pyke, who helped write this year’s song, Different People (Stand Together).

Friends and family can watch the performance from 12.15pm at the Goldsworthy Campus.