SongMakers and FReeZA
are excited to partner up for SongMakers: The Come Together Edition.
Over two full school days on 1-2 August, 40 students from 10 Geelong region high schools will ‘come together’ to write and record 10 brand new original songs.
Students will then be given the chance to perform those compositions at the upcoming local showcase ‘Come Together’ FReeZA Battle of the Bands on 10 September at Queenscliff Town Hall.
Belmont High and Surf Coast Secondary College (Vic) will host the contemporary songwriting-in-schools SongMakers program. Students, with practical guidance from industry professionals, will learn the invaluable skills of creativity, collaboration and perseverance.
Guiding and mentoring the students in their creative projects will be the world-class talents of mentors KLP, Chelsea Warner, Jackson Phelan (RAT!hammock), Elizabeth M. Drummond, DVNA, Reggie Banks and more.
Steve McEwan, teacher from Bellarine Secondary College: “SongMakers coming on board has taken the idea of Come Together to the next level. Not only will we be able to share our performances but now we will be able to share our creativity, vision and goals for music across the whole region as educators and musicians. I can see so many great outcomes from this collaboration” said teacher Steve McEwan from Bellarine Secondary College.
Katie Wighton, National Manager, SongMakers Program: “We are delighted to be involved with so many incredibly talented students in the lead up FReeZA’s Come Together event! This is the first time we’ve done something of this magnitude – 10 schools, 10 songs, two days. We can’t wait to hear the songs these young people come up with!”
Marcus Rosman, Bellarine Secondary College student and participant: "The opportunities provided by the SongMakers program are of once-in-a-lifetime quality! The experiences of working with talented, active, and successful people in the industry are unmatched and provide us with incredible skills that can only set us up for success."
The schools taking part are Bellarine Secondary College, Lara Secondary College, Oberon High School, Matthew Flinders Girls Secondary College, Surf Coast Secondary College, Belmont High School, Lorne P-12 College, Geelong High School, Kardinia International College and Clonard College.
Could a local student emerge to win the Battle of the Bands competition, and become the region’s next King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Missy Higgins, Magic Dirt or Alice Ivy?
The future for songwriting is bright in Victoria, with the Victorian Government dedicating $2 million to the teaching of songwriting in high schools in the state budget announced in May.