Among this year’s batch of chosen Coffs Coast students are three Bellingen High School students - Amelia Brewen, Blake Cutler and Lachlan Wilkins.

Thanks to the program they are now workshopping their compulsory HSC two-minute compositions with highly respected, local composer Paul Jarman.

Musical composition, even for talented performers, can be a real challenge, and Paul’s involvement helps address the huge disadvantage faced by rural music students with no ready access to composers, recitals or concerts.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity – while we have a lot here, it does feel like you are in a rut sometimes,” Blake said.

“This is a way to break out of that.”

Fellow student Lachlan said working with Paul made what was otherwise “just another assignment”, much more enjoyable.

“Now it feels like I want to go above and beyond the requirements … to create something beautiful,” Lachlan said.

Thanks to the Music by Youth program Amelia, Blake, and Lachlan plus students from Coffs Senior College, will fly to Sydney later this year to work with the renowned Acacia Quartet, who will also record the pieces for their HSCs … as well as premier of the works at the Bellingen Music Festival on September 19. 

In another boost, the Australia Council and Camp Creative have come on board to support the project; the latter  for the next three years as a way of honouring the late Peter Nance.

For more information about the Bellingen Music Festival visit the website – www.bellingenmusicfestival.com.au or call Rosie Wickert on 0419 401 901