Northern schools take part in combined instrumental festival

STUDENTS from six northern suburbs’ schools will take part in the 50th Wollongong Combined Schools Instrumental Festival at the Wollongong Town Hall on Thursday November 14.

This year the festival will feature around 280 performers, and include students from Woonona East, Waniora (Bulli), Stanwell Park, Thirroul, Helensburgh and Woonona High. The Massed Band which comprises over 160 students play ‘concert band’ arrangements which cater for woodwind, brass and percussion players.

The School based Instrumental Festival aims to promote band and ensemble music programs in the Illawarra.

The festival has returned to its original home at the Town Hall after the event was held at high schools and then the Wollongong University Hall for the last three years. As well as this, schools get to showcase their individual programs no matter how large or small and perform to their peers, family and friends in a supportive and encouraging setting.

A spokesperson said the ages range from 6 to 18 and the local high school groups act as ‘mentors’ to the younger students in rehearsals.

“We are very excited to have the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music involved with their bands and talented staff again this year,” the spokesperson said.

“We hope to see a number of staff who have been involved in the Festival in the past, but would love to hear from anyone who would like to attend.”

Tickets range in price from $5 to $15. Bookings can be made by visiting: wollongongtownhall.com.au or calling: 02 4224 5977.

The concert festival will be held at 7pm in the main auditorium of the Wollongong Town Hall on Thursday November 14.