Historic festival combines music, movement and safety
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
More than 2500 primary and secondary students from throughout the Barwon South Western region will take centre stage at Geelong Performing Arts Centre from August 25-29, 2008, for the Geelong Schools Music and Movement Festival (GSMMF).
Now in its 62nd year, the festival is believed to be Geelong’s oldest music festival and one of the longest running in Australia.
From choirs, soloists, percussion and ensembles to rock bands and dance groups, the GSMMF offers an opportunity for students to perform and be an audience in a professional theatre environment.
GPAC is pleased to announce the support of VicRoads in presenting this historic, much-loved event. GPAC General Manager Jill Smith said the support from VicRoads would help ensure maximum participation from local students and the ongoing viability of the event.
“The festival is a highlight of the Geelong schools calendar and a showcase of the talents and hard work of students and teachers in our local schools,” Ms Smith said.
“VicRoads’ sponsorship of the 62nd GSMMF recognises the important role the performing arts plays in the community and ensures GPAC can continue to provide this opportunity for our talented young people,” she said
VicRoads Regional Director South Western Region Duncan Elliott said the festival was a highly regarded event that presented an opportunity to spread important messages to the region’s youth and their families.
"Road Safety is a very important issue for people of all ages. VicRoads is proud to be associated with the Geelong Schools Music and Movement Festival as an opportunity to promote the new licensing laws recently introduced in Victoria and to provide information about local road safety initiatives with which we are involved," Mr Elliott said.
The week will showcase a variety of acts from more than 50 schools as young people come together from throughout the region to perform on the Ford Theatre stage for friends, family and fellow students.
Presented as part of GPAC’s Alcoa Education Program, performances will take place throughout the week. Tickets to all sessions are just $5 each and are available from the GPAC box office, phone 5225 1200.