Workshop Aim:

The aim of the Emerging Voices Choral Combined Schools Workshops is to promote reconciliation through the power of music, the creative arts, storytelling, and song, by bringing together young voices to honour those who died both on country and for country.

Invitation to Perform on 16 March at Government House:

Participants at the Friday 15 March workshop are invited to perform with the OZY Youth Choir and our Patron, Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley, at the Government House Open Day on Sat 16 March. They also have the opportunity to perform at other events throughout the year such as ACT Reconciliation Day on Monday 27 May.

Workshop Programme:

Making Peace: Students will explore the concept of peace through artistic expression around the traditional Poppy of Remembrance for those who died for country and the Desert Pea, a widely recognised flower of remembrance for those who died on country.
Storytelling and Pea Making: A unique opportunity to share stories and create and commemorate with the symbolic felt Desert Peas, reflecting upon remembrance and unity.
Poetry Session: An artistic exploration of remembrance and unity through the spoken word.
Pop-up Choir Choral Workshop: Led by OZY Youth Choir HDS director, OJ Rushton, attendees will workshop two significant songs of remembrance, the "Anthem of the Desert Pea" and “One and Free”.
Choir Performance: The workshop will culminate in a heartfelt performance at the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture of “The Anthem of the Desert Pea” and "One and Free”, fostering a sense of togetherness and belonging.

Logistics:

Refreshments: Water, snacks, tea, and coffee will be provided throughout the workshop.
Lunch: Participants are kindly requested to bring their own packed lunch and their own water bottle and a pencil.
Attendance: The event is open to Canberra-based school students, with a maximum of 100 voices.
A link to purchase the choral music will be sent before the day.

Optional Donations:

You are welcome to attend these workshops at no cost; however, if you are in a position to make a donation, it would be most helpful and will go toward the expenses of running the workshops and performing on Reconciliation Day. We are raising funds to fly students from First Nations families from a remote community out of Alice Springs to perform with us in Canberra on 27 May.

Partnership:

This very special event is a collaborative effort between The OZY Youth Choir Honouring Defence Service, Inc., Making Peas/ce and the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture.This event aims to create a meaningful and memorable experience for all.
With the strong endorsement of Elders around Australia, “The Anthem of the Desert Pea” echoes “lest we forget” for all who died on country and for country to bring healing and build hope for the future. The song “One and Free” encourages us, in the words of Billy Williams, to “Share our stories, accept our stories and write a new story together”.

Choral Music for your School Choir:

A link to purchase the choral sheet music for both songs will be sent on registration.