Crashendo has been using music to initiate positive social change in East Gippsland
since 2012.
This is achieved through teaching programs in local primary schools and weekly music sessions for what has become known as the Crashendo Youth(ful) Orchestra.
Today, up to 20 players aged from 10 to 91, and ranging from learners to professionals, make up the Crashendo Youth(ful) Orchestra.
They meet each Tuesday afternoon in Bairnsdale to play a variety of instruments, instructed by accomplished musicians including David Williams OAM and John Schmidli.
Mostly volunteer run, Crashendo does employ a part-time coordinator and two tutors who teach music to young students at Nungurner, Lindenow and Lucknow Primary Schools.
“Like so many small arts organisations, we are sometimes fortunate to receive government grants to continue our vital work, but there is no certainty with this funding from year to year. So we also rely on the goodwill of locals,”
Andrea Fail said.
“Donations help to secure our future while we strive to secure a better future for young people.
“Hence, our concert on August 10. While it is a major fundraising event, it is sure to deliver delight into the lives of audience members that far exceeds the small entry fee.
“The concert will transport audience members from the exquisite talents of accomplished musicians to the verve and joy of Crashendo’s Youth(ful) Orchestra. This is a chance to see Crashendo in action, and to be immersed in this life-affirming force called music.”
Music will be performed by:
– Crashendo Youth(ful) Orchestra
– Julie Lockhart: piano – solo and accompanist
– John Schmidli: trumpet
– Kees Dogger: French horn and double bass
– Kieran Brown: violin
– Telina Caithness: clarinet accompanied
by Carryn Caithness
– Canzona Trio: John Schmidli, Kees Dogger and John Mourant
The concert will take place at the Bairnsdale Uniting Church on Sunday, August 10 at 2pm.
Crashendo was inspired by the Venezuelan social action music program El Sistema, established to enhance the lives of young people in under-resourced communities, believing — and subsequently proving — that learning music can set students on a path of self-discovery and improve life skills such as patience, persistence, and confidence.
It encourages youth to reach their full
potential and inspire greater social change within the community through accessible
music education.
