Goldfields Libraries Launches Goldfields Connect – Music in Schools Album

Every year, students across the Goldfields region are composing, performing and recording music both as part of their creative interest in music and as part of their school curriculum.

This year, Goldfields Libraries has developed and launched an album that captures some of the amazing musical talent of secondary school students across the region.

The album is the culmination of the Goldfields Connect – Music in Schools project, aimed at creating an online opportunity for students from across our region to compose, perform, record and publish original music as part of the curriculum.

The project has been initially developed as a partnership with Castlemaine Secondary College, with Christine Sass, music teacher at the college, being an integral component in developing the overall concept.

“Goldfields Connect came about due to a pilot project researching ways to connect local secondary school students who play and write music, helping them to share the music they produce, both online and in person,” says Ms Sass.

The project has delivered a 10 track album this year, with participation from Castlemaine Secondary College, Bendigo NETschool and Kyneton Secondary College.

Goldfields Library Corporation CEO, Chris Kelly, is excited about what the project means for the library and the young people of the region.

“We’re always looking for ways to include local creative content as part of our library collection, and to be able to share, showcase and celebrate the musical creativity of our young people has just been a fantastic opportunity,” says Ms Kelly.

“We’re proud to be involved and want to see the project continue and expand the number of schools participating. This year started as a pilot of the project, but it all came together so well with lots of enthusiasm from students and teachers and this album is a testament to that,” she says.

The project is already reaping tangible rewards for all involved, with ABC this week expressing interest in using one of the tracks in an upcoming radio documentary.

The Goldfields Connect - Music in Schools | Volume 1 album is now available to download free from the Goldfields Libraries website at www.ncgrl.vic.gov.au/goldfieldsconnect

Plans to develop a second album for 2016 are already underway.  

Above left:
Goldfields Connect - MUSIC IN SCHOOLS | Volume 1 album cover

Above right: 
Back row: Christine Sass (Music Teacher, Castlemaine Secondary College); Emma Newman (Coordinator Communications & Elibrary, Goldfields Libraries); Mary Mcpherson (Principal, Castlemaine Secondary College)
Front row: Haley Goddefroy (Composer and student, Castlemaine Secondary College); Peter Saltmarsh (VET Music Industries Teacher, Castlemaine Secondary College); Suilven Byrne (Composer and student, Castlemaine Secondary College); Martineau Byrne (Composer and student, Castlemaine Secondary College)