A group of 16 talented young musicians from Armidale City Public School travelled to Sydney recently to perform in the 2010 Festival of Instrumental Music at the Sydney Opera House.

The Primary School students played as part of the Combined Recorder Ensemble – an impressive group of musicians comprised of outstanding public school ensembles from across New South Wales.
“The chance to perform at the Opera House is special and I
know that each of our students appreciated that they had been
given a fantastic opportunity,” said Mr Wally O’Hara, Relieving Principal at Armidale City Public School.
“They also appreciated the efforts of their recorder teacher, Sandi Smolders. She has been particularly inspirational and has dedicated so much of her time and energy to these children.”
The Festival of Instrumental Music is a unique opportunity for school-aged musicians and their teachers to be part of a musically diverse and spectacular event.
Thanks to many months of hard work, the Armidale City Public School students were each able to stand on the Opera House’s Concert Hall stage and confidently play a diverse and challenging selection of music by memory.
“The performance was truly impressive,” said Cherene Spendelove, Armidale City Public School parent.
“It was very exciting to see the children perform so well – particularly when they played a rousing encore to their final item.  The mood in the Hall was amazing.  I am so grateful that my child was able to be a part of this.”
Ms Spendelove’s gratitude is shared by each of the families involved.  Many parents travelled to Sydney to watch the performance.
“It is thanks to the generosity and dedication of teachers like Sandi Smolders, as well as Wally O’Hara, Julie Cook and Miggs Coggan who gave their time and their support to the children so that they might be a part of this memorable event.”