By Peter Douglas
A “SWEET little tune” straight from the creative minds of local primary students will soon ring out from Melbourne’s famed Federation Bells at Birrarung Marr.
Though, this is just the beginning for the students’ song ‘Bells of Peace’, which will be developed further and delivered to a wider audience, thanks to $45,000 in Victorian Government funding.
Minister for Creative Industries, Martin Foley, and Minister for Education, James Merlino, on Wednesday 14 December gathered at the Upwey High School to announce the Dandenong Ranges Music Council (DRMC) had been granted funds to further develop the song, as part of celebrations in 2018 to mark 100 years since the end of World War I.
Project co-ordinator Christine Wallace said the song originated during the Anzac Centenary commemorations last year, with the DRMC working with local primary schools.
“The original grant enabled us to do a community project to commemorate the Anzac Centenary,” she said.
“The song was our unique way of paying tribute to the original Anzacs, which was written during workshops with the students.
“It’s a sweet little song, very simple … about peace.
“The inspiration came after children learned that at the Declaration of Peace, Dame Nellie Melba – who lived in Lilydale – rang the Lilydale CFA bells to announce the world was at peace in 1918.”
Initially, ‘Bells of Peace’ was composed for handbells, with the piece to make its premiere with a special performance at Birrarung Marr in 2018 to mark the centenary of the end of World War I.
This will involve more than 600 children and community members.
Mr Foley said music was a great way to teach children about our past.
“From professional artists to schoolchildren, and everyone in between, music has the power to inspire and connect us,” he said.
“This project is a great example of what Dandenong Ranges Music Council does so well.”
Meanwhile, Mr Merlino also used the visit to announce that Victoria will be the first jurisdiction to set an excellence target for student achievement in the arts.
Achievement in the arts will be measured by a proportion of students achieving the highest standard in the arts across five areas: music, visual art, dance, drama and media arts.
“We know that exposure in school to an arts education can help lift student engagement and attendance and boost results,” he said.
