This is an important email to give you the opportunity to nominate a student or students in year 9 or above to take one of 12 places at the Music Count Us In 2011 songwriting workshop. Their response to the brief (as a one minute MP3) must be submitted to us by next Monday 21st March. I know the time is short, but we have to move quickly so the song can be arranged, recorded, produced, pressed and released by early May. Please help spread the word.

There is no cost to the school or student in participation in the songwriting workshop. But each must be free to take a day or two off school (depending how far away from Sydney they are) around the 11 April and be free to travel to Sydney with a parent or carer. All flight costs, meals, on-ground transfers and accommodation are covered by Music: Count Us In. We are still negotiating to secure this year’s mentors, so I can’t give you names yet. But – they are GREAT and I’m sure your students would jump at the chance to work with them.

Last year, nine lucky secondary school students from around Australia – including from Albany and Perth, WA;Darwin, NT; and Coffs Harbour in regional NSW - were flown to Sydney with a parent/carer to work with songwriting mentors Melinda Schneider, Audius and Paul Greene, and producer, John Foreman, to help write the program song. Without exception, each student found it an inspirational experience and a wonderful ‘immersion’ exercise in music generally and songwriting in particular. Lasting friendships were made, career aspirations consolidated and musical – and social skills – built. You can see a videoclip of last year’s songwriting process at the media page here.

All the details about applying for a place are here, including the song brief and submission process.

Tina Broad, Campaign Director, ‘Music. Play for Life’
Tel: 02 44 54 3887  Fax: 02 44 54 3882  Mob: 0439 022 257
www.musicplayforlife.org
The people’s movement for more music: in schools, communities, everywhere