Charity concert a harmonious fundraiser

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Charity concert involving students from St Luke's Anglican School and Shalom College
Belle Hocking, Matthew Capuzzo, Paul McMahon, Will Felesina, (seated) and Laura Helbig will be among the St Luke's and Shalom students performing at a community charity concert.

St Luke’s Anglican School and Shalom College student leaders have united to plan a charity concert that will showcase their musical talent.

Setting aside competitive school rivalry usually present at inter-school events, the leaders decided to do something never done before and bring together the talents of more than 100 of their senior music students.

The concert, organised by the school leaders who are accomplished musicians themselves, will be held on Saturday, 18 May from 7pm at the Shalom Performing Arts Precinct.

St Luke’s Anglican School Cultural Captain, Belle Hocking, said the idea of the combined charity concert came out of their attendance at the Wide Bay School Leaders Conference earlier this year.

“We were asked to create ideas that we could implement within our schools,” said Belle.

“I thought it would be good to invite Bundaberg high schools to join together in performing for the community.

“Unfortunately it was difficult to find a suitable date for all schools, so for this concert it is St Luke’s and Shalom, joining with the Bundaberg Youth Orchestra which includes students from a variety of schools in the region.”

The charity concert is a fundraiser for the Australian Children’s Music Foundation and Aussie Helpers Australia drought relief.

“These charities were chosen because we wanted to help children who don’t have access to music education like we do,” said Belle.

“We also wanted to help the farmers who are struggling with the drought.”

St Luke’s Anglican School Captain, Will Felesina, said it is hoped this charity concert will be the first of many.

“Our schools have never come together before in a non-competitive cultural environment,” he said.

“This is our final year at school but hopefully we can leave behind this legacy for others to continue in the future.”

Shalom College Captain, Paul McMahon, and House Leaders Laura Helbig and Matthew Capuzzo, are also involved with the planning.

“The audience can expect performances that are of a very high standard,” Paul said.

“The orchestras include students from the senior music groups and some of us also play in the Bundaberg Youth Orchestra.”

Laura said the program includes a mix of classical and contemporary music performed by the orchestras and the St Luke’s vocal ensemble.

“The finale involves the groups coming together on stage and we are looking forward to performing as one orchestra,” she said.

The school leaders are hoping the charity concert will be well attended and invite members of the community to come along and enjoy their performances.

Tickets for the charity concert are on sale at the door and are $10 for adults, $5 for children 12 years and under, with children under two years free.