For this iteration, Strike A Chord focused on extending its reach into regional areas, resulting in a significant increase in applications for our coaching programs which are available to all entrants. Applicants can apply for a free one-hour coaching session with our professional musicians, with priority given to groups from regional areas, schools with less access to resources, and those with lower ICSEA scores. This year, Strike A Chord received a heartening 50 group applications for our coaching program -- it is our goal to accommodate all sessions in order to give every player the opportunity to receive instruction from our professional coaches.
In 2021 we successfully introduced the Novice Section, open to young players at an AMEB level of Grade 4 or below. This competition is held entirely online and has successfully increased student engagement with chamber music in even the most remote areas of Australia.
Spinifex State College in Mount Isa, Queensland is one of the many regional schools participating and benefiting from the exposure and coaching of Strike A Chord. The Spinifex Senior String Ensemble received a coaching session with Christa Powell before the 2021 competition and won third prize in the Novice Section. This year, building upon last year’s success, Spinifex State College have put forward seven ensemble groups for the coaching program and will be entering them all plus a further seven in the Strike A Chord competition.
The finalists for Strike A Chord are announced on Wednesday 22 June when the results of the Notice Section will also be announced. The live grand final will be held at the Melbourne Recital Centre on Saturday 27 August.
Strike A Chord is funded by generous donors who help make this exciting competition happen for hundreds of schools around the country. Our supporters help us reward excellence, enthusiasm, and engagement from participants through cash prizes, performances, mentorships, sheet music, access to performances and many other ways of recognising and fostering development in the chamber music space within school students in Australia.
