Neerigen Brook Primary School in Armadale, WA, has struck a chord on the national stage, taking First Place in the Primary School Category of the Australian Children's Music Foundation (ACMF) National Songwriting Competition!
The winning song, composed by the students themselves, delivers a poignant and uplifting message about friendship and kindness. The heartwarming composition stood out among over 800 entries from schools across the nation, showcasing the choir’s creativity and teamwork.
Principal Lesley Barrett praised the students’ efforts, saying, “The way these young songwriters expressed their emotions and came together to create something so special is exactly what this competition is all about.”
This award is a testament to the exceptional music education fostered at Neerigen Brook Primary School, a participant in Musica Viva Australia's Music Education Residency Program. Through this program, students have had the opportunity to deepen their understanding of music, develop creative skills, and explore self-expression through songwriting and performance.
Musica Viva Australia teaching artist Kirsty Mees shared her pride in the students’ work “This song really came from the heart—it’s about their friendships and how they see kindness as something that can change the world. To see their hard work recognised on a national stage is just incredible.”
Watch our video below to see the students’ creative journey, from brainstorming lyrics about kindness to collaboratively refining their song.
The Armadale News recently highlighted this remarkable win, emphasising the significance of programs that nurture creativity and the arts in schools. The article also shines a light on how programs like the Music Education Residency enrich not only the students but also the broader school community, cultivating an enduring appreciation for the arts. Read more about the students’ reactions and listen to the song here.
This incredible achievement would not have been possible without the generous support of the Wright-Burt Foundation, Team Legacy, and the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries. Their commitment to empowering schools through the arts continues to make a lasting difference in the lives of young learners.
Musica Viva Australia and ACMF are also proud partners of the Music Education: Right from the Start initiative, a national movement led by Alberts | The Tony Foundation. Together, we believe in the transformative power of music to create brighter futures.
Congratulations once again to Neerigen Brook Primary School for their outstanding success!