Rural Music Ministry - Armidale Diocese

Sr Anita Vagg from Warialda and Sr Margaret T Cusack from Moree are endeavouring to keep up the tradition of exploring musical talent of children in country areas.

Claire O'Connor and Sr Margaret T Cusack

Many other Sisters have done and are still doing this, but this report is a recent one from our local area. One of the ways in which we encourage students is by entering the students into the Inverell Eisteddfod.

This year, Sr Anita entered 3 candidates and Sr Margaret entered 5. Two of Sr Anita's students and three of Sr Margaret's were able to attend on the days allocated. The Vocal sections were on 29th August and the Piano Sections were held on 31st August.

Both teachers were very pleased with the entrants. All children did their best to perform the pieces well. They also gained from the experience of performing in front of a wider audience.

The entrants were:

• Vocals: Claire O'Connor (pupil of Sr Margaret T. Cusack) won 4 sections and took out the 12 years and under Championship cup.
• Piano: Katie Stevenson (pupil of Sr Anita Vagg) gained third prize in the 8 years and under novice section. Will Morelli performed in the same section.
• Jacob Olsen (pupil of Sr Margaret T. Cusack) won 1st Prize in the 12 years and under section and Phoebe Taylor performed in the same section.

Exams
When the students are ready, they will attend the Australian Music Examinations Board exams. In many country areas, the children go off to boarding schools elsewhere for their higher education, but we are endeavouring to give them a good foundation. We thank God that the seed of good musicianship is being sown and hopefully, the seed of faith as well!!

Sr Margaret Therese Cusack