“I am Australian” Virtual Choir

Throughout lockdown the ACMF has worked to find ways to bring children at home together through music, creating activities to reconnect students and community – hence the idea of the virtual choir singing ‘I am Australian’ was born.

We share a dream to sing with one voice – The bringing together of the children at St Mary St Joseph’s to sing ‘I am Australian’ has resulted in a heart-warming and magical ensemble demonstrating the need for togetherness as well as the benefits and importance of mental & emotional well-being at a time when people and communities so urgently need reconnecting.

The students of St. Mary’s St. Joseph’s were given a backing track, which they had to upload, put on their school uniforms and perform the song by themselves in their homes in lockdown. This was quite a task for the children in Years 3-6. The result was magical and will touch your heart.

We are one, but we are many – School principal, John Farrell of St. Mary St. Joseph’s in Maroubra, requested permission from the elders of the Yawuru Community for the children to sing the first verse in the Yawuru language. ACMF teacher Rachel Scott taught the children to sign in AUSLAN for the chorus and over many lessons in lockdown, the magic of music has reunified the children, culminating in a song that symbolises Australia and its people. Its lyrics describe a nation whose people, history, culture and landscape are deeply connected.