In a remarkable display of creativity and collaboration, students from Upper Lansdowne and Lansdowne Public Schools have teamed up to write an original song for the 2025 Australian Children’s Music Foundation (ACMF) song competition. ACMF has worked in both schools for some years now, and the project has not only produced a beautiful musical entry but has also strengthened the bonds between the two rural school communities.
Crafting Lyrics and Celebrating Community
Students from both schools came together to craft the lyrics, experimenting with rhythm and rhyme to celebrate the unique features of their area. The song focuses on Lansdowne and its natural environment and local geography. The song also touches on the community’s resilience, acknowledging challenges like floods and bushfires. To ensure the song was inclusive, they developed Auslan hand gestures and added subtitles to the recording.
A Project That Went Beyond the Song
The students’ hard work culminated in a music video filmed on location, showcasing the stunning local backdrop of “Mount Olive,” bustling dairy farms, the general store, and even some lively, bouncing kangaroos.
ACMF music teacher Matty Zarb, who brought his studio to both schools for the recording process, highlighted the immense learning that took place. “The songwriting, recording, and filming covered a huge scope of learning, both creatively and technically,” he shared. “The ability to step outside one’s comfort zone and the experience of singing as part of a recording was incredible for them. Some students even got to learn how to operate the program and record tracks.”
Strengthening Bonds Through Music
The project’s impact went far beyond the final song. According to Principal Shellie Tancred, “Participating in the ACMF song competition has not only sparked our students’ imagination and creativity but has also strengthened the bonds between our two schools, making this experience truly enriching for all involved.”
This collaborative effort is a powerful example of how music can unite communities and spark a passion for learning. Be sure to check out the students’ video! When you share it, use the hashtags #ACMF and #lovewhereyoulearn to help spread their wonderful message.
You can watch their video here
