ALTHOUGH COVID cancelled many events this year, an annual music festival managed to plug ahead and bring students regionwide together.
The Riverland Schools Music Festival, which is one of 10 regional festivals supported by the South Australian Public Primary Schools Music Society Inc. and the Department of Education, continued its annual tradition differently this year, to abide with COVID-19 restrictions.
The event, which is usually held over three nights at Renmark’s Chaffey Theatre, was held over two days this year at two local schools, with less schools participating.
Regional co-ordinator Joanna Whitehead said the committee and schools did a “fantastic job” at ensuring the event was COVID-safe.
“The committee was basically playing chess in the lead-up to the event,” she said.
“We (the committee) weren’t prepared to cancel the event at the beginning because we knew it would take a while to prepare and by the time the students would be ready to perform everything would’ve eased off a bit.
“Due to the event being condensed, the students sang seven songs instead of 12 and the national anthem.
“The performances were COVID-safe in the sense that we had less schools participate – only 16 as opposed to more than 20 in other years – there was no audience, it was on a school site and we abided by the limit of people we could have in a venue.”
Ms Whitehead said proceeding with the event was important for the students.
“COVID ruined a lot of events and activities this year,” she said.
“Going ahead with the event gave students something to do while they were in lockdown.
“They couldn’t be out with others and play sports but they could sing and I think that was a good outlet for them.
“The students look forward to the event every year – it’s something special for them – and they love wearing the colourful t-shirts.
“The students worked so hard while they were in lockdown and although they sang alone at home, they had social media and an app to communicate with others.”
Ms Whitehead thanked Waikerie Lutheran Primary School and Loxton Lutheran School for their hospitality.
“Both schools and their principals deserve a shout-out for letting us host the events in their schools,” she said.
“It was greatly appreciated and the children loved it.”