Students from Muswellbrook Public, Muswellbrook High and Muswellbrook Christian schools participated in the nation-wide Music: Count Us In.

The initiative features half a million people together in song, with a Celebration Day that reaches into every corner of the country. 

From Bendigo to Bourke, Dubbo to Darwin, Halls Creek to Hobart, Port Augusta to Port Douglas, youngsters performed Shine Together.

And, it was no different in the Upper Hunter either.

“Music: Count Us In exists to advocate for and celebrate music in Australian schools,” Muswellbrook Public School teacher Suzie Troon said.

“We had 600 kids rehearsing for this over the past couple of weeks, including our choir.

“Muswellbrook [Public] has been involved in this project every year since it started.

“Everyone looks forward to it.

“Shine Together was collaboratively written by Sadie Mustoe (VIC), Makayla Forbes (NSW), Elliena Escott (QLD), Marcus and Tiffany Yeo (QLD) – five very lucky and talented students from around Australia who worked in partnership with program Ambassador John Foreman OAM and program mentor Taylor Henderson.”

Henderson has achieved incredible success since first coming to the attention of the music industry and Australian public in late 2013. 

Within a year, he launched his career with a #1 single Borrow My Heart (certified double-platinum), a Top 5 single When You Were Mine (certified platinum), and two #1 ARIA albums. 

“Songs are our stories and Australian songs define our unique culture,” Henderson said.

“I am thrilled to be helping mentor a new generation create great music.”

With more than 3400 schools registered, 2017 is definitely the biggest year in history.