MUSWELLBROOK High School students will play a major role in next week’s Anzac Day commemorations.
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And, that’s the way the organisers like it – ensuring the event is in good hands for years to come.
“Muswellbrook High has provided singers to lead hymns [long before I started at the school],” teacher Jason Foy said.
“Since then, though, we have steadily increased our level of involvement to include our Vocal Ensemble and performances during the laying of the wreaths.
“In 2017, as in the past, our pupils will take part in both the Dawn and main services.
“Brydie Cullen, Amy McCamley, Sophie Scriven and Laura Symington will lead all of the hymns and anthems, while Brady Cavanagh and Jye King will perform Spirit of the Anzacs during the laying of the wreaths.
“Our Vocal Ensemble, led by Laura Martin, will also be accompanying most items.
“Even our Tech Team will be working with me to provide all of the sound requirements for the third year in a row, which sees them starting their set-up at 5am.”
Mr Foy said it was important for the students to be involved in the event.
“Extending our school’s involvement in Anzac Day to include as many of our performing arts pupils as possible gives even more of our town’s students the opportunity to actively engage with the event and contribute in a meaningful way,” he admitted.
“It is also deeply rewarding to be able provide this service for the community.
“Our students also perform the bugle calls at some of our local primary schools and perform hymns at smaller services in the shire.
“We would like to thank the RSL Sub-Branch for allowing us to be involved each year.”
Everyone is welcome to attend the Dawn Service at the Cenotaph, on Tuesday, from 6am.
There will also be a service at the war graves at about 6.20am, followed by a ceremony at the Vietnam Memorial at 6.45am.
At 9.30am, a church service is scheduled at St Alban’s Church.
School students of all ages will participate in the parade, which begins at 10am, followed by the main service at the Cenotaph.
Muswellbrook RSL Sub-Branch president Craig Ross said there would be a flyover courtesy of Pays Air Services, weather permitting.
“The eight school captains from the primary schools will also read a poem each,” he said.
Vice-president Greg Cole said Anzac Day was an important event for the community to commemorate.
“It is the birth of the Australian military and Australia as a nation,” he said.