AUSTRALIA'S largest school music participation program, Music: Count Us In (MCUI), returned for another year this week.
Growing steadily since 2007, the initiative sees students from all around the country take part, for free, learning the same song in the lead-up to Celebration Day, which took place on Thursday, November 7.
It meant the pupils sang the same song, on the same day, at the same time.
And, Denman Public School (DPS) students jumped at the chance to participate again in 2019.
The youngsters have spent time learning about the songwriting process as well as this year's tune, We Are.
They enjoyed performing for their families and community members at a special assembly.
DPS took the opportunity to use the event to showcase the talents of students who participate in music lessons at school, available at DPS with the support of the Upper Hunter Conservatorium of Music.
Year 1's performance of Bonjour Mes Amis (Hello my friends) was a crowd favourite.
Pupils impressed the crowd performing in French and Japanese with amazing confidence and expression.
Decades of research shows that learning music can help students' self-confidence, self-discipline and team work.
It can aid their engagement in school, improve attendance and even assist them to make healthy life choices.
There are also strong links between music learning and academic skills in literacy and numeracy.
Research shows that music is unique in its flow-on benefits to those who learn it.
Principal Megan Druitt is delighted with the opportunities DPS provides to students in music education.
She acknowledged the enthusiasm and energy of Caroline Saunders, who taught pupils this year's song We Are and coordinated the performances.
"Thursday's event was a glorious celebration of music and gave all students the chance to shine," she said.
