Fanfare state finalists announced

Minister for Education, Training and Employment John-Paul Langbroek today announced the 11 Queensland state school bands and orchestras that will take part in the Fanfare 2014 state festival in Brisbane from 6 - 8 August.

“The ensembles were selected from 833 groups that took part in 48 regional festivals held throughout the state in May and June,” Mr Lanbroek said.

“Around 22,200 students from 400 schools participated and I congratulate every one of these students, their teachers and families for being involved,” he said.

“Being in an ensemble takes practice, commitment and teamwork and Fanfare is a great opportunity for students and schools to receive recognition for their efforts.

“While the Newman Government is working hard to revitalise frontline services and improve student outcomes, corporate investment in programs like Fanfare is helping to enhance the overall educational experience for Queensland students.”

Photo attached.

Mr Langbroek said the Fanfare 2014 program partner, international venue management group, AEG Ogden, demonstrated how private-public partnerships could benefit young Queenslanders.

“Queensland state schools are well respected locally and nationally for their excellent music programs and the involvement of AEG Ogden has allowed these skills to be showcased during MOST in 2013 and now again in Fanfare 2014,” Mr Langbroek said.

AEG Ogden Chairman and CEO Mr Harvey Lister said the organisation was delighted to be sponsors of Fanfare 2014, following its sponsorship of the Creative Generation Excellence Awards in Instrumental Music (MOST), in 2013.

“We are pleased to partner with the Queensland Government to support this showcase of Queensland’s musical talent and the significant performance opportunity it provides,” Mr Lister said.

More than 140,000 students have taken part in the biennial Fanfare program since its inception in 1985.

The 11 ensembles will compete at the state festival, in the Plaza Ballroom, Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre (BCEC), on 6 August.

Five of these ensembles will be selected to take part in the Fanfare Grand Final Concert on 8 August in the Great Hall at the BCEC.

The ensemble with the most outstanding performance at the grand final concert will be awarded the Erica Brindley Memorial trophy.

Tickets for the Fanfare Grand Final Concert are on sale through Ticketek.

For more information on Fanfare visit www.education.qld.gov.au/community/fanfare

11 Queensland state school bands and orchestras to take part in the Fanfare 2014 state festival in Brisbane from 6 - 8 August:

North Queensland region:

o   Pimlico State High School’s Orpheus Chamber Strings – conductor Richard Newell

Far North Queensland region:

o   Cairns State High School Orchestra - conductor Jon Christodoulides

South East region:

o   Varsity College Chamber Strings - conductor Michelle Wilson

o   Benowa State High School Senior Strings - conductor Vincent Chingchang Kwan

Central Queensland region:

o   Gladstone State High School Symphonic Concert Band – conductor Angie Clifton

Darling Downs South West region:

o   Kingaroy State High School Concert Band – conductor Matthew Phillips

North Coast region:

o   Narangba Valley State High School Symphonic Winds – conductor Elisha Edwards

o   Banksia Beach State School Concert Band – conductor Martin O’Callaghan

Metropolitan region:

o   Brisbane State High School Symphony Orchestra – conductor Meg Robson

o   Mansfield State High School Camerata – conductor Lisa Stevenson

o   Brisbane State High School Symphonic Band – conductor Brad Ruben

[ENDS] 27 June 2014

Media Contact: Danita Goodwin 0439 886 652 AEG Ogden: Greg Adermann 0419 729 972