Endorsed by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations
We are delighted to announce that Ian 'Dicko'Dickson has agreed to be our patron for the 2008 ACMF National Songwriting Competition. Dicko, a current ACMF Ambassador and a true believer in the value of music education, has generously offered to devote some of his time this year in helping the ACMF promote our national competition, raising its awareness to an even greater level. Dicko, along with our loyal sponsors will ensure the 2008 National Songwriting Competition will be our most successful yet.
The ACMF conducts a National Songwriting Competition for every Primary, Secondary and Specific Purpose School across Australia (8,500 Primary & Specific Purpose Schools and 3,000 Secondary Schools, both public and private). In 2007, the competition was held for the 5th consecutive year. Entry to the competition is free and interest in the 2007 competition was unprecedented. This program is endorsed by the Federal Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations. A letter is sent from the Minister with the entry forms encouraging teachers to engage children in this activity.
All prizes awarded are in the form of musical equipment for both the winning student and their school. Since the inception, The ACMF has awarded almost $200k worth of musical equipment to schools and students Australia wide.
The competition is divided into age categories to provide opportunities for children of all ages, from kindergarten through to Year 12. Students are entering the competition not only one year but consecutive years, with some students improving their results each year.
The Sydney Festival featured 12 winning entries from the 2007 competition to launch the 2008 Festival in a huge open air Kids First Night Concert. The songs were arranged and performed by the Sydney Youth Orchestra and the Australian Youth Choir, conducted by George Ellis. The 12 selected songs were performed by well known artists and a number of students performing their own songs. It was a hugely popular event.
The ACMF is delighted to announce that 12 winning entries will be selected from the 2008 competition for the 2009 Sydney Festival. These will be performed at the Kids First Night concert and an indoor concert with plans to broadcast and record the concert.
Entries for the 2008 National Songwriting Competition open on May 5 so start practising!
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2007 National Songwriting Competition Winners (pdf, 85k) |