Start 2010 on a positive note

Hands up those Rotary families that want to start 2010 on a positive note?

Keep your hands up if you have unwanted musical instruments stored somewhere in the family home – or you know of other family members or friends who may have such valuable resources tucked away?

Wow!  Look at all the hands! Well, do I have a deal for you!

The Australian Children’s Music Foundation (ACMF) is now almost eight years into a comprehensive music initiative for Australian children and youth – especially those at ‘‘disadvantaged’’ and Indigenous schools.

Launched in 2002, The ACMF is the brainchild of legendary Australian singer/songwriter and children’s entertainer Don Spencer, OAM.  Rotarian Life carried a cover feature on Don and The ACMF in our August issue.

Don Spencer formed The ACMF when he realised how neglected music had become in schools across Australia. Some 75 per cent of Australian public schools no longer have a specialist music teacher.

In an inspiring presentation to the Zone 8 Institute for past, present and future officers of Rotary International in Newcastle, NSW, last November, Don emphasised that research had proven that participating in music had a significant impact on a child’s development. He said music encouraged creativity, improved motivation, self discipline, communication and enhanced learning skills.

“Music can be a pro-social alternative to a cycle of anti-social behaviour and it can reach those who have become ‘disengaged’. Participation in music can provide great comfort and can sometimes mean the difference between a child choosing the right or wrong path in life,” he told the audience.

Don and other key people from The ACMF had previously addressed the annual gathering of Australian District Governors Elect at the Director’s Briefing Weekend in Parramatta, NSW.
Now, the “money question”.             

Asked how Aussie Rotary clubs and Districts could best support such a magnificent “self help” program, Don explained that ACMF had embarked on an ambitious program.

“We have set up flexible, specifically designed music programs in more than 20 disadvantaged schools and 14 detention centres throughout Australia – along with heavy involvement in the NSW Youth Drug and Alcohol Court Program with sponsorship from the Rotary Club of Sydney, NSW.

“This expansion has placed great pressure on our resources, especially the supply of musical instruments.  Each music program includes free music tuition and free musical instruments. When students have displayed a passion and aptitude for their music we like to give them the musical instrument of their choice to continue their new-found skill.

“So, one of our major needs is for musical instruments – new or second hand.

“Secondly, every course at each school or detention centre costs $25-30,000 and our financial resources are stretched to the limit.  The Australian Children’s Music Foundation has launched a ‘Philanthropic’ Choir. Membership is only $20 a year and there are no auditions, no performances for members of this choir – just the need to be passionate about the benefits and power of music.  The only note you need to be a valued member of this choir is a $20 note,” he concluded.

Rotary Districts in Australia are already committed to involvement with ACMF as a result of the impressive presentation by Don Spencer and world acclaimed cellist Rachel Scott at the Briefing Weekend.

District 9790 Governor Elect Alan Anderson is in discussions with ACMF on programs within the bushfire ravaged areas of Victoria, whilst District 9550 Governor Elect Allan Church is planning a program for Indigenous youth on Palm Island off the coast of Townsville, Qld.  Several other Governors Elect are negotiating with ACMF Executive Director Vicki Fitzgibbon for special presentations at their District Conferences in the 2010/2011 Rotary year.

The Rotary Club of Sydney has chosen The ACMF’s pilot music program being conducted at the NSW Youth, Drug and Alcohol Court Program as one of the five charities they are supporting.  A major fundraiser – Dancing with the Cars – is planned for the Sydney area at the Audi headquarters at Zetland, NSW, on February 20.  Karen Loblay (02 9299 0555) is the Sydney Rotary contact for further information.

So, how can Rotarians and Rotary Clubs assist this magnificent youth program?

1. Collect every single musical instrument possible and forward same to Rotary Down Under House, Level 3, 43 Hunter Street, Parramatta, NSW.  Frances Campbell is the contact on 02 9633 4888.  RDU will serve as the collection/coordination point for the Australian Children’s Music Foundation.  We will acknowledge donations and the type of instrument every three months.

2. Spend $20 and join the Australian Children’s Music Foundation Philanthropic Choir.  Such action will finance further expansion of music programs into disadvantaged schools and institutions around Australia. Cheques should be made payable to The Australian Children’s Music Foundation.  Mail to:  ACMF, Suite 105, 90 Mount Street, North Sydney, NSW 2060.  Online donations and further information is available from the web site – www.acmf.com.au
Wait, there’s more . . . Did I share with you the fact that the Australian Children’s Music Foundation – to further stimulate young people’s interest in music – conducts a national song writing competition amongst Australia’s 11,000 schools each year?

Executive Director Vicki Fitzgibbon and Business Development Manager Kerrie Wexham can provide information on all of the above.  Telephone on 02 9929 0008.