Peter Garrett and Mike symon visit blackburn high school music centre
On Wednesday the 21st of July, Peter Garrett, the Minister for Environment Protection, Heritage and the Arts, and Mike Symon, Federal Member for Deakin, visited Blackburn High to meet students and tour the Blackburn High School Music Centre.
Blackburn High School maintains a national reputation for excellence in Australian music education. Half of the students enrolled at the school choose to be involved in the instrumental music program.
The school is the only year-round full Symphony Orchestra in a Government school in Melbourne.
“I am proud that we have such a prestigious music program available to students in Blackburn. I enjoyed speaking with these talented local students about their passion for music today, and know they have a promising future ahead of them.” Mike Symon, Federal Member for Deakin said.
“I know it was also a thrill to have Peter Garrett visit the school, who is both the Minister responsible for Arts and very well known for his musical talents.”
“The Gillard Labor Government recognises the immense benefits of an arts-rich education to students’ learning and development,” Mr Garrett said.
“That’s why the Labor Government is already investing $1.3 million per year for the Artists in Residence program which means professional arts practitioners can participate as artists-in-residence in our schools.”
Over 70 residencies have been completed or are underway in every State and Territory in Australia since the program was rolled out last year.
“Importantly, the Gillard Labor Government has also secured the inclusion of the arts in the development of the national curriculum which I believe will prove to be one of the most important developments for both our students and the arts sector”.
