COUNTLESS hours of rehearsals have paid off for four music students who have been chosen for a national band featuring the most talented musicians from across the state.
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Kaitlyn Baker, James Sewell, Anna Leckie and Brendon McLeod, all from Bathurst High, have been chosen to join a super band after competing in the NSW Schools Band Festival in Sydney.
Bathurst High’s band, Swing Factor, won the silver medal in the competition.
As a result the band was invited to play at North Sydney Leagues Club, and was the only band from regional NSW playing with bands from selective schools including Newtown School of Performing Arts.
Following the band competition the best musicians were identified by the judges to be selected for a super band, with Kaitlyn, James, Anna and Brendon hand-picked to be part of this.
Swing Factor musical director Andrew Smith said he was extremely proud of the students and the band’s performance.
“It’s a tribute to them, their families and public education,” he said.
In addition to their selection in the super band, Anna and Brendon have been selected for another honour – they will participate in the Jazz Australia Workshop Big Band, which will tour New York next January.
Both Anna and Brendon said they are stoked to be part of the band which features other musicians from all over Australia.
“It’s a three-week tour going to LA, Barbados, Orlando and New York,” Anna said.
“It’s really exciting. When we’re in Brooklyn we will be recording a CD,” said Brendon.
Mr Smith congratulated all four students on their incredible achievements. “We’re very proud of them, they’re hardworking students,” he said.
