Nestled 350 kilometres south-east of Perth, Gnowangerup District High School is a tight-knit regional school community of 140 students where every opportunity for enrichment counts.
The school caters to students from Kindergarten through to year 10. Around 20% of students identify as Indigenous, and 21% come from a language background other than English. For many, a Musica Viva Australia In Schools performance – like Water Rhythms – is their first experience of live professional music.
Water Rhythms performing at Lockridge primary School WA (2025). Credit Edify Media.
Through Musica Viva Australia's Equal Music subsidy, supported by Co-operative Bulk Handling Limited (CBH), the school was able to access the program at a significantly reduced cost. Even with 60% subsidy, with tickets at $4 per student, some teachers contributed personally to ensure every child could attend.
For music teacher Cassie Beeck, who has been booking Musica Viva Australia for more than 20 years, the impact is always clear:
‘When one of our little people, who has particular musical talent, was chosen to create some movements that reflected the sounds of the water, I was so pleased she had a moment to shine.’
Water Rhythms performing at Lockridge primary School WA (2025). Credit Edify Media.
With the support of accompanying classroom resources, Cassie extended the experience into a four-week unit on Japanese music, linking it to the Arts Curriculum through rhythm, cultural exploration and sound analysis. Students used ukuleles to mimic koto sounds and explored complex rhythms through bucket drumming, building skills while deepening their cultural understanding.
‘The energy of the performers was outstanding,’ Cassie said. ‘They engaged every child and used real musical terminology in their discussions.’
For this small regional school, CBH’s partnership with Musica Viva Australia goes far beyond a single performance. It helps make ongoing music education possible in a context where access is often limited.
‘I love Musica Viva. I hope CBH continues to support the subsidy for my school. Without it, we simply couldn’t make it happen.’
CBH is Australia's largest co-operative and a leader in the Australian grain industry. Since 2014, they have partnered with Musica Viva Australia to deliver high-quality music education and live arts experiences to regional and remote grain-growing communities across Western Australia.
If you would like to partner with us to bring communities together through music, please reach out to us at partnerships@musicaviva.com.au
