By VICTORIA STONE-MEADOWS
A one-of-a-kind musical experience is available to high school girls with a leading Geelong school band.
Soul outfit Sweethearts has called auditions for musicians to join the only local school band that offers scores toward subjects for attending rehearsals and playing shows.
Sweethearts musical director Michael Fitzgerald said the combination of industry experience with education was invaluable for students.
“We operate entirely in a music industry setting unlike most other school bands,” Mr Fitzgerald said.
“All our shows are based in live music venues or festivals and girls come out of Sweethearts with a lot more confidence and belief in what they’re doing.”
Sweethearts gigs have extended beyond local and interstate venues to shows in counties like Italy, the USA and France.
Members receive formal musical instruction as they complete certificate four in music with rehearsal and performance time contributing to VCE scores for senior students.
“It’s the only certificate of that level offered in Australia to school-aged students,” Mr Fitzgerald said.
Matthew Flinders Girls Secondary College established the band but it was open all girls as a means of increasing women’s participation in the music industry, he said.
“There’s still a lot of under representation of female artists. There’s a lot of work to be done but Sweethearts provides young female artists with a good insight into how the industry operates and a structured start in the industry.”
Mr Fitzgerald said audition information was available by emailing him at michael@sweethearts.com.au or phoning 0438 911 478.
