IF YOUR child loves performing, it’s time to start thinking about entering them into the 66th annual Hawkesbury Eisteddfod.
The Eisteddfod program runs from July 23 until September 9, and includes dance solos and dance troupes, instrumental solos, school bands, school and HSC dance, piano solos, speeches, speaking choirs, school choral groups and vocal solos.
Kaylie Neave, publicity officer for the Hawkesbury Eisteddfod and convenor for the pianoforte section, said the Eisteddfod provides an opportunity for students to gain experience by performing to the public while polishing their skills.
“The Hawkesbury Eisteddfod is an excellent opportunity for our community to showcase the talented dancers, singers, musicians, future actors/actresses and bands that we have,” she told the Gazette.
Ms Neave runs a music tuition business in Riverstone called Making Musicians, and she said her students have been practising and perfecting their pieces ready to showcase their talent at the Eisteddfod.
“It is a chance for my students to perform pieces and receive valuable feedback before they do examinations,” she said.
Ms Neave said there are a few changes to this year’s event. The Hawkesbury Residents section in the Pianoforte syllabus will be held in the same session this year to encourage more Hawkesbury residents and siblings to enter.
All age groups will be on the same day at the same time and will be specifically dedicated to the Hawkesbury.
“Teachers, parents and students: if you have a lot of wonderful Hawkesbury piano players then please encourage them to enter the Hawkesbury Residents sections! Bring grandparents, aunties, uncles to come and watch the showcase of our Hawkesbury pianists,” said Ms Neave.
“One final change is the wording of ‘Christian worship’ has been replaced to ‘Religious worship’. The Eisteddfod hopes to encourage more entrants by changing this description.”
Visit the Eisteddfod website and click on the Sections tab for copies of each syllabus and entry forms for each section: www.eisteddfod.org.au/hawkesbury
The Eisteddfod will take place at the Windsor Function Centre on Dight Street, Windsor.