Primary Proms
The Primary Proms features a Combined Primary Choir of 450 voices from Years 3 to 4, together with outstanding instrumental and vocal items from public schools across NSW. The singing repertoire is specifically selected and arranged for younger voices. Professional learning opportunities and associated resources support teachers to confidently teach the repertoire to their students.
2023
Applications for Primary Proms 2023 are now closed
- Performance dates – Monday 11 to Thursday 14 September (Term 3 Week 9)
- Teachers professional development workshop (mandatory for successful applicants) – 16 February 9:00 am - 3:00 pm (Term 1 Week 3)
- Rehearsals at Salvation Army Congress Hall – 21 to 24 August (Term 3 Week 6)
The operation of this festival is contingent on advice provided by the NSW Department of Education in consultation with NSW Health. All activities will adhere to the DoE COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions.
Visit the COVID-19 and public schools in NSW web page for more information.
2023 concert dates at the Sydney Town Hall
- Brindabella concert: Monday 11 September 2023, 7:00 pm
- Coorong concert: Tuesday 12 September 2023, 7:00 pm
- Daintree concert: Wednesday 13 September 2023, 7:00 pm
- Kakadu Concert: Thursday 14 September 2023, 7:00 pm
The NSW Department of Education will present 4 concerts in the Centennial Hall of the Sydney Town Hall. School choirs made up of students from Years 3 and 4 that are capable of singing in 2 parts will form part of a combined choir of 450 voices for each concert.
Repertoire
The 2023 repertoire will be the same as the 2021 repertoire. It includes 11 songs carefully selected from a variety of genres such as folk and musical theatre, as well as traditional choral repertoire. The pieces have been arranged for unison and 2-part singing and include Australian compositions and arrangements. Signing choirs can access the resources for one piece that have been developed for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. Primary Proms 2023 repertoire
Rehearsals
Preliminary rehearsals at the Salvation Army Congress Hall – mandatory (metropolitan schools only)
- Brindabella rehearsal: Monday 21 August 2023, 9:30 am to 1:00 pm
- Coorong rehearsal: Tuesday 22 August 2023, 9:30 am to 1:00 pm
- Daintree rehearsal: Wednesday 23 August 2023, 9:30 am to 1:00 pm
- Kakadu rehearsal: Thursday 24 August 2023, 9:30 am to 1:00 pm
Cluster rehearsals – mandatory (non-metropolitan schools only)
- Non-metropolitan schools must host or attend a 4-hour cluster rehearsal with other nearby participating schools during Term 2 or 3 (if COVID-safe guidelines allow), as negotiated with Ian Jefferson.
How to apply
To apply please complete the Primary Proms 2023 online application form.
Please note the 2023 Primary Proms requires an audition video for your selection in the festival.
- A maximum of 30 students per school will be considered, although this number may be capped/reduced depending on how many schools apply.
- If you wish to nominate more than 30 students from your school, you will be able to indicate this on the application form.
2023 applications are now closed.
Cost
- Participation fee of $37.00 per student will be payable upon acceptance into the program.
- A rural and remote subsidy of 25% will be offered to all students attending from rural and remote schools as identified by the Department.
- In the event of a COVID-19 related withdrawal from the festival performance, schools will be refunded 50% of the participation fee paid.
Professional learning and resources
- It is mandatory that at least one teacher from each participating school attend the Primary Proms - teachers’ professional development workshop on Thursday 16 February 2023, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
- All teachers from all public schools – regardless of their involvement in the festival - are welcome to attend this workshop. Please register by Friday 2 February 2023 to receive your complimentary copy of the 2023 Primary Proms repertoire.
- A range of online repertoire resources will become available upon registration.
- Each participating student will receive a 2023 Primary Proms repertoire book.
- Extra copies of the repertoire book can be ordered for non-participating students/schools at $20 per book. Teacher copies are complimentary.
- Each participating student and teacher will receive a specially designed T-shirt to wear at the performance.
Instrumental and vocal items
In 2023 performance opportunities are available for outstanding instrumental and vocal items at the Festival of Instrumental Music, Arts Alive Choral Festival, Festival of Choral Music, Cantabile Music Festival and Primary Proms. These opportunities are open to all public school students and can include music ensembles of all sizes, large or small – including soloists and choirs. To find out more and to apply, visit the Instrumental and vocal items page. Applications to be considered for a performance at the Festival of Instrumental Music must be submitted by Monday 24 April 2023. Applications for a performance at all other festivals close on Friday 16 June 2023.
Enquiries
For further information concerning the 2022 Primary Proms please contact Ian Jefferson, Student Music Programs Officer (K-8) at The Arts Unit - email concerts.artsunit@det.nsw.edu.au
