Renmark High’s talented saxophonist Jorja K performed as part of the Riverland Festival Band for the Festival of Music at Renmark’s Chaffey Theatre. The festival consisted of three days, where Jorja performed as an ensemble in front of excited guests, wanting to hear the best music the Riverland had to offer.

To get to participate in the festival, Jorja auditioned and was successful in securing her spot in the band, playing three short pieces of given music, plus an original choice, as part of her audition. Jorja said about the audition: “(it) went well and was quite easy as I practised a lot”.

Rehearsals for the Festival of Music began in term 2, with Jorja committing to rehearsals every Thursday and Sunday over the next term and a half. She was lucky enough to play with five other students from Riverland high schools, plus other Riverland musicians.

“We played five songs, plus two songs chosen by the band conductor. The thing I loved about this experience was I learnt how to play well as an ensemble and thought participating in the band would be a good learning opportunity…I really enjoyed it.” Jorja also mentioned how she enjoyed “meeting and playing with people who had the same interests in music, plus performing in front of a crowd.”

“Performing on the first night was pretty scary” said Jorja, “but doing it once made the other two performances easier.” When I asked if Jorja would want to participate again in 2023, she said a wholehearted “yes!”

Renmark High School is proud of the amazing work and talent Jorja has shown in this achievement and cannot wait to see (and hear) what Jorja does next.

Alistair Ward
Music Teacher