Big Sing McLaren Vale is proud to be working jointly with the musical and education sectors to provide support for music education, to help build children’s participation in singing in the southern region. We are currently supporting two programs thanks to the generosity of Big Sing Donors and our annual fundraising dinner in partnership with our generous patron, Andy Clappis and his restaurant Our Place@Willunga.
We acknowledge in particular the generous support of Don and Veronica Aldridge and the Willunga Farmers Market Choir.
If you would like to donate to this program, go to our Donors Page.
Firstly, in 2025 we are supporting choirs from southern metropolitan primary schools to participate in the annual Adelaide Primary Schools Festival of Music.
With its genesis in 1891 as the Thousand Voice Choir, the Festival of Music engages students in artistic excellence, cultural diversity and social inclusion through performance in Music and the Arts.
There are Festival Choirs in over 300 schools across South Australia. It is an integral part of South Australian life and the Festival stands as an official State Icon.
In 2025 we have supported Willunga, Reynella South, Aldinga Beach, McLaren Vale Primary Schools, and Mt Compass Area School.
“Wow! What a lovely surprise! It is a really thoughtful gesture and will certainly help ease the financial pressure that our families feel in supporting their children to engage in extra curricular activities. On behalf of those families and Reynella South Primary, I would like to express my sincere thanks for your generosity and support of our young people, particularly in the area of the Performing Arts.” Cheryl Clark, Music Specialist and Performing Arts Teacher
“thanks to your support we are able to reduce the financial pressure on families and ensure that every student who has worked hard to be part of this event can participate…its a highlight of the school year for many or our students…it not only enhances their musical education, but provides a wonderful opportunity for them to connect with others from across the state and to be part of something truly special.” Melanie Jones, Principal, Willunga Primary School
Big Sing McLaren Vale also supports MUSIC IN ME mentorships for teachers in the City of Onkaparinga region to build children’s participation in singing.
Thanks to Big Sing donor funds (including our annual fundraising dinner) we are currently supporting Reynella East College and Yankalilla Area School to participate in Music In Me in partnership with the Day Family Foundation.
Music in Me offers early years teachers personal, one on one, professional learning, in their own classrooms, from a highly experienced music educator over 12 sessions over two terms.
Since 2015 more than 440 schools nationwide have participated. Read more about the impact on teachers’ confidence to teach music here
How much does it cost?
The program is FREE with Big Sing McLaren Vale’s sponsorship. There may be 2-3 days of internal release needed for the planning and evaluation sessions which can usually be managed within the school.
Who is it for?
Preschool and R-Yr 2 classroom teachers or music specialist teachers wanting to develop their skills. The program is designed for two teachers from the same school although there may be flexibility around this.
How does it work and how long does it take?
The program works on a simple formula of pairing experienced music mentors with generalist teachers—first demonstrating, then gradually handing over the reins as the teacher becomes more confident over 12 sessions in the classroom, with 4 other sessions for planning and evaluation.
There are options to continue the program over several years and Big Sing would cover the costs for as long as you wish to participate. What separates this program from a lot of other professional learning is that the mentor works with you in your own classes over a long period of time with a program planned to suit to your specific goals and needs.
Music outcomes are aligned with, and complement, those in the Australian Curriculum F-10: The Arts Music and the Early Years Learning Framework.
Eligibility
Our intention is to build a body of children’s choirs with the capacity to join Big Sing McLaren Vale events in the future and to encourage a life-long love of choral singing to ensure Big Sing’s sustainability. Therefore this subsidy is available to schools within the City of Onkaparinga, although consideration will be given to others nearby.
Contact
Contact us at hello@bigsing.org.au in the first instance and we will liaise with the program managers.
More Info
