Bursts of Courage at the Beat
Young artists from across the Central Desert perform at the 13th Alice Springs Beat this month.
By Betty Sweetlove
A highlight of the NT musical calendar each year is the Beat Festival, produced by NT Music School (NTMS) and the Beat Foundation. A performance showcase for young musicians, the Beat has long been a platform for emerging Territory talent. Running in Darwin since 1979, the Alice Beat is now an equally unmissable event for young Centralian artists.
“Alice Beat is a fantastic opportunity for students from different schools, areas and backgrounds to come together to work together, perform together and share their experiences,” says Department of Education spokesperson, Glenyss Rae.
“It is truly an empowering and enlightening experience for them all.”
This one-night only event is bound to leave audiences in awe of the region’s young creatives. Themed ‘Courage’, this year’s program features local ensembles String Theory, Con Moto junior concert band and Singchronicity choir, as well as several rising stars in the NT music scene.
“The fabulous and now internationally acclaimed Mulga Bore Hard Rock Band are returning to perform a brand new song, plus Battle of the Band finalists T.R.A.K.K.Z from Yirara College, and People's Choice winners, The Jumiz, from Centralian Senior College,” says Rae of this year’s lineup.
Also taking to the stage are 150 courageous young singers from 12 different schools. Students are performing from Bradshaw Primary, Centralian Middle School, Gillen Primary, Larapinta Primary, Ross Park Primary, plus remote schools Tennant Creek Primary, Ti Tree School, Neutral Junction, Papunya, Haasts Bluff, Mulga Bore, and Yulara. Rae says there’s a real buzz.
“My favourite part is the pure excitement and joy of the mass choir as they gather backstage ready to perform. 150 kids, all bursting with excitement – it's an invigorating experience, and sometimes quite noisy!”
A huge organisational feat by NTMS, this epic annual event celebrates students’ love of music and features original songwriting by a chosen student.
“This year, the featured student composition is by our very own Tumi Radebe who will sing the solo. ‘Keep on Going’ is an inspiring self-affirmation which Tumi wrote during hard times, and it is definitely a favourite with the students,” says Rae.
Don’t miss out on seeing the next generation of NT musicians sharing their skills with courage on the main stage.
“The opportunity to perform on a big, beautiful stage at the Araluen Arts Centre is something the students never forget, and can be a great incentive for students to continue down the performing arts path.”
The 2023 Beat Festival - Courage
WHEN THU 2 NOV | 7-8.30PM
AT ARALUEN ARTS CENTRE
COST $14 | $12 MEMB/CONC $10 CHILD
INFO araluenartscentre.nt.gov.au
Photos: Nico Liengme
