Anzac Centenary: Pupils tune up for special performance

RESIDENTS of a Brisbane retirement village will receive a special Anzac concert from children wearing replica Light Horse slouch hats.

Robertson State School students will perform at a special Anzac Day concert at Brooklands Retirement Village during the lead-up to Anzac Day. Music captains Ethan Morrison and Grace Farmer are looking forward to it. Picture: Peter Cronin

YOUNG warblers are set to serenade the residents of Brookland Village as part of the Robertson retirement village’s Anzac commemorations.

Music captains Ethan Morrison and Grace Farmer will be two of about 120 students from Robertson State School’s senior cantabile choir who will perform four songs for the residents on April 21.

Music teacher and choir conductor Josephine Vanderbyl said the concert would take place during the village’s free Anzac 100 Years of Service Exhibit, on between April 21-24.

To commemorate 100 years since the Anzac landing at Gallipoli, and recognise the sacrifices of those men and women who have served out country since WWI, Quest Community Newspapers will publish one story each day online in the lead-up to Anzac Day.

“One thing that the school advocates is community relationships and this concert is important because it adds to that spirit,” Ms Vanderbyl said.

“It’s not the first time as they perform for the Brookland residents every Christmas, but this is a first for Anzac Day. They aren’t nervous. They love going places and performing. They’re ready to go.”

Ms Vanderbyl said parents of choir members would be making 120 replica Light Horse slouch hats for the appearance.

“There will also be a 96-year-old veteran coming and the students will ask him questions from their perspective,” she said.

“They’re all very aware of the 100 years commemoration (of the landing at Anzac Cove).”

A Brookland Village spokeswoman said the village would also host a special Anzac Day commemorative service from 6.30am on April 25, followed by a sausage sizzle breakfast in support of Legacy Australia.

THIS story is part of Quest Community Newspapers’ 100 Years, 100 Days, 100 Stories project, which will profile Queensland WWI heroes and families as the nation builds up to the centenary of the Allied landing on Gallipoli on April 25, 1915.

If you have the details and war record of a family member who served during WWI, let us know on our Facebook page or email [e-mail]

Originally published as Anzac Centenary: Pupils tune up for special performance