From Monday 25 August the Song Company embarked on a two week tour of far-western NSW for Musica Viva in Schools. In this time they traveled 3500 kilometers and performed 20 shows to more than 2000 primary school children in some of our states most isolated districts. Clive Birch kept this diary.
The Song Company Musica Viva In Schools Tour of the Far West of NSW – A Diary by Clive Birch.
(I make no apologies for poor English. This is merely a list of unedited thoughts.)
Monday 25th August 2008
Left the house at 9.30 with the usual ‘have I packed everything?’ Picked Anna up at North Sydney Station at 9.45 and then to Richard’s house to park the car and transfer to the hire car. Then to Ruth’s house to pick up Hana who had flown up from Melbourne the previous night. Horrible smell in the car. Wondered whether to change it but smell went after a while. Suspect oil in the exhaust burning off – the car had only done 12 kilometre’s. Then on to Blackheath for early lunch at the Wattle Cafe. Next stop Coonabarabran! Lovely drive via Mudgee, Dunedoo and Mendooran. Beautiful part of the world through the great divide and the wine-growing region of Mudgee which nestles in the beautiful valley of the Cudgegong river.
Arrived in Coonie as it’s known to the locals. This is the town which is the jumping off point for the Warrumbungles National Park, famed for it’s strange and wonderful rock formations. It is also locked in my memory as the place we were heading for when we crashed the car on a dirt road having done only the first schools concert of the week. I still have the scars to prove it! But that’s another story.
Tuesday 26th August 2008
Up at 7 the next morning to do our first concert in Barradine 40 kilometre’s distant. Faced with an eager crowd of K – 6 kids and a smattering of jaded 7 and 8′s who sat at the back defying us to entertain them. As this is a Central School the local students stay on until Year 8 before moving to a more distant high school.
After the beautiful Warrumbungles the country becomes the flat expanses of the Pilliga. It has it’s own wealth of beauty with it’s scrub vegetation and broad horizons. Richard was kept occupied pointing out the incredibly rich bird life along the way.
And so to our second school of the day at Coonamble where we were greeted with great enthusiasm. The audience was somewhat enlarged by the contingent from Carinda consisting of about 12 yellow clad children who sang with great gusto. They told me they were looking forward to Dr. Doom, one of our most popular songs. We had a great time with them and then treated to a well-earned sandwich in the staff room. Then off to Walgett and the Coolabah Motel. We followed a very large road train the whole way. I wasn’t game to overtake as the back end was swaying about somewhat and the road, although straight, was very narrow. Walgett is a small town surrounded by massive properties growing cotton and wheat. The waters of the Namoi and Barwon rivers flow through this region and these rivers in turn flow into the Darling and thence to the Murray. I was told that the irrigation and enormous dams created by these properties are partly responsible for the crisis in the Murray -Darling. I don’t think it’s generally known that huge amounts of water, several times the amount in Sydney Harbour have been siphoned off these rivers to provide irrigation for the cotton – one of the most water-intensive crops grown on the driest continent on Earth! Much of the land has been bought out by American and South African interests.
I wonder what the school will produce tomorrow?
Wednesday 27th August 2008
The weather has been very warm and this morning is no exception. Up at 7 to breakfast and warm up the voice – always a difficult thing for me to do. I’ve never been very good at singing at 9 0′clock in the morning. So it’s always a bit of a trial doing schools tours. Only one school today – St. Joseph’s in Walgett. What a lovely school and great kids. We arrived at the school only to find all the kids leaving through the school gates. We were informed that the concert was to take place in the sporting club which was just as well because the school yard was full of jack hammers! Did a really good show in the very place we’d had dinner the night before with the kids sitting on the dance floor. The show had also been attended by the kids from the distance learning unit who were in town that day for their fortnightly face to face and we were invited to have a look at the unit in the local primary school round the corner. I’d actually done a concert over the air for the School of the Air at their other facility in Bourke some years ago so it was very interesting to see how the technology had changed. Of course everything is now done over the internet. One of the kids had broken his arm and was unable to attend that day so we sang Dr. Doom for him over the air. With the aid of a video cam he was able to see us as well although we couldn’t see him. But he loved the song and asked us several questions. Kathie Johnson, the head of the unit then invited us for a cup of tea and a biscuit before we set off for Bourke.
We stopped in Brewarrina to look at the 40,000 year old fish traps on the Barwon River. This was apparently a meeting place for various tribes in the area and the traps were built by the Aboriginal groups in a rare show of inter-tribal co-operation. Walls of rocks had been built to channel the fish into ponds in the river. When the ponds were full of fish the escape route was closed off with more rocks and the fish could then be speared at leisure. Quite ingenious.
Towards Bourke, the small trees and bushes became more sparse and the horizons became more and more remote.
I was in a certain amount of trepidation about Bourke. The last time I was there was about 15 years ago and it was practically a no-go zone. All the shops were boarded up and the place was like a ghost town. So I was pleasantly surprised when we were greeted with pleasant streets with well-kept gardens. We were even more surprised by the Bourke Riverside Motel which was a whole block of 19th Century shops and pub converted into the most beautiful motel I have ever experienced. The whole compound was surrounded by manicured lawns
and lovely rose gardens and flower beds and the rooms were furnished with antiques. It was like an oasis in the desert. It also had access to the river so before dinner went for a walk along the river bank. Richard was once again in his element with the bird life. Noisy red-tailed black cockatoos roosted in the trees, while flocks of corellas squawked their way down the course of the river. Dinner was at the Port O’Bourke Hotel across the road where we ate barbecued fish and ribs with some very fine gratin potatoes and vegetables and salads. Delicious!
Thursday 28th August 2008
Our first school was the Pera Bore Christian School which we discovered was a 20 kilometre trip out of town. The only address we had was the Wanaaring Road and when the road stretched out before us in a straight line with no apparent civilisation in sight we began to worry (at least I did). I even tried to phone the school to ask how far it was but the lady on the other end couldn’t hear me because the line kept breaking up. I needn’t have worried as the school was only a few minutes further on.
Pera Bore was a Christian Community but it had moved out 3 years before because of the drought leaving only the tiny school. The kids were lovely and received us with great enthusiasm.
Thence to Bourke Public School and then an hour’s drive north to Enngonia, a tiny dot on the road to Cunnamulla. We were 1100 kilometres from Sydney and only 30 kilometres from the Queensland border. The school consisted of 13 children, 12 of whom were waiting for us when we arrived. 11 boys and one tiny girl. I think this was our smallest audience in all my time with the Song Company except for the memorable concert in Denmark when we sang to an audience of 0. But that’s another story.
We then had a drive of 300 kilometres’ to Nyngan for our bed for the night. The road from Enngonia to Nyngan is dead straight for the entire journey. We always try not to drive at dusk in the country for fear of kangaroos, however this time we had no choice and so around 5 o’clock my eyes were peeled. They say the first is always the worst and when I saw it out of the corner of my eye I was ready for it. It hopped right in front of the car and I must have missed it by about 3 inches. It was quite an adrenaline rush and I slowed down considerably after that. We arrived in Nyngan at about 6 o’clock just in time for our evening meal at the RSL.
Friday 29th August 2008
The next day was St. Joseph’s Primary School and Nyngan Public School both of which had done a considerable amount of work on our programme and were a delight to sing for. Then an hour’s drive to Warren to sing at Warren Central School – another delight. It was with great relief that we finally arrived at our motel knowing that we didn’t have to drive anywhere until Sunday. So out for a good long walk along the Macquarie River to the weir and then out for our first Chinese meal of the trip at the Golf Club. A strange unknown smell greeted us at the door but the meal was delicious.
Saturday 30th August 2008
Saturday morning was to be spent with a local choir and a choir from Dubbo to whom we were to give a workshop. No rest for the wicked! Richard did most of the presentation and was marvellous at giving the choirs encouragement and direction and all had a wonderful time. It was supposed to run from 10 to 12 but such was everyone’s enthusiasm that we didn’t get away until after 2. Of course the local ladies had prepared some wonderful soups and cakes and naturally endless cups of tea for everyone. What a great time we had! I was completely exhausted that afternoon and while the others went bird watching, I stayed in and read the paper and wrote a few notes for this diary which is becoming quite a work. That evening, rather than another Chinese meal we went to the local pub which managed to rustle up a meal for us. That night the rain set in. I don’t think we have ever been out in the country when it hasn’t rained. Perhaps the government could see it’s way to paying us a rain fee.
Sunday 31st August 2008
Unfortunately the rain had stopped by the time I woke up and it was now time to drive west again – 210 kilometre’s to Cobar. Cobar is very much a mining town as is made obvious by the slag heap that greets you on arrival. This slag heap and an enormous hole in the ground is all that’s left of the copper and gold mine that was opened in 1871 and once employed 2000 men until the end of the First World War when the demand for copper slumped. Three mines now employ a great number of the locals but they are all out of town.
Richard, Hana and Anna had picked up the makings of a picnic lunch for us and we arrived in Cobar in time to drive to the picnic area by the reservoir just outside town. No sooner had we left the motel when the heavens opened. Fortunately there was a covered area with table and we were able to keep dry sooner dining on roast chicken, ham and salad. What a feast. Then off for a walk around the reservoir which turned into rather a trial because the rain had turned the ground to sticky red mud and then we had to detour across the flooded golf course because a ford was too deep to cross. I use the term ‘golf course’ loosely as it was almost all red dirt with a few patches of grass. The greens around each hole were not well named. Back to the motel for a cup of tea and a lie down. It’s such a relief not to have to sing today.
Monday 1st September 2008
It’s the first day of spring and true to it’s name the storms of the previous day had vanished and the sky was once again blue and the air crisp and fresh as we arrive at St. John’s Primary School for the first concert. The pre-visit sheet assured us that the kids were well primed and our appearance was eagerly awaited. The headmaster greeted us at the door – always a good sign – and sure enough the children were a delight and responded warmly. After a cup of tea and a biscuit in the staff room it was back in the car for the 100 kilometre drive to Hermidale – yet another dot on the map. About half-way there the petrol warning beeper beeped and Richard and I sat there guiltily and somewhat trepidatiously because neither of us had remembered to check the petrol situation before leaving Cobar.
We managed to limp into Hermidale hoping against hope that it was big enough to have a petrol pump. With relief we discovered there was! I’d noticed on the pre-visit sheet that Girilambone School was also attending. Remembering that the last time we did this part of the world we visited their school and also remembering with some relish that we had arrived on their barbeque day, we were very pleasantly surprised that it was Hermidale’s International Day and to celebrate, everyone was dressed in either Mexican or Chinese attire and that Mexican and Chinese food had been prepared for all in celebration of that event. We were cordially invited to partake after the concert. About 30 gorgeous children made up our audience and once again they responded brilliantly. Only two concerts today so we were able to take our time over lunch which of course was delicious. Then back in the car, remembering to refuel first, and the drive to Narromine and our accommodation for the night at the Stockman Motel. As lunch had been very substantial, for dinner we just made do with the remains of the previous day’s picnic in Anna’s room. Tomorrow we have 3 schools and a drive of over 400 kilometre’s. Better get an early night. It’s going to be a long day!
Tuesday 2nd September 2008
Up with the lark, or should I say the butcher birds, at 7 to get the voice into shape. I’m always aware of the people next door when on tour because we singers really need to warm up and the place can sound like a mad-house when several singers are all warming up at the same time. So a lot of internal humming until I hear movement from next door. Of course going for a walk and having a good shout can also work just as well although it does tend to upset dogs and other sensitive animals in the neighbourhood.
Today we have 3 schools at Trangie, scene of a recent SC triumph, Tottenham and Tullamore. All the T’s. And 3 more good schools. Now for the 3 hour drive to Hillston in the Lachlan Valley, encountering our first dirt road which turns out to be a very good one. I always find that turning onto a dirt road gives a completely different perspective on the countryside. For one thing you have to travel a lot slower and so the scenery tends not to flash past quite as much. Also you get to see the farmland proper and it’s good to see lovely pasture and animals grazing. We encounter another dirt road between Lake Cargelligo and Hillston but it’s dark by this time and so a little less scenic. We have to travel back on this road tomorrow as our second school is Lake Cargelligo. We arrive in Hillston at about 7.10 absolutely exhausted. For the first time on a tour we only have two drivers. Anna doesn’t drive and Hana is too young to drive a hire car which makes it a bit tough for Richard and me. After the second Chinese meal of the tour I’m asleep before my head hits the pillow. We had received a fax from Musica Viva to inform us that our 2nd school on Thursday is a perfume-free zone and would we mind not using after-shave or deodorant! That’s a first.
Wednesday 3rd September 2008
The first concert wasn’t until 11.00 so plenty of time for a small sleep-in and a bit of a walk. Richard managed to find a reasonable coffee at the bakery and then to the Community Hall which, after searching the whole town, turned out to be right opposite the motel. This was an all-purpose basketball court/theatre type of building with a huge acoustic, and Bambi Cunningham, our contact teacher was there to welcome us with tea , coffee and ‘luscious lemon cake’ for morning tea. Very nice. The concert was attended by the Catholic School and the Central School and was our largest audience so far of about 200 children. During question time I was asked to explain and demonstrate falsetto – another first. Fortunately I was warmed up enough 
and gave them a yodelling demonstration as well. After tea and ‘luscious lemon cake’ it was back in the car and off back to Lake Cargelligo. Anna had prepared some sandwiches with leftovers which was all we had time for as the concert was at 2. Another well-prepared and excited bunch of kids and another large audience of 190. Then back in the car for the drive to West Wyalong and our 9th motel room! Arrived at about 4.30 and time to relax. Whew. It was a nice change not driving into the setting sun. This also means we must be on our way home. Only 4 concerts to go.
Thursday 4th September 2008
There was a fine restaurant at the motel so decided not to go in search of food and eat in situ. 3 of us had a very good steak and mushroom pie followed by apple pie whilst Hana decided on the fisherman’s basket and sticky date pudding – all washed down with a good shiraz cabernet. Went to bed stuffed!
This morning is an hour’s drive to Ungarie – a lovely little school in the middle of nowhere. Then to Condobolin – the perfume free area. The kids were a very quiet but thoughtful bunch and participated with gusto. Then another hour’s drive to Bedgerebong – another dot on the map. Here we were joined by schools from Bogan Gate and Burcher. The school is in a lovely setting among the trees and all the kids were great and sang their little hearts out.
Then another hour’s drive to Parkes for the night. Only one school first thing in the morning and then home!
The area we’ve travelled through today has all been lovely agricultural land. The recent rain has obviously proved a boon to the farmers; the crops look well and startlingly green. However I’m sure that there still hasn’t been enough rain to satisfy them. Coming from farming stock myself I know that farmers are hardly ever satisfied but I am profoundly aware of the drought situation out west and that a couple of inches of rain every now and again is nowhere near enough after the lack of it during the last few years. It will only take another couple of months of dry weather to reduce all this greenery to a dustbowl again.
Friday 5th September 2008
This morning we have to backtrack somewhat to the village of Trundle, about 40 kilometre’s north-west of Parkes. The concert was to take place in the community hall at 9.30 so we expected to be on the road by 11. It was a great final concert and after a cup of tea and a biscuit we got on the road for home. It had just started raining and it rained the whole way back to Sydney. We made Bathurst by 2 and stopped for lunch at the Royal Hotel. Back on the road by 3 and all went well until we got to the end of the M4 when the traffic slowed right down to practically a standstill. Crawled along Parramatta Road and then made the mistake of turning off to the city link road where the traffic still crawled. Accident near Lilyfield. Such is life. Got to Richard’s at about 7.15 and finally got home at about 8.
I now have three days off before getting to grips with the next subscription concert (Singing in Tongues) which opens on Saturday.
It’s been a great tour with no falling out or illness. We have covered 3500 kilometres, performed 20 concerts to 2000 children. I think we can feel quite satisfied.
Clive Birch.
