Opening of new centre music to their ears

• New $9million music centre opened at Churchlands Senior High School
• Facilities to be used by some of State's most talented music students

Some of Western Australia's most gifted music students can now play and perform in a world-class facility with the opening tonight of Churchlands Senior High School's music centre.

Education Minister Peter Collier said the State Government's $9million funding of the upgrade to Churchlands Senior High School's music centre ensured the State's most exceptional music students had access to facilities to match their talents.

"In terms of acoustics, the heart of the centre, the Churchlands Concert Hall, is considered to be without equal in WA and our music students will benefit enormously from this outstanding facility," Mr Collier said.

"These new facilities will inspire new students, raise the school's profile and attract young and gifted musicians.  These facilities will also inspire high-quality teachers and guest artists and are tangible evidence that the serious pursuit of music is valued in WA and supported by the Liberal-National Government.

"Tonight's opening of this magnificent facility is particularly poignant given Churchlands Senior High is celebrating its 50th anniversary as a school and its 40th anniversary as a Gifted and Talented Music School.

"I'm extremely pleased to have the opportunity to open these fantastic facilities and hear the students performing to coincide with this special celebration."

The venue will support the musical talents of almost 300 Gifted and Talented music students by 2015.

The new music centre includes a stage and auditorium; four practice studios; teaching and choral studio; audio visual control box; foyer and gallery with kitchen; instrument stores; and an administration and staff block.

Extensive refurbishment of existing music facilities was also part of the works.

The Minister said Churchlands Senior High School had a proven track record of graduating exceptional musicians.

"Principal Clarinet of the West Australian Symphony Orchestra Allan Meyer; principal Timpanist of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Chris Turpin; and principal artist of the
WA Opera Elisa Wilson are just a few of the school's music alumni," he said.

"Investing in the music facilities at Churchlands Senior High School is an investment in WA musical talent and the future of our music industry."

     Fact File

• TAG Architects and EMCO building were responsible for the project
• Auditorium will house an audience of more than 500
• School to open the facility for community use
• School raised $250,000 for full-sized Fazioli grand piano - one of only three such in WA
• Churchlands SHS is also celebrating its 50th anniversary

Minister's office - 6552 6300