Thirty children from Wilcannia Central School have written and recorded ‘Barkindji Song’, in the local language as part of our CYI visiting music program.
Local Elder Murray Butcher had been taught Barkindji by his grandmother. In recent years he has continued his grandmother Elsie’s work to bring the language back into the community.
“Some kids speak the language, but by recording the song it’s helping to put the language out there again,” said CYI Tutor Michael Hanlon.
It was one of two songs the children wrote over four days when CYI visited last August, the other being ‘By The Bridge’, sung in English. When CYI returned in May, they recorded both tracks in a mini studio set up in the school’s science lab over three days. ‘By The Bridge’ is receiving local radio airplay.
“They are great songs and there are some really strong singers and musos among them,” said Michael. “It’s a fantastic community and they should be very proud of these kids.”
Mission Australia’s CYI program has visited Wilcannia twice in the past year and will return in August for another music session. So far the program has been successful in boosting attendance at the school.
Based in Sydney, CYI develops young people’s creativity through visual arts and music through two core programs - CYI's two core programs are Sounds of the Street (SOTS) and Artworks!
CYI also aims to enhance self-expression, esteem and communication skills and provide positive learning experiences for young people.
Download and listen to ‘By The Bridge’ and ‘Barkindji Song’ by clicking the links below:
‘Barkindji Song’
www.missionpromotion.com/audio/wilcannia-kids-barkindji.mp3
‘By The Bridge’
hwww.missionpromotion.com/audio/wilcannia-kids-by-the-bridge.mp3
Further reading:
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