Terra Australis
Grade 3 - 8 minutes
I - Finding Place (2’)
II - Eyes in the Sky (3’)
III - Bush Dance (3’)
Go to pages 10-11 to see music score - audio will begin automatically
PROGRAM NOTES
During times when it was believed the Earth was flat, some imagined the ‘antipodes’ to be a place where trees grew downwards and water fell up instead of down. The potential for a ‘new world’ brought great hopes to the ancient world, eventually leading cartographers to name the southern continent Terra Australis, or “South Land”.
In reflecting on these historical imaginings, I am drawn to my own observations of 21st-century students. Having taught music to teenagers across Australian schools—from the inner city to remote regional areas—I have encountered a special vibrance and a joyful, "can-do" approach to learning. These teenagers possess a remarkable grit and are capable of deep, meaningful reflection.
While these qualities are vividly expressed in the youth of Australia, they offer a radiant glow of hope that is innate in all students. This abundance of enthusiastic, creative energy is the universal spark for this work. It is divided into three episodes that reflect these unique, hope-inspired qualities:
Finding place (grit)
Eyes in the Sky (meaningful reflection)
Bush Dance (joyful, positive attitude)
This work celebrates the vitality of our youth, honoring the idea that the thoughts of young people are innately wise and possess a power that brightens even the darkest corner.
BUY in AUSTRALIA
Proudly distributed throughout Australia/NZ by Brolga Music.
NOW in EUROPE
Proudly distributed throughout Europe by Stretta Music
Commissioned by Sydney Church of England Girls Grammar School, Sydney, Australia
