The group of talented students, including Gabriela Corcoran, Natalie Philpott and Rudi Corcoran, together with teacher Ingrid Corcoran will leave Australia on July 30 to join a total of 2008 young people from Asia-Pacific, USA and China to form the Olympic Games Orchestra.

Gabriela and Rudi who both play alto sax will become part of the orchestra while Natalie will perform with the USA section of the orchestra’s Colour Guard.

The three students are part of the NSW Millenium Marching Band, an initiative of the NSW Department of Education that gives rural high school students the opportunity to attend elite training in Sydney once a month. The trio attended a five day workshop during the school holidays at Cumberland High School to prepare for the Olympic event.

Funding this fabulous event has been a gold medal effort in itself. Ingrid Corcoran said that it was necessary to raise over $5500 for each person attending.

“We sold lots of chocolates and raffle tickets,” she said. “There has been tremendous community support from our sponsors over the last few months.” As well as family contributions, donations have been received from Boorowa Council, Bendigo Bank, Boorowa P&C Association, Rotary, and many others. Music teacher at Boorowa Central School, Laurelle Nosworthy organised a music night that raised funds to help the group.

One highlight of the group’s tour will be a special performance in Tiananmen Square, site of the 1989 student riots and massacre. They will also perform for the entire competitor contingent and may even have the opportunity to participate in the opening ceremony.

Gabriela Corcoran is looking forward to her first overseas trip. “It’s so exciting to be a part of. I can’t wait to see Tiananmen Square and the Great Wall of China.”

The pressure is on Natalie Philpott who is due to sit her Year 12 trials. “They have arranged for me to sit my trials this week, so I won’t miss them,” she said. “It will be really good to spend two weeks overseas in Year 12.”

Rudi, who is in Year 11, says that music will always be part of his life. “I am looking forward to playing in Tiananmen Square and all around Beijing.”

The group will also get to see some Olympic events and have some time off for sightseeing during their trip.