Eight Wagga High School students will be joining the West of the Divide band tour, getting the opportunity to perform in Italy and Croatia and experience workshops with international maestros. 

Wagga High’s performing arts head teacher Cheryl Walker said talented students were chosen at music camp where about 70 students from the region attended. 

“From the camp musical students were invited to perform at further opportunities, like at the Opera House and then in the West of the Divide band tour,” Ms Walker said. 

“The students are getting a chance to work with some famous composers, conductors and play at some really well-known venues. 

“Italy has got a really rich history with music as well so it’ll be a really great opportunity for them to experience that culture.” 

Year 12 student Georgia Bruce-Goodlet, 18, has just graduated from Wagga High and said she is looking forward to her first trip overseas. 

“It’s going to be exciting and I’ve never been overseas before or even a plane so it’ll be an interesting experience but a lot of fun,” she said. 

“I started playing the saxophone when I was 10-years-old and I love playing in bigger bands surrounded by the music and other saxophone players, because they’re the best instruments. 

“My favourite piece we perform is Arabesque, because it’s really fun, fast and tricky to play but has a really cool percussion line.” 

Year 12 student Matthew Wicks, 17, is looking forward to his second West of the Divide band tour. 

“Two years ago I was apart of the tour that went to Austria and it was a great experience,” Matthew said. 

“I haven’t been to Italy before but I’m really looking forward to it as my family is from Italy.” 

The musicians will be performing in Rome, Florence, Venice, Bled and Zagreb over two weeks in January.

A huge range of compositions will be performed, including classical, jazz, pop and rock, allowing the students to show off a wide variety of skills. 

Students from Kooringal High and South Wagga Public School are also heading overseas among 37 other schools in the region. 

Leader of the West of the Divide Tour and Waggas’s arts coordination officer Di Alexander, said this is a “pathways of excellence” program for regional public school students. 

“This is a concept for country kids who are selected to be the best musicians in the state and where they can represent their country,” Ms Alexander said. 

“The students perform quite a wide repertoire, more classically oriented which is the music the European audience seem to relish.

“We must congratulate all music teachers, schools, the local Conservatorium and Riverina ensembles for giving these students the groundwork and opportunity to perform.”