Healing Through a Local Community Music Program

The After Disaster Project is the inspiring creation of local musician and teacher Janet Swain of Song Dynasty Music. Working with kids from both the Pocket Primary and Upper Main Arm Primary schools in the aftermath of the 2022 floods, Janet saw an urgent need to support these young students. Many of these children had experienced the full force of the devastating floods not once, but twice. Some families lost homes and property, while others faced long-term displacement from their schools. Because she has many years of experience with the healing nature of sound, Janet set about to create a dedicated community music program. This initiative explores and expresses some of the traumatic impacts left on our young people. Thanks to funding through the NSW Government’s Reconnecting Regional NSW Grants program, this vision became a reality.

Creative Collaboration with Acclaimed Australian Artists The unique community music program brought together four incredible local songwriters. Harry James Angus, Emily Lubitz, Ash Grunwald, and Janet Swain worked directly with the kids to create a moving song cycle. Their lyrics focus on the floods, climate change, and future action. Furthermore, acclaimed composer and percussionists Michael and Samaya Askill mentored the Main Arm Years 5/6 percussion ensemble. Together, they created a powerful sonic reflection of the flood event. Consequently, this collaborative approach allowed the children to process their experiences safely through creative expression.

The Launch of a Much-Awaited Documentary

This project originally culminated in one massive free concert for our neighborhood. The event featured 200 children performing alongside these fabulous musicians. Because the outcomes far exceeded expectations, the songs were deeply moving, uplifting, and filled with hope. They successfully highlighted the incredible resilience and creativity of our wonderful community. Indeed, there was not a dry eye in the venue. These are the authentic stories of our kids, and these songs are their songs.

Award-winning filmmaker Sharon Shostak documented this entire journey, resulting in the much-awaited After Disaster Documentary. We recommend checking our official event calendar for upcoming screening times and venue details. By attending, you support local arts and disaster recovery visibility. Ultimately, this community music program serves as a beautiful testament to what a society can achieve when it unites to protect and uplift its youth. We look forward to sharing this unforgettable cinematic experience with you!