The spirit of Clare State School has been immortalised in song and video thanks to Golden Guitar-winning Australian country musician Josh Arnold.
‘Let the Cane Fires Burn’ is a collaboration between Mr Arnold and students, staff, and P&C from the school, debuting at the Fancy Dress Ball at the start of the month.
The school received a grant from the Pacific Blue Haughton Sustainable Communities Fund, enlisting the services of Mr Arnold who has focussed his country music career on working with regional communities.
“One of the benefits of being a small school was that everyone was involved,” Clare State School Principal Troy Patti said.
“We’ve got 17 students and they all got to have their turn at helping write the lyrics.”
The aim of the song and music video is to share what it means to come from Clare, with iconic symbols including cane fires, fertiliser bag rides, the Burdekin River, and the shops of the small town included in the video.
Mr Patti contacted local businesses, families, and farm owners before filming commenced.
“I didn’t have to ask twice; everyone was eager to help out,” he said.
“The kids were very proud, especially the ones who’s farms we visited, and I think the families were very proud too.”
Not only was the video a valuable cultural experience for the community, but the work of the students counted towards their music grade.
“In the music curriculum, it looks at the way you compose lyrics, your performance, being able to tell a story through song and the way you perform and collaborate with others,” Mr Patti said.
“It’s all about providing different opportunities.
“I think this is something students will remember for a very long time, something that we’re all exceptionally proud of.
“This could go with them for the rest of their lives.”
‘Let the Cane Fires Burn’ by Josh Arnold and the Clare State School is available to stream on music streaming platforms and the music video can be viewed on Facebook and YouTube.
Clare State High School students, staff and members of the community starred in the music video ‘Let the Cane Fires Burn’. Photo supplied
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