CHRISTIAN ROCK EISTEDDFOD WITH CHRISTINE LEAVES
After the highly successful launch of the 1998 Christian Rock Eisteddfod in Castle Hill NSW Australia, word spread and the Project grew.
Image: Orange Christian School
AND THE CHRISTIAN ROCK EISTEDDFOD GREW
It was a religious project that worked in the high schools and it showed that young people actually wanted to read the Bible and create their own dramatic and musical interpretation from the nominated Bible Story to be created on Stage each year. Christian & non Christian high schools wanted to participate, (even Muslim young people).
Students were also trained in pre-production to gain knowledge about the amount of work that goes into ‘producing’, re: schedules, timelines, promoting, publicity, lighting & sound, writing narration/press releases, stage assistance, front of house, choreography and the Christian styles of dance but most importantly they were introduced and learnt to listen to the lyrics of the music that interpreted their Christian drama presentation
Funds raised were delivered to nominated benefactors after each production, (High schoolers chose the benefactor each year). Eg: students chose to raise funds for the Defence Force Recruiting Academies so that young service people would have Scripture resources to carry with them.
Sir Cliff Richard provided his photo and endorsement in 1999 & 2000 when the young people chose to raise funds for those youth in detention centres. Eg: students visited Minda Detention Centre and Frank Baxter Juvenile Justice Centre to connect with the troubled youth and deliver the Scripture comics and Bible resources to the Chaplains.
When country high schools became involved with the Christian Rock Eisteddfod, the whole town became involved, even the bus companies who would put signs in their buses to generate ticket sales
People’s lives changed
NB: There is now available (free) ‘A Religious Education Outline utilizing Music & Drama to Tell A Story’ which could be used as a subject/course in high schools. It is based on the Christian Rock Eisteddfod concept. Please fill in the Enquiry on the Website and the Outline can be posted to you
FUNDS RAISED
FROM CHRISTIAN ROCK EISTEDDFOD PRODUCTIONS
1998
The Easter Story – Raised money for Scriptures for youth in Cuba
1999
The Story of Creation – Raised money for Juvenile Justice Centres
2000
Run the Good Race – Raised money for Juvenile Justice Centres
2001
Noah & the Ark – Raised money for Flying Bibleman in NT
2002
The Story of Moses – Raised money for Young Deaf People
2003
The Book of Proverbs – Raised money for Scriptures for Defence Force Recruiting Academies
2004
The Book of Romans – Raised money for Defence Force Recruiting Academies
2006
The Story of Joseph
2008
The Tragedy & Triumph of Samson, featuring Delilah – Raised money for Bush Church Aid
Every project needs supporters, so thanks goes to:
Bible Society NSW/ACT, Sir Cliff Richard, The Wesley Mission and Institute, Lots of Watts, NSW Farmers Association, Pacific Hills Christian School, Hills Shire Council, Australian Screen Music, Worldwide Photos Ramon Williams, Harvey Norman, Quality Trophies, Kwik Kopy Market St Sydney, Christian Heritage Australia, June Dally-Watkins, Hills Family Funerals, Arcade Exclusive Florists Parramatta, Castle Hill Showground Committee, NRMA, Milano Hair Studio Hunters Hill, Koorong West Ryde, youthfoundations@fusion.org.au, Custom Luggage Sussex St Sydney, Renaissance Photography, Community Radio Stations around NSW, Alan Jones Radio 2GB, PARENTS, TEACHERS AND THE PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS plus all the volunteers from St Judes Anglican Church, Dural and Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral, Waitara plus so many more to thank over the 10 years from 1998 – 2008.