COOTAMUNDRA high school students may have seen the last curtain fall on the iconic Rock Eisteddfod, a national phenomenon that has inspired thousands of would be dancers, choreographers and ‘roadies’ for over 30 years.
A lack of government support has been cited as the cause of the funding crisis.
Cootamundra High School has been part of the Rock Eisteddfod event since 1993, with their last production taking to the stage in 2007.
The 2007 theme was ‘For Honour’ based on the movie Mulan, the 11th event the school has been involved in.
Cootamundra High School Principal Garry Mason said the school is pleased to be associated with the event and is disappointed the spectacular dance festival has been canned.
“The Rock Eisteddfod challenge was a great way for students interested in music, dance and art to showcase their talents and to have it finish up is pretty disappointing,” Mr Mason said.
“Rock Eisteddfod offers a stepping stone for students who are passionate about performing, giving them the opportunity to compete in a high class performance,” he said.
Mr Mason said students also take away the values of commitment, learning routines, performing skills and interaction with the entire school community with years 7 to 12 involved.
Geoff Black, a geography teacher, has been involved with the Rock Eisteddfod since their first performance 17 years ago.
Geoff said some of the highlights included making it to the grand finals in Sydney in 1997 and 1999.
The theme for the 1997 Eisteddfod for Cootamundra High School was ‘Galactic Quest’ and 1999’s theme surrounded ‘Faces of Fire’.
Mr Black said even in the 1990’s he could see the writing on the wall for a possible end of the Eisteddfod with costs increasing each year.
“It is a costly thing for schools to be involved in, for Cootamundra High School alone it cost an estimated $30,000 to be part of the event including props, costumes and transport this didn’t include the use of choreographers, professional stage crew and costume designers, which other bigger schools utilised,” Mr Black said.
“Ours were run by, organised and choreographed by students with whatever assistance could be provided by parents and teachers.”
Mr Black said the bulk of the funding needed for Cootamundra High School to be part of the Rock Eisteddfod Challenge was sourced by local businesses and fundraising from within the school.
“We thank the local business for their support and financial assistance, however, we couldn’t rely on businesses funding the event every year, which is part of the reason why we took part in the event every couple of years,” Mr Black said.
“Mr Black said he would love to see Rock Eisteddfods return to the stage and hopes that the Government will allow funding and the sponsorship needed will be sourced.
“I feel for the students of today who may not get a chance to be involved in a Rock Eisteddfod event,” Mr Black said.
Mr Black said the whole experience is one worth being involved in.
“The whole school community is on a high when we are rehearsing for a Rock Eisteddfod or when we have been to an Eisteddfod; the school shares the pride with the performers, lighting, sounding and back stage crew who are involved.”
Rock Eisteddfods have been running annually for the last 30 years, it has been reported that it has cost $4 million to stage the national school event.
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