String players head to Perth for festival

Two of Hedland’s brightest musical stars will be playing with musicians from across the world this weekend as part of the Perth International Mandolin Festival.

David Clarke, 14, and Andrew Lenton, 13, are spending the week in Perth with their music teacher Jan Gillingham, and will be involved in workshops and lessons with more than 80 other musicians.

The festival culminates this weekend with a concert at the John Curtin College of the Arts, with both boys featuring in the performances.

David said he was looking forward to being around so many other talented musicians, and learning new skills.

“There’s going to be a lot of people there and it will be good to learn from them and practise with them,” he said.

For Andrew, who has played guitar since he received one for his fifth birthday, the trip is also a good chance for a holiday.

“I’m looking forward to going down to Perth and having a look around, and the festival will be lot of fun,” he said.

Ms Gillingham, who was founding member of the WA Mandolin Orchestra in 1976 and has taught both boys for several years, said she was exceptionally proud of the two for making it into the festival.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for both of them to gain a lot of information about music off some very talented people,” she said.

“There’s workshops that they will learn a lot from and they will be coming back with some wonderful new skills.”