Far Away Our Home was commissioned by Caulfield Grammar in 2004 as part of the song cycle, ‘Beyond the White Sails’.
Students in years five and six took part in an inclusive research project with the composer which would result in the creation of a major performance piece. A topic relevant to the school would be chosen, and all agreed that the history of the shipwreck coast of Victoria, including the story of the famous Lockhart disaster, would give the students the opportunity to experience first hand how to research a wide topic and use this knowledge to create a relevant work. After an initial field trip, staff, students and Paul Jarman spent months studying related topics including mapping and geography, special histories, lighthouses, shipbuilding and trade. Through a series of workshops with Paul and local historians, collective input gradually became verse, music and then a musical theatre piece, composed by Paul Jarman inspired by the student’s poetry, art work, stories and melodies. Students had spent a year working closely with Paul and their teachers, engaging in history through the arts.
Far Away Our Home is one of five songs from the piece, describing the dangerous journey sailing ships took to Australia during the great age of immigration in the 1800’s. It pays homage to celtic music in the style of a lively jig.
Sample recording courtesy of the Department of Education and Training.
