▪ Photo contributed
Students at Cobar High School have composed and recorded an original song to remember the miners who have lost their lives in the Cobar mines.
The Miners Memorial Song music video has recently been released on the school’s Facebook page with the school’s music teacher, Laura Andrew, as proud as punch of the students’ work.
“The project commenced in 2021, when locals Barry Knight and Kay Stingemore approached Cobar High School to write and perform a song for the opening of the Cobar Miners Memorial,” Ms Andrew said.
Cobar has a rich mining history and at its core is a strong community spirit.
“Although the safety around the mines has changed dramatically over the years, many lives have been lost due to mining accidents and black lung disease (colloquially known as ‘miners’ complaint’) since copper was first discovered in Cobar in 1870,” Ms Andrew said.
As the Curator of the Cobar Museum, Mrs Stingemore, played a pivotal role in the song-writing workshops, sharing stories of Cobar miners and the mines.
“From there, students brainstormed lyrics, decided on a chord progression and composed a melody for their song,” Ms Andrew said.
“The song references the hard work of the miners who brought prosperity and wealth to the town.
“It both commemorates and celebrates the lives of the lost miners,” she said.
“Through the creative process, students recognised the community spirit that continues today and felt a sense of pride in their local town.
“Where you grow up is entangled with your identity,” Ms Andrew said…Read the full story in this week’s edition, available now!
