Students from Castlemaine North Primary School have created a heartwarming music video, celebrating curiosity, kindness, culture and community.
Dion Brownfield, who manages local award-winning performers KIAN and Dallas Woods, works across the country making music videos, largely in rural Indigenous schools.
Recently, his two young daughters, Bettie and Goldie, were fortunate to go out on assignment with dad. On returning, an excited Bettie told her friends that her dad was going to come and make a music video with them. Word spread, and before long prep teacher Nicole Semmens found she had parents asking when the project was happening. When Nicole queried Dion, he had no idea what she was talking about…. what’s a dad to do?!
So, Dion, joined by his incredible crew (including the amazing singer/songwriter Dallas Woods), and with the support of the teachers, parents and some talented locals, spent a week exploring, writing, filming and editing Chasing Dreams.
Packed with positive messages, affirmations and reflections of the school values, the epic (and adorable) music video on YouTube is well worth a watch!
“We wrote it on Monday, coached the kids on Tuesday, filmed for two days, edited it on Thursday and premiered it at the school last Friday,” Dion told the Express.
“There was a massive turnout at the official screening. All the preps brought their grade six buddies, and there were parents, siblings, grandparents, friends and teachers. We turned off the lights and we all had torches dancing over the kids as they came in to the Chicago Bulls theme song! It was so dramatic. We played the song a few times and had a dance party.”
Working alongside Dion as co-director was his wife, Nellie Harris, who used to tour and work alongside Dion. Their youngest daughter, Goldie was exited to also featured in the video.
“It was a hoot, and something special Bettie and her class could do. We were working on the project while the kids celebrated their 100 days at school, so being able to celebrate their growth and development was pretty magical,” Dion said.
“It was a great way to give back to the school – I really admire the teachers and how hard it must be to have the patience and energy.”
The video was made possible through a four-day creative journey delivered by Grand Trine Creative (Dion’s company), in partnership with the amazing prep class teachers Nicole Semmens, Lauren Else and education support teachers Jen Oliver and Ash Callander.
Led by an inspiring team of artists and creatives; Dallas Woods, Caleb Tasker, Christy Chudosnik, Michael Ridley and Steph Carson, with chorus vocal by Nicci Simirenko and four talented members of the school choir; Beatrix, Pippa, Sadie and Rider.
Together, this team guided the students through writing, recording, performing and dancing their way into a powerful original track that celebrates the values of the school and the spirit of the community.
