Four-time GRAMMY© and ARIA Award winner Keith Urban has long been committed to the power of music and the role that it can play in the lives of children and young adults. That commitment has never wavered and in fact has been on full display this holiday season, as he’s visited with The Urbenville Public School in northern NSW, Australia and Hillwood High School in Nashville.
Earlier this year the tiny Urbenville Public School, student body of sixteen, located in isolated northern NSW, Australia, captured the hearts of the world with their kindness, singing each Friday outside the local aged care home. Social media posts and media coverage included an invitation for Urban to visit the school to see its holiday concert…and today they got their wish (kind of), as well as something that they’d never expected.
Urban surprised the students of the school with a Zoom call – during which he not only discussed music, school and performing, he surprised the school with five locally purchased guitars for its program AND gave each of the sixteen students their own to take home. “This is where it all begins,” said Urban. “Wanting to play an instrument, wanting to sing and play for other people… thank you, thank you to the school (for all they do) and to the students (of Urbenville Public School) for having such a passion for music.”
In addition, late last month (November 30th) Urban met with students from Hillwood High School in Nashville. The visit, with the school’s Rock Band, Orchestra, Choir and Band programs, saw Urban hosting a Q&A session that discussed, amongst other things songwriting and performing. In addition, Urban was treated to two student performances, including a performance of his hit “Wasted Time,” from the school’s String Orchestra.
Of that visit Urban said, “I left Hillwood inspired. The students that I met with, and heard play, were passionate, insightful and so naturally talented. Some may make music their life’s work, and some may not, but either way, what these students are experiencing now, will be invaluable for their futures.
Keith Urban recently announced his The Speed of Now world tour for 2022, which will see him back in Australia in December.