Balclutha: Promoting classical music

The kettle drum rolled, then the crack of percussionist Rob Craigie's ''thunder'' saw the pupils of Rosebank School jump back in their seats and sit to attention for a 40-minute concert of classical music.

Six members of Southern Sinfonia of Dunedin were at South Otago primary schools yesterday to share their love of classical music and talk about the instruments they play.

Two violins, a flute, a piccolo, a clarinet, a saxophone, a variety of percussion instruments and keyboards were on display at primary schools in Balclutha, Clutha Valley and Milton.

The Southern Sinfonia tours one of three regions in Otago every year to bring music to pupils from Oamaru to Balclutha.