A two-day music and video workshop in Coonabarabran turned a group of 8-20 year olds into a “powerful” force of courage and talent.

Twenty teenagers and kids ranging in ages from 8-20 participated in the school-holiday event and were accompanied by eight volunteers.

Organised through the 2357 Development Group, the workshops were led by lead singer of Chocolate Starfish, Adam Thompson, under his personal development program – MusoMagic.

MusoMagic was developed to provide children and teenagers with song and creativity workshops.

Mr Thompson explained how the workshops immerse attendees, creating an opportunity to learn more about themselves and their peers.

“Everyone commits to every aspect. With all that collaboration and energy it is a truly shared experienced and one they are proud to be a part of,” Mr Thompson said.

“Creativity, at its essence, is self exploration. Opening up the imagination allows for introspective play. Even as adults we need play.

“The workshops break the ways in which society wants to pigeon hole us and keeps us curious.”

Held during the school summer holidays, the first day of the workshop involved the writing and creation of lyrics.

The group collaborated, embodying the essence of each other and their connection to community.

“Our power lives here”, was a key line to the song named Our Endless Power.

Each individual had the opportunity to sing and record the song, which was then layered and mastered overnight through connections from MusoMagic.

Although complications arose due to a blackout, the song was a success.

Many attendees said they were nervous at the beginning of the workshop, however, by the second day, they felt connected to one another.

Filming the music video was the project on the second day, with the team shooting scenes across various iconic spots throughout Coonabarabran.

Community Development coordinator of the 2357 Group, Vivian Evans said boys and girls who had never danced before, danced.

She explained how they sung for preschoolers in the library during story-time and built valuable connections to each other and aspects of their community.

Volunteers and organisers were committed to the process, dancing in the rain to guide the group, however, the stars of the music video were kept dry.

The song was first heard by participants live on ABC Western Plains radio, and the music video was shown to parents on the third day.

Many who attended the showing, if not all, highlighted how proud they were of the group and felt fortunate to be a part of a town like Coonabarabran.

Mrs Evans said the outcome was better than she could have imagined.

“The aim of the 2357 Development Group is to connect community and make a difference. This just nailed it,” Mrs Evans said.

“It’s incredible how everyone connected to bring it to fruition. MusoMagic and the team went above and beyond especially with plane delays and black outs.

“It was great to see the kids overcome their fears and the older kids naturally supported the younger ones.”

Teenage participant Alec De Watt said he was inspired by the program and plans to write more songs.

Championed by the Coonabarabran Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC), the workshop was made possible through the Regional Youth Holiday Break Program for Summer/ Autumn.

The grant will continue into the autumn school holidays.

“It is a really powerful year for Coona youth,” Mrs Evans said.

Cat Facchi, a volunteer with the program, was moved by the experience.

“We have seen 20 kids and teenagers start off as individuals,” she said.

“Today, we say goodbye as a family, or maybe – see you later!”

The music video will again be featured at an upcoming blow-up cinema event, supported by 2357 Development Group and LALC.

Click HERE to view the final result.