The Country Music School of Excellence (CMSOE) is a school-based music program.  Gympie State High School is it's home.  The CMSOE was the brain-child of former teacher and coordinator Dr Geoff Walden.  The CMSOE started early in 2003 and soon grew to be a well accepted program that enabled young people to develop skills in country music.  CMSOE students have competed in competitions, performed at many venues, been on television and in the news papers.  Some even took a trip to Nashville USA. 

Why country music?  The country music industry in Australia is very organised and has many festivals that create performance opportunities for young people.  No other musical genre provides such opportunities.  It is also very family orientated which is good for a schoolbased program.  From a musician's point of view, the professional country players display great skill and are fine models for our young students.