Albany music teachers leading by example in all-female ode to the trailblazing women of the past

Albany’s Megan McNally and Denmark’s Julia Anwar are honouring their music heroes with a show that pays tribute to some of the great female performers in music history. The two high school music teachers have taken a hiatus from performing as they focused on working and family. Now they are making their return to the stage with Progress, an all-female show starring some of WA’s best musicians and performers. Progress will cover a range of genres from classic soul to blues, jazz, R&B, gospel and more. McNally said the pair met through their work at North Albany Senior High School. “I thought seeing we both work so hard and we both have children it was time to organise a performance opportunity to get us both back out there,” she said. “Progress is an all-female performance to pay tribute to these incredible female singers from the 50s to 70s. “It’s a tribute to women who are working, having families, getting PhDs and putting everything into their careers and still managing to do creative things. “It’s more of a feminist stand in a way but is also very personal because we are both very passionate about music and we are both very passionate about our careers and families as well. “To organise this show and get up on our own and sing is quite life-changing.” To bring Progress to life, McNally reached out to a talented cast of musicians. The band is a powerhouse of WA musical talent also featuring Gemma Farrell, Holly Norman, Jesse Millea and Leah Van Der MeulenJulia Anwar, and Meghan McNally. They will be playing hits from the likes of Aretha Franklin, Eva Cassidy, Etta James, Dinah Washington, Ella Fitzgerald and Ruth Brown. “I went to school with some of these girls and I played with a few of them when I was growing up in Perth,” McNally said. “The minute I reached out, they said ‘yes’ within five minutes and they are all so on board. “We both grew up in different places so it is good to get into the local performance circuit.” “We have just been hanging back because we have other priorities,” Anwar said. McNally said she wanted to show her kids she could “honour the artist in me”. “I want to show them that you can work hard and have a career but also be a musician and performer while supporting your family,” she said. Anwar said this extended not just to their own kids but the students they teach as well, particularly their female students. “The music industry in particular is so male-dominated,” Anwar said. “It’s nice to see more female artists in Albany, so it’s probably the right time to do something like this.” “We want to show female students that you don’t have to hold back, you can do it,” McNally added. “You don’t see many all-female groups as well, so it’s good to start that.” The pair have been playing music since their childhood, growing up with a love of music and performing before moving to Albany to work as music teachers and pass on their passion. McNally has been teaching music since she was 22. “Jules and I have been playing music since we were kids,” she said. “Piano, trumpet, guitar we are both directors and have done classical, jazz and contemporary. “Music is our income, our life and job, but also our passion too.” Anwar said she grew up around musicians. “My dad plays in a cover band still and has been on the circuit a long time,” she said. “Other priorities just took over, but I always had music, it’s always been something I’ve done even if it’s just for myself. McNally said she had spent most of her career putting herself out there and encouraging her students to perform. “It’s been my job and I love it, she said. “It’s kind of cool to stand up on stage and practice what you preach.” Progress will be playing for one night only at the Albany Town Hall on February 11. Tickets are available online or at Paperbark Merchants.