Jazz hands: Kyabram P-12 College performing arts teacher Sue Meeking (back right) with the grade five and six students who will be involved this weekend (September 10) in the Victorian State Schools Spectacular.
Sue Meeking and her Kyabram P-12 College choir will continue a two decade connection to the Victorian State Schools Spectacular when the 20-strong years 5 and 6 choir joins with hundreds of other students at the musical event on Saturday (September 10).
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The mass choir and dancing troop, performing with the support of the state 80-piece schools orchestra, will gather at Melbourne Park’s John Cain Arena for the concert.
Mrs Meeking has taken students to the Spectacular every second year since the year 2000, Kyabram boasting three solo singers through the years and four in the orchestra.
Solo singers and principal dancers are selected to play more significant roles in the Spectacular
“Our 22 volunteer students have been learning the 13 backing tunes they will sing and four dance numbers they will perform to — from their seats — for the entire term.
“This show is always amazing for the audience and mind blowing for the students involved. It is a massive event,” Mrs Meeking said.
Among those Kyabram soloists is Ryan Meeking, who now fronts Melbourne band Whitaker.
The Spectacular’s growing alumni also includes Harrison Craig, winner of The Voice in 2013, Muriel’s Wedding musical lead Maggie McKenna and Vanessa Amorosi.
Mrs Meeking, the college’s primary level performing arts teacher, said the arena sparkles with huge lights, incredible sound, colourful costumes and a variety of acrobatic performances.
“The students rehearsed intensely, so they could relax a bit more on the day of the event,” she said.
The Kyabram choir will be hosted by Fitzroy High School, where they will spend two nights while preparing for, and performing in, the Spectacular.
Special experience: Tom Duckworth, Eliza Snell and Axel King are among the 22-strong Kyabram P-12 college choir, which has spent a whole term preparing for the event at John Cain Arena in Melbourne.
“We will be involved in a big rehearsal at Melbourne Town Hall, which will be a brilliant city experience for our country students,” Mrs Meeking said.
“Then there are the technical and dress rehearsals where the mass choir students get to watch the magic and excitement build.”
Mrs Meeking said there was no doubt that the students had had the bar raised in their musicality and life experience as a result of taking the leap to join the Kyabram P-12 State Schools Spectacular Team.
“The team appreciates the parent and school support for this opportunity and are pleased the Kyabram community is behind this terrific live-performance encounter,” she said.
A documentary on Channel 7 Two will air later in the year where the Kyabram students are likely to feature.
WHAT THE STUDENTS SAY
Tom Duckworth: I started playing the drums, and have learned the guitar and recorder. I really hope to add dance to my repertoire and I’d like to be a solo singer. Until now I have been too scared to tell anyone.
Axel King: I have ever done something that big before. I decided to become involved because it’s something I will remember for the rest of my life. It is my first step into this field.
Eliza Snell: I have a passion for singing a drama. I used to go to Gigjam and perform on the stage. I am learning the guitar now and getting more into song and dance — which the Spectacular is all about.
