Kia Ora Music and Dance Camp

During Week 10 this term, performing arts students from schools across the Upper Hunter were given the fantastic opportunity to showcase their talents and passionate love for music and dance at the Kia Ora Music Camp. Across the three day workshop, students were had the chance to develop their musical abilities in activities from Advanced Vocals, to Ukulele Ensembles, Guitar Ensembles, String Workshops, Dance Groups and Taiko Drumming.

Our very own Jimmy D won the Advanced Vocal Competition, performing ‘Stars’ from Les Misérables, showcasing his musical talents which he has honed to perfection. He received a scholarship to work with vocal coach and actor Francine Bell, to record a piece of his choosing in a professional  studio. This scholarship is a real accomplishment for Jimmy, and a testament to the years of hard work he has put into his craft. 

Year 8 student Olivia P was a part of the Advanced Dance Group run by students from the National College of Dance, and won a full scholarship from her Hip-Hop performance of “Let’s Get Loud”. She received a full scholarship to National College of Dance to participate in their January Summer Intensive program, where students are given the opportunity to develop their skills, and express themselves creatively. Well done Liv!

A special congratulations is also in order for students Charlotte S and Charlotte S for their spectacular performances as part of the Advanced Vocal Workshop. It is clear that both students have a passionate drive for performing arts, demonstrated this in their performances of ‘She Used to Be Mine’ from ‘Waitress’ and ‘I’m Not That Girl’ from ‘Wicked’ respectively. 

Other students who participated in the three day workshop were Ella B, Michaela B, Bridget M and Alyssa E. These students worked hard and their terrific contributions to the musical performances of our community have not been unnoticed. Students mentioned that they particularly liked the opportunity Kia Ora provided for them to work with like-minded creatives, with the younger students looking forward to future workshops. 

A special thank you to Samantha Cobcroft, a local singing teacher and gifted performer; who volunteered her time to supervise our students, and to Miss Ellie Hicks, who assisted with the camp and supervised on the Friday. 

Claire Dent

CAPA Leader of Learning