State School Spectacular
This time last year I was preparing myself to audition for State School Spectacular 2015. Having worked with professional companies in this industry before the thought didn’t scare me, although, as per usual, the day of the audition I was suddenly terrified. Usually the morning of an audition I get this feeling where my stomach feels empty but heavy at the same time due to the feeling of it constantly dropping. I would also feel as though I weren’t good enough, I felt intimidated by the pictures of talented kids of the walls of the State School Spec. headquarters. I know it sounds dramatic but that is my exact feeling at any audition. All vocal students auditioning individually were to prepare two songs of different genres, as well as providing sheet music for the pianist. I sang an old Motown classic, Ben, by Jackson 5 and a modern Jazz, Valerie, by Amy Winehouse. I went into the audition, terrified, yet confidently, handed in my resume, gave my sheet music to the pianist, and did my audition. It went well. I was proud of it, and the fact that it only went for 5 minutes was revealing.
Next was callbacks, I was called back for another individual audition (which this time was in front of an audience of other girls who were at the same stage as me) and a harmony call back to determine my listening and harmonizing skills. I was happy with my audition for them both, except for when they asked me to sing an octave higher than the melody in my individual and it was totally out of my range! Other than that I was comfortable with the outcome and was confident I was going to be part of State School Spec. 2015.
Around two months later I received an email informing me that I was going to be a backing vocalist for State School Spectacular 2015. Our first rehearsal wasn’t really useful but it was one of the most memorable! The rehearsal was only for the orchestra, principle vocalists and backing vocalists. We all gathered in the biggest room at HQ and it was here the producers and a little TV on a trolley awaited. On the TV was a slideshow that included information and ideas for this year’s Spec. The theme was “What’s Your Story”. They showed us some unbelievable costume sketches. The best part about that rehearsal was when the creative director told us we were in the top 40 vocalists in all of Victoria (from the ages 5-18).
Seven long months later was the choir rehearsal at the Melbourne Town Hall. Approximately 15 songs out of 21 had been learnt by this point. 40 schools and over 2,000 kids… and that’s just the mass choir there’s also another 35 kids in the Victorian State Schools Choir. Boy did that rehearsal make me feel special! Our dressing room was constantly blocked by kids asking for our autographs! Being asked by kids for your autograph is out of this world and makes you feel unbelievably special!
Finally… production week. Possibly one of the best parts of Spec., actually, no, definitely the best part of Spec. I got to the first rehearsal of production week fairly early so Rob, the head of voice, took me on an exclusive tour onstage and backstage of the arena (Hisense Arena). It was amazing, especially for a newbie to Spec.
Spec. 2015 was an amazing experience and hopefully I’ll have the opportunity to do it again next year. The amount of hard work and unbelievable talent deserves to be recognized and enjoyed, so don’t miss the channel 7 broadcast on December 5th.