Festival showcases young talent

SHINING VOCALISTS: Students from schools around the South East came together for their South East Primary Schools Musical Festival rehearsal yesterday, preparing for their show commencing tonight. Pictures: MOLLY TAYLOR

LIMESTONE Coast primary school students will merge as one with the South East Primary Schools Music Festival starting tonight.

Participants held their final rehearsal yesterday.

Beginning in 1988, the festival incorporates a series of concerts involving more than 600 Year 5 to 7 students from 25 schools across the South East.

Ranging from Kingston to Bordertown, Mount Gambier and Allendale East, the showcase has developed throughout the years.

“We performed at the Millicent Civic and Arts Centre for 25 years to begin with, setting up the stage, chairs and everything, but we now perform at the Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre and have done so for six years,” festival publicity officer Sharron Bone said.

“The event is affiliated with the South Australian Primary School Festival, but we differ slightly as the Adelaide event only involves public schools and we involved both public and private.

“It is an opportunity for those students that are not sporty to participate in a large group and shine through their talent.”

With a live orchestra, the show allows audiences and participants to be part of a high-quality performance.

“Our orchestra is filled with both students and adults that slowly move up the ranks and it is great to see them build in confidence,” Ms Bone said.

The festival will run until Friday at the Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre, with performances from 7.30pm each night showcasing everything from choirs to acting, solos and instrumental ensembles.

Tickets are available for purchase at the Sir Robert Helpman Theatre Box Office or online.