With just days to go until the big show, South Halls Head Primary and Halls Head College Students are on the cusp of making their debut on the national opera stage.
The students are preparing to sing the choral section of The Marriage of Figaro when Opera Australia stars return to the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre on Saturday night.
It’s been a steep learning curve, with only a matter of weeks between the open auditions and the singers’ appearance on stage.
South Halls Head Primary music specialist Rose Brown said the production, and the students involvement in it, shows the growing interest and support in students’ involvement in opera and theatre.
“This year has really been the first year that there’s been a dedicated singing and vocal coach at the college, and that’s made a real difference,” she said.
The joint project between the two schools has furthered the connection between the two, with specialised programs closing the gap in transition between primary and high school.
“We’ve now got programs running from year 2 into high school, and things like this further those aims of keeping those kids who are interested in singing involved in it,” Ms Brown said.
“This has been a real success, because with the open auditions we’ve taken in kids who might not have normally thought about doing it, but have taken a chance.”
The new music program and focus on singing has paid dividends, with the schools now running an effective specialised pathway.
“Whereas there would be specific instrumental teachers in high school, now students have the opportunity to focus on singing, if that’s what they want to do.”
Both Ms Brown and Halls Head College singing teacher Rebecca Ream said they were proud of their students, and the determination they’ve shown.
“It’s just been great to see these kids rise up and meet this challenge, it’s not easy,” Ms Brown said.
“But the level of professionalism they have shown has been incredible.
“I think audiences will be very pleasantly surprised by what they see and hear.”
The Marriage of Figaro plays on the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre’s main stage on Saturday August 19 from 7.30pm.
For tickets, go to manpac.com.au or call 9550 3900.
