Ten pupils from Dungog Public School will join 3600 students from 400 NSW public schools and perform at the Schools Spectacular in Sydney next month.
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Since 1984, the Schools Spectacular has grown to become more than just a showcase highlighting the talents of the students, it is an iconic cultural event incorporating students from diverse backgrounds and communities from the length and breadth of the state.
The event is staged at the Sydney Entertainment Centre and showcases 2000 dancers, combined choir of 1500 and an 80-piece full symphony orchestra.
Teacher Vera Middlebrook said she and fellow teacher Donna Griffith, who is the itinerant support teacher – hearing at Dungog Public School, approached principal Steven Richard at the end of last year for a group of students to attend.
“Basically we planted the seed with him,” Ms Middlebrook said.
“He has been going down to the show for years to support Donna who leads the Hunter Signing Choir, so he knew all about it.
“He came and saw me at the beginning of the year and said yes, we could apply.
“We called for interested students from years 4 to 6 to come and see us and then we sent down an audition tape.
“We found out in May we had been successful and have been practising ever since.”
The 10 students – nine girls and one boy – will be part of the choir and will be singing more than 15 songs.
The students gather together during lunchtimes and when there is free time as well as rehearsing at home.
The students will be staying in Sydney for four nights for the performances to be held from November 25 to 28.
“It is going to cost $4000 for accommodation alone,” Ms Middlebrook said.
“And we need to have $1000 for food, transport and other incidentals.
“Each student paid a small fee as a commitment but we are fundraising to raise the other 90 per cent needed.
“A Dungog’s Got Talent fundraiser will be held at the school on Thursday night, October 15 from 6 to 9pm we are hoping to have a full house to raise the money.”