Evening to showcase music industry’s next gen

BALLARAT Grammar’s The Academy will be holding its annual industry showcase next week sharing the work of emerging artists both onstage and behind the scenes.

To be held on Thursday 7 August from 7pm at the Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts, the event will feature current students and alumni.

Tanner Versloot is currently undertaking a certificate IV in music with a focus on lighting and sound production, and he said the night will have diverse acts.

“It’s an incredible evening. We bring back a lot of talent from the last few years,” he said.

“Everything is student run, so Sarah [Barlow] helps but she doesn’t do the work for us.

“Whatever we put in, we get out of it.” ‘

The Academy: Sound and Performance is led by teacher Sarah Barlow and allows students to acquire practical experience in the music industry.”

Students can complete a year 13, record and release original albums, work with tertiary instructions and perform with touring professionals.

“The Academy has always been really exciting in that you’re doing school but you’re being pushed to have fun and experience new things that are outside of the classroom,” Mr Versloot said.

“It’s a side step to doing a university course… I’m having a gap year practically this year but I’m also working towards something I’m passionate about.”

Tickets cost $10 and can be purchased on the Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts website.