State School Spectacular finds a way

THE 25th Victorian State School Spectacular scheduled to be held at John Cain Arena will instead be broadcast from a variety of venues on Channel 7 on December 6 at 7pm.

During COVID-19 restrictions, parents and siblings became extras and assistants as bedrooms, bathrooms and garages became makeshift recording and TV studios.

For the first time, Lorne P-12 College has 16 students from Grades 3 to 6 participating in the event. Primary school pupils at the school are enthusiastic about performance with 40 of the 90 students enrolled in an after school drama program.

Performing arts teacher Tara O’ Neil said it was challenging dealing with the digital divide.

“They’d come on the Zoom call together, but you can’t all sing at the same time with the lag, so I would sing it to them, and I could see that they were singing it back.

“I’d also make them videos that I’d upload on a private YouTube link – then they could practice at home. Then when they had to send in the video they had to put their head phones in, sing along with that track and then record on a different device.”

According to Ms O’ Neil, technology wasn’t the only challenging part of the process.

“One of the songs was in German, “Ode to Joy”; and the kids really struggled with that – that was not the favourite.”

Statewide, the rehearsal have been held across 1,440 Zoom sessions, with another 508 Zoom meetings to film and record the principal vocalists and dancers.
Creative director Neil Galdwin said the production was reflective of the grit and determination many had shown through this difficult period.

“Spectaculars come in many shapes and sizes! By moving the production into the virtual made-for-TV space, the Spectacular ventures into a new arena.

Effectively making 14 music videos, all with different styles and themes, the songs capture the spirit of the cast who decided not to give up, but to give into the delight of music, song and dance in the pandemic’s lockdown days.”

Mr Galdwin said the songs chosen were varied but all shared a similar spirit.

“Great songs of resilience from Emili Sande, Aloe Blacc, Stevie Wonder, Goanna and John Farnham carry the show.”
Musical director Chong Lim said he was impressed with the performers’ resolve.

“This year has been a true testament to the transformative power of music and music education. I am truly inspired by the resilience, determination, talent and commitment to the project shown by each and every one of our music performers this year.”