Every year, thousands of performers from Victorian government schools come together for the State Schools Spectacular.
On Saturday, September 13, Rochy’s very own will be among them in the mass choir.
Teacher Shelley MacFarlane has been guiding the students since they first got the call-up after school principal Kate Whitford nominated them.
“It’s a statewide extravaganza, and we’re part of the mass choir,” she said.
“You don’t actually have to do any auditions or anything like that.
“If you nominate your school, and you get in, you’re part of it.”
As part of the 1500-strong mass choir, the Rochy students are learning 13 songs.
While the tracks remain hush-hush for now, they will likely fit this year’s theme, ‘On Air’.
“There’s good songs,” participant and Year 6 student Reece Carnegie said.
“A bunch (of genres).”
The students have embraced the rehearsals and learning process.
As part of a regional hub, they have travelled to Shepparton for rehearsals with fellow hub schools Nurmurkah Primary, Shepparton East Primary and Peranbin Primary College.
Students have also journeyed to Melbourne Town Hall for three rehearsals with the whole choir.
For many, it is the first time they have been involved in such an event.
“They were probably a bit timid when we went over to Shepparton for rehearsals, as you could imagine,” Mrs MacFarlane said.
“They actually collaborate, and it all comes together, and it’s like magic.
“It really does come to life.
“Going to Melbourne Town Hall and rehearsing with the whole mass choir, I think it’s definitely given them more confidence.”
It is also Mrs MacFarlane’s first dip into the performance world, and she credits the work of musical associate Clare Wever in supporting her to lead the Rochy crew.
“I didn’t even know what the spectacular was, I had no idea,” she said.
“I just said, ‘yeah, I’ll do it, have a crack’.
“Clare’s been amazing, she’s really good. She said, ‘we know there’s people who don’t have any experience; just do your best’.”
The young superstars are finding their dancing feet, developing their confidence as they learn.
“(My favourite part is) the dancing, hitting the moves,” Year 6 student Charlie Holland said.
“You’re a bit nervous because there are heaps of people you don’t know.
“It’s tiring, but worth it.”
The Victorian Schools Spectacular will hit the John Cain Arena stage on Saturday, September 13 at 1pm and 6.30pm.
A televised performance will screen in December.
To book tickets to the live event, head to ticketek.com.au/spectacular
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