On Friday the 16th of August KARI’s Vocal Identification Program held their annual showcase at the Casula Arts Powerhouse. This event provides a platform for KARI’s VIP to express themselves through song and showcase to their family and friends what they have learnt and how they have improved throughout the program.
KARI’s VIP consists of high school aged Indigenous students who are looking for an opportunity to perform with other aspiring artists. The Vocal Identification Program runs throughout the year, where students attend workshops with KARI Coordinators Blake Ralph and Sarah Bertram, who teach them a variety of skills surrounding music and performance.
This program is a great avenue for Indigenous youth to perform in a safe and comfortable environment, with the opportunity to perform and showcase their talent to their family and friends at the end of the program.
“It is always an exciting time seeing how far these youth have come from the beginning of the program. Some of them have been quite timid and shy, but once they step onto that stage a brand-new version of them comes out and it’s incredibly rewarding to see that.” – Blake Ralph – KARI VIP Coordinator
This year’s group of 19 individuals performed a variety of hits on the night, and provided a truly entertaining show. To begin the showcase, they performed the National Anthem in the Eora Sydney language, followed by a series of solo performances. To end the night, the students performed a moving piece from the musical Dear Evan Hansen called, You Will Be Found. Performing as a group gives them the skills to work with other singers and adapt their voices to harmonise with those around them.
KARI’s VIP Showcase has proven to be a great way to celebrate the success of the group and a great way to reward them for all their hard work throughout the year.
