This year marked the 10 year Anniversary of KARI’s Aboriginal Vocal Identification Program (VIP). We celebrated our ongoing partnership with the NSW Department of Education with our 2016 VIP Performance Showcase.
The Showcase took place on the evening of 18 August at the Casula Powerhouse. On 4 August 2016, students attended a live recording session at Blake Ralph Recording Studios to lay down their vocals using state of the art technology in preparation for their performances.
This year, 22 students from a number of high schools in the South West Sydney and Sydney Regions participated in the program.
During the program, students attended seven workshops where they had the chance to perform for their peers and the program consultants. They were then given feedback and advice on how they could better their skills as young singers and performers.
Throughout the program it was evident that the students gained more confidence within themselves as young, strong performers and demonstrated their ability to use their acquired skills to continue to grow and improve. The VIP program gives students the opportunity to work with other performers that share the same passion and love for music. Great friendships are also formed during the program.
“The participants in the program are all very proud, young Indigenous students. This program gives them a safe and supportive environment for them to grow and develop as young performers,” said Sarah Bertram, Program Consultant.
All students demonstrated a willingness to represent themselves, their school and the program whenever they performed. Most importantly, the students were always proud to represent their culture.
This year’s calibre of performances was exceptional and the final performance of the night – Lean on Me – received a standing ovation.
As a testament to the quality of the student’s work, three awards were given out on the night. The award winners were:
- Outstanding Performer – Joshua Kalow
- Most Committed Performer – Jesse Simon-Fitzpatrick
- Most Improved – Jared Smith
Well done to this year’s performers – everyone did an outstanding job!
By Charlotte Long
