Time is ticking for Gold Coast choir race
August 12, 2010
Gold Coast Schools have eight days left to be in with a chance to show off their talents and national pride to the world as the official school choir of the Armor All Gold Coast 600.
The Schools Star Search Program was launched earlier this year to find the Event’s school choir, who will perform this year’s pre-race National Anthem in front of a world-wide TV audience, with $5,500 cash also on offer for the top three choirs.
Schools Star Search Executive Producer Thea Jeanes-Cochrane said while there was still time, she encouraged schools to move quickly to gather their choir, record their audition and send it to the Armor All Gold Coast 600 by close of business Friday August 20.
“There is still time for schools to get their submissions in and we have had great interest and support from the schools who are all obviously very busy,” said Jeanes-Cochrane.
“We would like to see as many Gold Coast choirs as possible taking part in this initiative which could see them showcase their talents to the world while receiving valuable cash for their music department. Entering is really simple, all you need to do is log onto the event’s website – www.goldcoast600.com.au - for your entry form.
“We are welcoming all forms of entry for the anthem with both traditional and unique versions accepted, and we are also happy to help if any of the schools require musical assistance such as backing tracks.
“Entries close next Friday and from those entries we will be selecting the finalists to compete in a ‘Sing Off’ event at the Southport Broadwater Parklands on September 12.
“From that ‘Sing Off’ the top three choirs will be selected, with the winner performing at the event on Sunday October 24 for the drivers and the fans as well as a world-wide TV audience ahead of Sunday’s big race.”
The judging panel for the “Sing Off” will include Jeanes-Cochrane, Gold Coast identities and Queensland Branch President of the Australian National Choral Association, and one of the country’s most respected choir educators, Paul Holley.
“Any opportunity for schools to come together and put their talent on show is something I get excited about, and I think the Schools Star Search is a great new project for the school choirs of the Gold Coast to sink their teeth into,” said Holley.
Parliamentary Secretary for Education and State Member for Broadwater Peta-Kaye Croft MP is encouraging all schools to showcase their talent by submitting an entry.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to shine on the world’s stage and the Gold Coast 600 is the perfect setting,” Ms Croft said.
All Gold Coast Schools are invited to form a choir and audition (initially by digital recording) for the Schools Star Search. The audition will include their version of the Australian National Anthem as well as an additional song of the choir’s choice.
The finalists will compete in an exciting high profile ‘sing-off’ event staged at the new Southport Broadwater Parklands precinct on Sunday, September 12. There will be $3000, $1500 and $1000 in cash for the top three schools’ respective music departments.
The Armor All Gold Coast 600 will take place on the streets of the Gold Coast from Friday October 22 to Sunday October 24, with just 71 days now remaining until Queensland’s premier motorsport event comes to life.
The event will feature 18 international drivers alongside the V8 Supercar stars by day, and 16 International and Australian acts by night, in a continuance of V8 Supercars’ highly successful Rock ‘n’ Race format.
Tickets are now on sale for the Armor All Gold Coast 600, with Friday admission tickets starting from just $49 and three day passes from just $136, with each ticket providing admission to not only the day’s racing but also the same night’s entertainment line-up at 600 Sounds. Visit ticketek.com.au or call 132 849 for more information or to purchase.
