The Year 11 and Year 10 students were shocked to find out they had been selected from more than 400 students to attend a performing arts camp. The great news followed their video submissions to the Arts Unit.

The Solo Vocal Camp is a five-day residential camp aimed at developing the skills of school-aged solo vocalists. 

The application process required Javiera and Olivia to submit a YouTube video of themselves performing at least two songs of their choice. 

Pianist, vocalist and songwriter Javiera and vocalist Olivia will participate in individual and group workshops with industry professionals and experienced staff from the NSW Department of Education including members of the creative team of the annual Schools Spectacular. 

Javiera is looking forward to performing her original songs for the panel as well as making contacts with industry professionals. 

“The people you meet there, you can network with. I’ve heard School Spectacular people go here so it would be really good for connections and I’m really looking forward to developing myself as a performer, getting on stage and truly showing myself as an artist and not hiding behind a piano, because I tend to do that. They work on standing up without your instrument which is quite a bare thought for a songwriter,” she said.

Olivia has just broken into the performing arts industry and will sing a range of covers to showcase her talent and gain her confidence.

“I’m looking forward to developing my vocal skills more, as I’m still a baby in the industry, and meeting new people who are passionate about what I’m passionate about,” she said.

Sessions will include stage presence, song interpretation, audition techniques and vocal health. 

Student performances from the camp will be showcased at The Concourse, Chatswood, at the conclusion of the camp. 

The camp will run from March 5 to 9 at Elanora Conference Centre.