"If you think it you can do it."
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That's what Richard Lane told Wingecarribee Vocal Muster student Mairi Menzies and she believes it is some of the best advice she's ever heard.
While she has been singing her entire life, Mairi did not start performing until she was in Year 5 and it was not until the start of this year she joined the Wingecarribee Vocal Muster.
"[Singing] has been a passion of mine. It lets me express myself," she said.
Mairi heard about the group purely by chance while at another event and decided to give it a go.
"It's been able to give me techniques and skills that I can put into my singing.
"Richard and the Vocal Muster have given me more confidence to perform and [encouraged me to] think about what am I trying to say when I sing."
Mairi will be part of the virtual concert the Wingecarribee Vocal Muster will hold later this month.
Performing and learning music online is not something new to Mairi.
With the COVID shutdown this year, she said there had been several online lessons which covered a range of topics including the financial side of singing, technique, performance and audition preparation.
"Working with Richard has influenced me quite a bit. He's inspired me that you can do anything.
"And my parents have been really supportive of me with my music throughout the years."
Currently doing her HSC, Mairi said the Vocal Muster was helping her "perfect and refine" her songs for Music 1.
Mairi is hoping she will be able to audition for the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) and to one day be able to travel and perform overseas.
The virtual concert will be on July 18 with 10 students performing a few songs each. The concert will be broadcast online, Facebook, Instagram and Youtube.
Visit https://wvmuster.com.au/ to find out more about the Wingecarribee Vocal Muster.
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