Former and current high school students across the region came together for the first Vocal Muster gathering of the year, on April 10 at Fairground Follies.

The stage was set up, with projection screens on either side for the first Muster gathering since Australia Day, 2020.

There were songs from musicals, classics and operas, hits from movies and original compositions performed to loved ones and supporters, including Muster patron the Hon. Pru Goward.

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"It's really nice seeing how people come together," said former Bowral High School student Jess Howell after the performances.

The audience erupted in applause after all 21 performances from the young singers.

"I love being on stage and showing off my talent," said Year 11 student Amelia Jane Lester, who performed Let It Go and Hallelujah.

The Vocal Muster is a charity dedicated to giving young people in the Highlands the chance to build their confidence and learn how to sing, regardless of their ability.

"That's the main reason behind the Vocal Muster - sure we do singing, but it's about self-confidence and self-worth," said founder, creative director and opera singer Richard Lane.

Year 11 Chevalier College student Zach Moses performed two songs, including his original song Elliot - a piece about an emotionally distant person one wants to speak to, but cannot.

The song made its debut at the gathering, which he "worked on...with Richard for a while".

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He said he did not join the Muster right away when he was approached by Mr Lane, but said "I don't think I've made a better decision".

"The confidence he's brought to me, the community he has given us at the Muster is amazing," he said.

Year 12 student and aspiring vet Ivy Dent said she lost confidence when she was younger, but has regained lots of it through training and performing with the charity.

The Vocal Muster has given passionate singers the opportunity to be mentored and learn about different aspects of the music industry.

For Year 10 student Zahra Nasser from Moss Vale High School, "it gives opportunities to people to go places, and get to where they want to in music."

"I honestly thought today was really fun," she said.

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Chevalier College alumni Michael Connolly, who has a passion for opera and prefers to sing in a bass-baritone register, said Mr Lane has helped him develop his voice.

The stage was purchased with a WSC 2020 community grant.

More than 100 students have gained self-confidence through the Muster since it was founded in 2017.

Mr Lane was thankful to the Moss Vale Evening CWA, who catered the event, Masonic Lodge for managing the bar, and Craig Robson from Fairground Follies for providing the venue.

You can learn more about The Vocal Muster on the charity's website.

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