Rodney Stevens
After auditions from hundreds of students across the state, Maclean High School’s Alora Mahoney was over the moon when she secured a featured artist role in the annual Schools Spectacular held in Sydney on November 24 and 25.
As one of only 49 students from across the state selected for this role, Alora is not only an incredible talent nurtured in our public schools, but also a shining example of dedication and hard work.
The role saw Alora take centre stage during the performances at Qudos Bank Arena as one of the featured singers for the Schools Spectacular which showcases the extraordinary talent of NSW public school students and has become synonymous with excellence and entertainment in NSW schools.
Alora said the selection process and traveling to Sydney for rehearsals was quite gruelling.
“My first audition was a video audition, then I had to go to Sydney for two rounds of live auditions, followed by three months of regular rehearsals around Sydney,” she said.
“On top of the rehearsals were media calls, styling sessions, workshops, choreography, and photo shoots.”
Alora was joined at the Schools Spectacular by the Gulmarrad Primary School Choir who also were part of the mass choir, Lennox Monaghan of Grafton Primary School who played the digeridoo and danced as a featured artist, groups of dancers from Grafton and South Grafton High School, plus South Grafton High School’s band featured in the Spec Fest Band Contest.
“I sang “Absolutely Everybody”, by Vanessa Amorosi, and “Set It Off” from the Disney movie Descendants and I also featured in the finale, which was a medley of songs from the past 40 years of Schools Spectacular performances,” Alora said.
Alora said everyone throughout the whole audition and rehearsal process was very supportive, I made lots of friends through the Schools Spectacular, and without the support of my school and family I wouldn’t have achieved what I have.
“It was the largest crowd I’ve ever performed in front of and despite being nervous, I was very excited and running on adrenaline,” she said.
“I’d definitely want go in the Schools Spectacular again, and possibly pursue a career in the entertainment industry.”
A week before the Schools Spectacular, Alora performed at the Premiers Awards at the Darling Harbour International Convention Centre.
This year’s Schools Spectacular showcases a cast of 2,300 dancers, a combined choir of 2,500, an 80-piece full symphony orchestra, and a 25-piece band.
Originally held at the Sydney Entertainment Centre, this year’s show titled “FabuloUS” celebrates 40 years of the Schools Spectacular.
The Schools Spectacular will air on Channel 7, from 7pm on December 9.