Gunnedah’s Tyson Hubbard will be leaving our country roads for the big city when he heads to Sydney for Schools Spectacular in November.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The sixteen-year-old is no stranger to the talent showcase, being chosen for a second year from a pool of 75 students from the North-West following a vocal camp in May at Lake Keepit. He is one of about 12 students chosen for the central core choir.
“I was stoked that I actually got chosen again,” Tyson said.
“I’m not behind the eight ball like I thought I was.
“I feel more confident now.”
Tyson has his work cut out for him in the next two months, juggling homework, music theory lessons, singing lessons with Jamie Brown, dance instructing at RAD Dance Academy, and DJ’ing, and learning 35 songs for Schools Spectacular.
In the week leading up to the showcase, Tyson will spend about eight hours a day rehearsing with the choir in preparation for the three shows.
“It's pretty full-on,” he said.
The central core choir will be conducted by none other than former Gunnedah man Jerome Studdy. Mr Studdy was a St Mary’s College student then completed his HSC at McCarthy Catholic College, Tamworth.
A student of Farrer Agricultural High School, Tyson is currently undertaking grade six of the Australian Music Board Examinations. If he completes grades seven and eight, he will have a diploma in music.
“Music’s not really a big thing at my school,” he said.
“It’s mostly sport.”
The teenager has a scholarship with Gunnedah Conservatorium and hopes to also get a school scholarship to help him pursue his passion for music.
“I still want to be a music teacher,” he said.
Tyson said his tutoring had grown his knowledge of music and would help him at Schools Spectacular.
““I feel like I’m ready for it,” he said.
The Year 9 student said the showcase was a significant boost for his resume.
“It feels like doing Sydney Schools Spectacular, it gives me an advantage,” he said.
“They’re giving you an opportunity to come out and be a part of a professional show.
“It makes you stand out.”
Tyson said it was good to be able to learn from so many different people involved in the showcase, and he learnt a lot last year.
“Having people around you and telling you how you can do it [better] is more fun,” he said.
“I’m really looking forward to it.
“You meet a lot of people.”
Schools Spectacular will be held at the Qudos Bank Arena at Olympic Park onFriday, November 25 at 11am and 7.30pm, and Saturday, November 26 at 1pm and 7pm.
