Aboriginal Vocal
Identification Program
Dear Principal
Public Schools NSW in partnership with KARI is conducting a Vocal Identification Program (VIP) to enhance and develop the vocal talents of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. VIP will assist Aboriginal students in Years 7 - 12 to develop their skills in the performance arena.
Students interested in participating in this program should complete the registration form attached. An audition process will be conducted at the Casula Powerhouse, 1 Powerhouse Road, Casula on Tuesday 2 May 2017. Students will be advised of their audition time on receipt of their registration. Students will be required to make their own way to and from the audition venue. Schools may wish to arrange for transportation in consultation with parents/caregivers.
The Aboriginal Vocal Identification Program will provide students with the: opportunity to study skills in vocal techniques confidence and self esteem to perform publicly opportunity to participate in a public performance skills to plan for future goals in vocal performance.
Please print off the attached program flyer and distribute to Aboriginal students in Years 7 - 12 at your school. Interested students should complete the registration form attached and return it to you as soon as possible.
Completed registration forms should be forwarded to Natalie Pierson, Aboriginal Education and Wellbeing Advisor, either by email: [email protected] or By fax (02) 9203 9999 no later than Monday 24 April 2017.
TRANSPORT – Due to the increasing popularity of the program and larger numbers of students we ask that schools, parents or carers’ provide assistance with transporting students to the various locations.
For more information please contact Natalie Pierson on (02) 9203 9930 or [email protected]
Yours sincerely
Natalie Pierson Aboriginal Education and Wellbeing Advisor Public Schools NSW
Aboriginal Vocal
Identification Program
Student Information Flyer
The Aboriginal Vocal Identification Program (VIP) involves Aboriginal students having the opportunity to develop their interests and skills in vocal techniques and performance.
Through workshop participation, students will increase their confidence and ability to perform publicly, improve vocal techniques, experience microphone techniques, build self-esteem and demonstrate leadership qualities.
Students will have a chance to work with
Wendy Tierney has a career of over 40 years mentoring young people – working in the area of performing arts. In this role she has nurtured, developed and showcased the talents of many young performers.
Wendy directed the East Hills Festival for over 25 years and has been a part of the Schools Spectacular Production since it began – 36 years ago. She has also been a consultant to the NSW Talent Development Project.
In 2002 Wendy was part of the team, which established Bankstown’s Talent Development Project – a program that seeks to give opportunities for the students in the Bankstown area to develop and showcase their talents. Rising through the ranks of this program have been Paulini – Australian Idol finalist, Casey Donovan – Winner of Australian Idol, Jess Dunbar - finalist X FACTOR 2015, and countless other performers who are currently working in the entertainment industry.
In 2004, with the support of the Education Department and Kari Aboriginal Resources Wendy joined with talented indigenous singer/songwriter – Blake Ralph, to form the Vocal Identification Program for indigenous students in South Western Sydney – another highly successful program encouraging young people in performing arts.
Blake Ralph: An industry professional and a talented Aboriginal singer/songwriter who will also work with the students in the program in order to develop their performance skills. Blake has worked with many artists in the Australian music industry including Marcia Hines.
Sarah Bertram: A professional and talented singer/songwriter will also work with the students in the program. Sarah performs annually at the KARI Gala Dinner. Sarah has performed with various artists including Vanessa Amorosi, and has her own music studio, where she provides vocal tuition for students.
Aboriginal Vocal
Identification Program
Guest performers and workshop facilitators in previous years have included Matthew Doyle a talented Aboriginal performer, Casey Donovan a former Australian Idol, BrothaBlack an Aboriginal Hip Hop artist and Nathan Foley singer/songwriter and previously a member of Hi-Five.
In 2016, VIP students were invited to perform at many prestigious events including the 2017 Australia Day opening ceremony and evening concert at the Sydney Opera House.
Interested students will be required to register and audition to participate in the VIP program. At auditions students will be asked to sing a song of their choice accompanied with a backing CD.
Natalie Pierson
Aboriginal Education and Wellbeing Advisor Public Schools NSW Ph: 9203 9930 Fax: 9203 9999
Aboriginal Vocal
Identification Program
Student Registration Form
Audition times will be allocated to you once you have registered and will be held at Casula Powerhouse, 1 Powerhouse Rd, and Casula on Tuesday 2 May 2017
Don’t forget you must have a backing CD. Please return the completed form to your school and ask them to send it to: Natalie Pierson at Glenfield Education Office
by Monday 24 April 2017 via email [email protected] Or fax number 9203 9999. Student Name Student Address
Parent/Carer Name Parent/Carer Phone Parent/Carer Email School Contact Person Name School Contact Person Email School Phone no School Fax no. School Year Favourite Music/Songs you like to sing
Hobbies and Interests/previous singing experience ( include a short Biography if possible)
T- Shirt size – (adult sizes) XS □ S □ M □ L □ XL □ XXL □
Student’s Signature: ______
Parent/Carer Signature: ______
Aboriginal Vocal
Identification Program
Principal Signature: ______
Are you an Aboriginal High School student who likes to sing and share your talent with others? Would you like the opportunity to perform on stage? Why don’t you audition for V.I.P!
Auditions are on
Tuesday 2 May 2017
Casula Powerhouse