Kids light up arts show with ukeleles

Glen Huon Primary School’s annual arts exhibition became an arts extravaganza recently when performing arts acts were added to the program for the first time.

The school’s first music specialist, Alyce Brook, said her choir and ukulele students had practised for weeks for their first performance.

“It was a big achievement for the students,” she said.

“They have learnt four chords, which means they can play most popular songs and enjoy it.”

Principal Carolyn Nankervis was impressed with Miss Brook’s achievement since starting earlier this year.

“Alyce has been a real asset to the school because she is very passionate and professional,” she said.

“The show was an absolute hit and the support from parents was unbelievable.”

Ukulele student Mathew Laurenson, 11, said it was fun to perform in front of a big audience.

“It has been hard and it was nerve-racking when we first got on stage, but once we started it was a lot of fun,” he said.

Ella Williams, 10, joined the ensemble the week before, but was determined to be on stage with the rest of the students.

“I got a special lesson from Miss Brook and then practised for five hours because I really wanted to perform,” she said.

Glen Huon Primary School ukulele students Yuki Shimada, Ella Williams, both 10, Mathew Laurenson, 11, Natasha Stevens, Jessica Holwill, both 9, and Manaia McBreen, 10, love learning about music and enjoyed playing for their parents and the school in their first concert last week. PICTURE: HAYLEY GODDARD