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Many children dream of being a star of the big stage and for Turvey Park Public School student, Jazmin Castle, the dream is turning into a reality.
“Jazmin’s love of the performing arts has always been a part of who she is,” her mother, Shannon said.
“Family performances of dance, singing and drama are regular occurrences.”
Jazmin’s musical journey soared after joining her school’s choir in 2017.
Jazmin successfully auditioned for Riverina Central Choir, rehearsing and gaining valuable choral and performance skills.
She was selected for CHORDS choir, leading a trio for a song from the musical Matilda.
Jazmin auditioned to sing the National Anthem in Wagga’s Australia Day 2018 celebrations, gaining selection and singing alongside three other students.
Recognising her vocal talent and confidence to perform in public, Jazmin’s school nominated her to audition for this year’s Schools Spectacular.
“Jazmin is a natural performer with great stage presence,” choir teacher Karen Smith said.
It was something considered carefully by her parents, with the audition process, rehearsal and performance schedules for both city or regional students being quite rigorous.
“Travelling back and forth to Sydney and the cost that goes along with it is quite substantial but well worth it.
“The experience and knowledge imparted have been invaluable,” Shannon said.
“I’ve made so many new friends and performing in a big arena is amazing,” Jazmin said.
“Music always makes me feel happy when I sing.”
Accessing Department of Education programs has certainly proven beneficial to Jazmin.
“The Department, through its arts unit and specialist arts initiatives, provides extraordinary opportunities to develop the talents of public school students in a range of the art forms,” Turvey Park school principal Michael Woolbank said.
“It has the capacity, through specialised expertise and resourcing, to capitalise on students’ talents and provide pathways for nurturing those talents.”
In November, Jazmin will take to the stage of Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, as a featured soloist in Schools Spectacular 2018.
A Department of Education initiative, now in its 35th year, Schools Spectacular is an outstanding showcase of the talent in NSW public schools.
It will feature 2300 dancers, a choir of 2700, an 80-piece symphony orchestra, a world class jazz band and almost 200 featured soloists.
For nine-year-old Jazmin, it’s the chance to see that dreams really can come true.