STUDENT musicians who could not read music in September last year have mastered the art ahead of the biggest school musical Emmaus College has ever performed.
It will be back to the 1980s when the musical production of 130 high school and primary students culminates in performances on Friday, May 18 and Saturday, May 19.
Saturday will include an afternoon matinee from 1.30pm.
Students struggled through a mammoth learning curve since term four in 2017 to develop an extensive musical repertoire comprising 34 nostalgic songs from the 80s.
Emmaus College music director Fiona Edgeworth said she could not be prouder of the students who took serious time out of their own schedules to produce the best show possible.
“They have been very dedicated, we have all stayed at school from Tuesday to Friday till 5pm, so we have worked very hard,” she said.
“Some musicians could not read music when we started and now they are proficiently reading and their musicianship level has really increased.
“They know their way around a score, how to work in a band and are playing melodies and reading rhythm.”
Show producer Matt Bergman said the Back to the 1980s performance would be an interactive musical with parents and spectators invited to sing along.
“People can listen to songs they haven’t heard in a while. We are hoping to have song lyrics on a screen so everyone can sing along,” he said.
“Rather than being a musical you watch, you can actually be a part of it.”
Show narrator and year 12 student Jackson Jones said ticket-paying guests could expect a genuine nostalgic experience.
“It will not be pretentious, it is not a social commentary or anything. Just a night devoted to having fun and tapping into the nostalgia of the 80s,” he said.
“This has really broken down barriers between the big and scary year 12 students with the younger year 10 and 11 (students). We have all formed friendships.”
The show is based on a 30-year-old main character reminiscing on fond school memories from the 1980’s era.
The production which runs for between two and two-and-a-half hours is more comprehensive than any school musical attempt in Emmaus College history.
Tickets will go on sale for the main performances from 7pm on May 18 and 19 for $15 for adults and $8 for kids.
Tickets to the matinee at 1.30pm on May 19 will cost $8.
The tickets go on sale from May 8 7pm on www.trybooking.com/379404 or can be booked from the College office or at the door ahead of the performances.
