The Sapphire Coast Learning Community (SCLC) of Public Schools Performing Arts Spectacular is returning for its eighth year this week and will feature contributions from 16 schools. 

The program will be spread over three nights, partly to give audience members the chance to return each night and see all that is on offer. 

SCLC Performing Arts Committee chairperson Suezanne Bourke was hoping more people from outside of the schooling community would attend this year. 

“If they like watching children be creative, talented and fantastic on stage then they would be delighted to see it,” she said. 

“I think what they see would surprise them.” 

On Monday, schools were rehearsing for the shows in Bega, with many children excited to get up on stage. 

“I think it’s good for us to show our talents,” Year 5 pupil Tuesday Lawrence-O’Leary said. 

She and fellow Bemboka Public School pupil Mora Fiedler both want to continue playing music when they grow up, but in the meantime had been practicing for their upcoming performance with their school’s band.

Tuesday plays the chime bars while Year 6’s Mora plays piano and both could not wait to perform.

“I like seeing what other schools do and letting them see what we do,” Mora said.

She was also going to perform in the SCLC stage band, preparing to play such songs as I Will Survive and I Feel Good.  

According to Cobargo Public School’s Year 4 pupil Olivia Shipton the best part of the spectacular so far was the rehearsal.  

She was getting ready to sing in a practice for the combined choir, where she would be part of the group performing Sleeping Child. 

Olivia wanted to join the SCLC spectacular because she thought it would be a good experience.

“But mainly to have fun,” she said. 

It is the first time Year 4 pupil at Merimbula Public School Abbey Bessell was going to be in the performing arts spectacular and she would be getting on stage with her recorder.

What will be the best part of the concert for her?

“Probably knowing you are able to play in front of all the people and being really excited about it,” Abby said.

The SCLC Performing Arts Spectacular will be held at the Bega Valley Commemorative Civic Centre in Bega from August 2-4.

Tickets are available at www.trybooking.com/LLRM or at the door. 

Entry is $15 and each show starts at 7pm.