Shining bright: Lauren and Sheridan Harvey.
The cream of the region’s young musicians wowed judges at the grand final of Powercor Star Search last Friday.
A crowd of family and friends gathered in Deakin University’s waterfront Costa Hall to watch 16 entrants compete for a total prize pool of $6500 in vocal, instrumental and group categories.
The three category winners each took home $1000 first prizes, with $500 for second and $200 for third. All grand finalists won at least $100 each.
Grovedale soprano Miranda Orford won the vocal category, while judges named Newtown’s Jessica Voigt as the instrumental and overall winner.
Christian College Saxophone Quartet won the group category.
Independent managing editor Tony Galpin, whose paper is a long-standing Star Search sponsor, praised the quality of grand finalists.
“The standard at Star Search rises each year,” Mr Galpin said.
“The event really has become a showcase of the best young talent the region has to offer. It’s also a tribute to the hard work and determination of the entrants in mastering their art.”
Star Search results –
Vocal solo: first, Miranda Orford; second, Charlie Mackie; third, Emily Jacker.
Instrumental solo: first, Jessica Voigt soprano saxophone; second, Lillian Liu, piano; third, Jamie Parker, violin.
Group: first, Christian College Saxophone Quartet; second, Nick Wellsteed-Green and Fletcher Jefferies, guitar duo; third, Dacry and Co, vocal quartet.
Overall winner: Jessica Voigt.
People’s choice joint winners: Lauren and Sheridan Harvey, duo vocals and guitars; Emily Jacker.
Geelong Music Teachers Association Award: Maddison Brown, French horn.
Encouragement award: Charlie Mackie.
