Low note, high finish at Star Search

Callum Hicks’ hit the lowest note in the grand final of the region’s premier annual talent quest.
But the B-flat on Callum’s tuba during his performance of The Bass in the Ballroom led to first prize in the instrumental category of Star Search 2009.
The cream of the region’s young performers starred in the grand final at Costa Hall last Friday night.
Callum was rapt to win.
“I’m very much in awe of the talent I competed against and can’t believe I won’, he said.
Caleb Vines was the night’s biggest winner for his stirring version of Someone to Fall Back On.
The Powercor Star Search judges awarded him first prize in the vocal category and the event’s overall prize as well.
“I want to study music and theatre at university next year and the $1300 prize will help pay my fees,” he said.
“I’m just so honoured the judges picked me as the overall winner this year.”
Jessie Upton won second prize in the vocal category, with Tara Vagg third prize.
In the instrumental category, flautist Anna Ballinger won second prize, while Christian College Saxophone Quartet finished third.
An A&B Musical Instruments/Rotary Club of Highton award for promising vocal act went to Emily Donoghue.
A Geelong Music Teachers Association prize for promising classical solo instrument performance was awarded to pianist Eda Kaynak.
Friday night’s grand final was the culmination of several rounds of auditions and heats, with many of the aspiring local talent vowing to enter again in 2010.
Rotary Club of Highton conducts Powercor Star Search as a community service event.
The Independent is a Star Search sponsor.