Get the latest news to your email inbox FREE!

REGISTER

Get the latest news to your email inbox FREE!

REGISTER
HomeNewsYouth contest seeking stars

Youth contest seeking stars

The region’s leading annual talent quest is a “fantastic opportunity for young musicians,” according to one of last year’s finalists.

Trombonist Harrison Steele-Holmes said Highton Rotary’s Star Search was “a great way to get your name out there”.

The 16-year-old from Belmmont reached the instrumental finals at Star Search in each of the past three years.

“Being able to compete with talented like-minded musicians and play in front of a large audience has been a really valuable experience,” the year 11 student said.

“It has definitely helped me develop and improve as a performer.”

Star Search has uncovered some of Geelong’s greatest musicians, including pop star Missy Higgins.

The search for the region’s next young star begins with auditions in May, giving a mix of vocalists and instrumentalists a chance to showcase their talents.

Harrison said he would “definitely recommend people to try out”.

“Even just doing the auditions is a great chance to perform in a professional environment and build your confidence.“

This year’s Star Search will offer $5000 in prize money, with each category winner to receive $1000. An overall champion will win $1300.

Vocal auditions will beon 1 May and instrumentalists on 8 May at Highton’s St Luke’s Church.

The Star Searh final will be a at Sacred Heart’s McAuley Hall on 31 May.

Organisers said audition registrations were open at hightonrotary.com/page/starsearch-nbsp.

The Geelong Indy is a sponsor of Star Search.

Digital Edition
Subscribe

Get an all ACCESS PASS to the News and your Digital Edition with an online subscription

From the archives

18 years ago 29 February, 2008 Police hope to find clues to unsolved crimes after authorities hauled 20 dumped cars out of the Barwon River yesterday. A...
More News

World-class talent on show

Indian and American artist ganavya (aka Ganavya Doraiswamy) has been hailed as a vibrant new voice in modern music, blending spiritual jazz with Indian...

Geelong active play program funded

Registered charity NeuroThrive has received $24,000 in funding from the Victorian government’s $40 million All Abilities Sport Fund to provide a new, free active...

Transforming with yEAH/dUNNO

Jon Campbell’s yEAH/dUNNO exhibition opens today (28 February) at Geelong Gallery, bringing together a selection of the artist’s works from over four decades. ...

Community calendar

Book sale Uniting Grovedale book sale, Uniting Grovedale, 272 Torquay R, 6 & 7 March, 10am-2pm. All books $1, children’s books 50 cents. Bellydance classes Beginner level,...

Families March On

A Highton husband and wife team will March On for veteran mental health, in honour of their daughter currently serving in the Australian army....

Youth and experience collide

Two of the blues’ finest exponents return to the Bellarine this weekend almost exactly 12 months after their first visit together in 2025. Internationally acclaimed...

Lois keeps on dancing

North Geelong resident Lois Pearce is looking forward to cutting a rug at the Leopold Hall for her birthday this year. Having been involved in...

Launching comedy’s next stars

Dylan McBurney is the founder and executive producer of a national program helping young comedians launch their careers. They spoke to Matt Hewson about...

Amber squats for research

Rippleside’s Amber Ashby is doing what she can to support others going through breast cancer following her own diagnosis two years ago. ...

Many cultures, one street

Victoria’s premier multicultural festival is back for its 44th year. This Saturday 28 February, Cultura’s 2026 Pako Festa will once again transform Pakington Street into...