Time to Stand Up Stand Out.
North, south, east, west and central: Auckland’s secondary school music showcase is back, but not as you know it.
In a year that has seen school musicals called off, school balls cancelled and school band practices moved to the garage, Stand Up Stand Out (SUSO) is a shining light.
SUSO - is going ahead in a re-shaped, re-energised form.
Responding to Auckland Council’s budget constraints, SUSO will not be a competition this year but a celebration bringing together young music talent from across Auckland.
Musicians and vocalists from secondary schools have the opportunity to audition in a supportive environment at one of five SUSO performance hubs across Auckland in front of a selector from the music industry.
Performers from each hub will then be selected to represent their region at the SUSO 2020 Showcase at Māngere Arts Centre – Ngā Tohu o Uenuku.
Hub performances kick off on 12 August, with the showcase taking place on 26 September.
There will be a small live audience to accommodate school support teams, but friends and families can experience the performances via a livestream event which will be shared across the SUSO Facebook page.
Enter online
Schools are invited to register individuals and groups via an online application form here.
Applications are open now and will be accepted until 31 July 2020.
Auckland Council’s Gene Rivers says: “The programme will be a thrilling and exciting showcase that focuses on the energy of live performance but also represents a stunning and positive expression of Auckland youth from all backgrounds.”
In recent years participation in SUSO has grown to more than 1300 students, featuring over 50 schools from Kaipara College in the north to Waiuku College in the south.
Councillor Alf Filipaina, Chair of the Parks, Arts, Community and Events committee is proud Auckland Council is able to continue supporting the music of Auckland’s youth with a renewed Stand Up Stand Out.
He says: “For some of our gifted young musicians, this is their first chance to step up onto a stage, perform in front of an audience and rub shoulders with leaders in the music industry. We want to help enable them to share their voice through music.”
The SUSO opportunity enables young artists to connect with key industry players. Selectors bring their profiles in the music industry to the students’ experience and SUSO also attracts interest from APRA, NZ on Air, Recorded Music NZ and others whose eyes will be on the young talent emerging through the programme.
SUSO is a feeder to Auckland Council events and festivals and a pathway to industry careers. In recent years students have performed at Christmas in the Park, Waitangi Day celebrations, Music in Parks, Matariki Festival and other summer festivals.
SUSO is another way for Auckland to celebrate its status as a UNESCO City of Music, providing young people with access to and participation in the programme, as well as sharing the enjoyment of music with students, schools, their families and all Aucklanders.
This process gives visibility to talented young singers, musicians and bands; something that has become rarer and more valuable than ever this year.
Stand Up Stand Out is proudly brought to the region by Auckland Council.
