Registrations for Auckland Council’s secondary school music showcase are now open until 13 June.
Singers, vocal groups, instrumentalists, bands and dancers are invited to enter Stand Up Stand Out 2021 (SUSO), a competition that brings together the best young music and dance talent from all across Auckland.
Councillor Alf Filipaina, Chair of the Parks, Arts, Community and Events committee says that SUSO provides a creative outlet for the youth of Tāmaki Makaurau.
“Helping our tamariki and young people share their musical and dance creativity through SUSO is a real highlight of the year.”
“Our future musicians get the chance to interact and rub shoulders from leaders in the music industry.
“Watching these talented youngsters step up onto a stage and perform in front of an audience is a real thrill.”
Participation in SUSO has been great in the past with more than 1300 students competing in recent years.
These students have represented more than 50 schools from Kaipara College in the north and Waiuku College in the south.
Auckland Council’s Gene Rivers, programme manager for the showcase, says, “SUSO represents a stunning and positive expression of Auckland youth from all backgrounds and musical genres.
“The impact of SUSO alumni on the local and international scene is becoming apparent, these young people will be significant contributors to the industry for years to come.”
Gene says that working alongside the SUSO participants is really rewarding.
“SUSO by design is a vehicle to support young Auckland musicians, their development and subsequent impact on the scene was inevitable, the talent in Auckland was never the issue.”
SUSO sets itself apart from other school arts programmes by offering a range of categories that open opportunities across diverse genres and disciplines. Competition categories include solo vocal, group vocal, solo instrumental, bands and dance.
Heats will begin in August across three hubs: the Ōtara Music Arts Centre; Glen Innes’ Te Oro and the Roskill Youth Zone.
The semifinals will be held at the Māngere Arts Centre - Ngā Tohu o Uenuku on 4 September, with the final being held in the Auckland Town Hall for the first time on 25 September.
Schools are invited to register individuals and groups via an online application form here.
Applications are open now and will be accepted until 13 June 2021.
