The magic of Broadway came to Hunstanton when students of all ages showcased their talents in a recent performance.
Among those performing in the ‘Smithdon Salutes Broadway’ concert at the end of March were the secondary school’s newly formed Show Choir and its Year 7 band, which recently placed third in the West Norfolk Academies Trust Battle of the Bands competition.
The event, held at Hunstanton Town Hall, was attended by around 150 people who were entertained by the students.
Musical numbers included the Show Choir’s ‘Six from Six’, a solo version of ‘Stick it to the Man’ from School of Rock, a dance to ‘Flash Bang Wallop’, the school choir’s rendition of ‘Waving through a Window’ from Dear Evan Hansen, and the Year 7 band’s performance of ‘We Will Rock You’ from the Queen musical.
Organiser Andrea Miller, music lead at Smithdon, said: “We had so many first-time performers and lots of Year 7 get up on stage, and it is so lovely to see their confidence grow and blossom.
“Our Year 7 band, The Unknown, are always a highlight - they are so confident, and their stage presence is developing so much. All of the boys in the band even got up and played different instruments, which was amazing.”
Miss Miller went on to say: “Our students love these events. They get so excited, albeit a bit nervous as well, to get up on stage and perform for people.
“These events are incredibly important. They are important to allow the community to see the outstanding talent we have, but they are also important in the building up and development of our students’ confidence.”
“I am so proud of all our student performers, who did an amazing job and grew in confidence after every show,” head teacher Amanda Gibbins added.
“I am also incredibly grateful to Miss Miller for all the time and organisation she puts in to ensure our student showcases are such a huge success”.
Reporting by Lola Jackson