Music students from Golden Beach State School are warming their vocal chords and preparing to defend their title at the Breakthru School Music and Dance Competition, following Sunshine Plaza’s recent announcement that the hotly contested competition will return this year.

Sunshine Plaza Centre Manager Michael Manwaring said more than 20 schools from across the Sunshine Coast would converge on the centre over three weekends in May and June to compete for a share in the $30,000 prize pool.

“Following the success of last year’s competition, we have had more schools than ever before apply to showcase the music and dance prowess of their students,” Mr Manwaring said.

“All four competition categories – primary dance, primary music, secondary dance and secondary music – filled in record time, and the competition has been so popular that we have had to create a waitlist to keep up with demand.”

“A total of $7,500 in cash and prizes will be up for grabs for each category, with the best acts from each heat going on to compete in the grand final at Sunshine Plaza’s Riverwalk Stage on 10 June.”

Mr Manwaring said students had set the bar high in past years, with 2016 secondary school winner Glasshouse Christian College and primary school winner Golden Beach State School back to compete again this year.

“The Golden Beach State School Performance Team took out the top gong last year in the primary division with their animated performance of Naughty from Matilda the Musical, so they are working hard on their 2017 musical routine in the hope of achieving a place on the podium once again.”

“If past years are anything to go by, I think we can safely say we will see some of the finest up-and-coming talent the Sunshine Coast has to offer.”

“The effort students and teachers go to to prepare for their performances is really apparent in the high standard of the routines delivered and I can’t wait to see what’s in store this year.”

Schools from Noosa and Nambour, right through to Caloundra, Maroochydore and Beerwah are registered to compete in the 2017 event, with each school performing a routine of up to five minutes.

“We’re delighted to be welcoming a number of new schools to this year’s competition line-up, with Federal State School, Pacific Lutheran College, Siena Catholic College, Suncoast Christian College and Peregian Beach College all showcasing their skills for the first time.”

“We’ll be treated to over 30 performances throughout the competition heats with dance and music groups as well as solo acts taking to the stage.”

As part of the competition, Sunshine Plaza will partner with youth-focused community organisations headspace Maroochydore and ZedTwelve to raise awareness of the importance of youth mental health and wellbeing.

Breakthru School Music and Dance Competition heats will be held at The Riverwalk Stage at Sunshine Plaza in Maroochydore on Saturday 20 and 27 May, with the grand final scheduled for Saturday, 10 June. Members of the public are invited to watch the performances.

To find out more or view the list of participating schools, please visit www.sunshineplazabreakthru.com.

Fast facts – Breakthru School Music and Dance Competition

• 22 Sunshine Coast schools participating
• 31 music and dance acts
• Two heats plus grand final over three weekends
• $30,000 prize pool
• Hosted by Sunshine Plaza

Ends

Media contact
Kristen Roder, Fresh PR & Marketing
0406 546 461
breakthru@freshprm.com.au

More information

Expressions of Interest for Breakthru School and Dance Competition have now closed, with the following schools registered to participate in the 2017 competition:

• Beerwah State High School
• Brightwater State School
• Buderim Mountain State School
• Caloundra State School
• Eumundi State School
• Federal State School
• Glasshouse Christian College
• Glenview State School
• Golden Beach State School
• Good Shepherd Lutheran College
• Kawana Waters State College
• Landsborough State School
• Maroochydore State High School
• Maroochydore State School
• Noosa District State High School
• North Arm State School
• Pacific Lutheran College
• Peregian Beach College
• Siena Catholic College
• Suncoast Christian College
• Talara Primary College
• The Kuluin State School