Students set to shine at Telethon

Michael Jackson, Elton John and Stevie Wonder are just a few of the big-names to have performed live at Telethon.

It’s one of Western Australia’s longest running TV events, but this year you might recognise a few more familiar faces.

The Rangeway Primary School Indi-Genius group will take up a slot on stage for the show when it is broadcast around the State on Channel 7 on October 17 and 18.

To even be guaranteed a spot, acts must apply and send in an audition tape, something arts teacher George Scicluna said was a daunting task.

“Telethon have hundreds of acts audition every year, so we had to send in audition footage of the boys performing,” he said.

“It is very intense as you literally have to have a performance that is timed to the second.

“The pressure of performing live on stage is also immense as well as exciting.

“The experience is above the years of some of our young students, but they are capable of rising to the challenge and have demonstrated in the past that they can.”

The group almost didn’t make it to the stage though, as a performance around the same time almost prompted the school to withdraw its application.

But as luck would have it, the school was notified early they had gained entry and now the boys will travel to Perth for two performances.

Along with Telethon, the boys will also perform at the WA Education Awards this year.

Mr Scicluna said the group now had twice the reason to be proud of their achievement.

“This is extra special because the students are so young and it’s also the second prestigious gig they will be playing this year,” he said.

“In November they will be travelling to Perth for three days of performing, culminating in a show at the WA Education Awards.

“The boys now have to reach high expectations and by doing this will achieve our ultimate goal and vision of self-belief, and respect for their culture.”