- 29th ANNUAL SOUTH AUSTRALIAN COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL BARMERA 2007 Winner Female Vocal section and FRANK HARDING SA AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
- Born in Adelaide on September 8th 1972
- I grew up in the house my parents still live in at Banksia Park (Tea
Tree Gully)
- I attended Banksia Park Junior Primary, Primary and High Schools.
- I began playing the viola in grade 3 at primary school
- Played the Viola in the Festival of Music SA orchestra in both grade
6 and grade 7.
- I always loved to sing when I was at home alone, especially to mum
and dad's old 50s rock and roll and I shared their love for country
music artists Kenny Rogers and Olivia Newton-John's first album. I also
remember stealing my friend's older sisters Dolly Parton records to
play when she was out; we knew every word to Jolene. The lounge room
curtains made an excellent stage and it was years before I was informed
that the neighbours often listened to every word I sang.
- While I was involved with my music, I was also doing calisthenics,
jazz and modern ballet and playing netball.
- I began singing in when I was 14 by accident, the teachers thought
I could sing well and encouraged me to do more. In less then 1 year
I ceased playing the viola, especially as at the age of 14 it was so
uncool to play a string instrument!
- I was an exchange student to Norway for one year at the age of 16.
During this time I sang the national anthem more times than I can count,
and was often invited to sing at school concerts and on field trips
with other exchange students.
- When I returned from Norway and returned to school, I began having
voice lessons with Mr John Crossing. John then became my friend, my
teacher and my mentor.
- John taught me and supported me with everything. He would drive me
to exams, auditions, school based assessments, encourage me, support
me, push me and was always there for me.
- John often tried to get me to become involved in country music performing
but my self-esteem was a huge hindrance and often held me back from
trying new things.
- Throughout high school I sang with the jazz band, solo, and performed
at lunchtime, school and open house concerts.
- I successfully completed the jazz course at Banksia Park High School,
year 12 PES music performance and theory.
- John supported me to audition for the University of SA Music course,
I was successful but my self-esteem became a barrier and I later changed
to a Bachelor of Social Work as I did not believe I was good enough
to sing at University level.
- John Crossing and I remained close and he would support me to sing
in weddings and other small opportunities.
John died from pancreatic cancer when I was 22 years old and I was devastated,
I did not sing much for several years until I was working at a hotel
that started having karaoke in the front bar on Friday evenings.
- When my hotel managers discovered I could sing they offered me no
rostered shifts on Friday nights, on the condition I came in and performed
any songs the locals requested from me.
- I then started singing at the Lutheran church I had attended Sunday
School at on Sunday mornings with the contemporary band. I continued
this for almost 3 years, the experience was great.
- My dad's family is all from Beachport and I had been travelling to
the southeast since I was a child to visit my grandparents and uncle.
It was no surprise to anyone that I decided to move to the south east
when I was 25 years old.
- Not long after moving to the country I experienced approximately 4
years of extremely bad health, these conditions, combined with medication
created a weight gain of almost 60 kgs in a very short space of time.
This certainly did no justice for my self-esteem!
- One evening while messing around at a Karaoke competition I was approached
by some members of south East Country Music Association who suggested
I come along to club days. It took me three months to have the confidence
to contact them and attend.
- Walk-ups, Club Days, Festivals and talent quests were all new to me,
but now almost 4 years later, I am loving them all. Understanding the
process, chord charts, bands, politics and what's around and what you
can become involved in is something I learn more about every day.
- In June 2002 I won my first country music award.
- Since then I have entered most of the available South Australian competitions.
- I have qualified to compete at SA Champion of Champions for the past
3 years, this year I made the top 3.
- I entered my first Victorian competition in Mildura
2005 and was overjoyed to qualify for Victorian Champion of Champions
and place in the top 3!
- I have returned to playing my guitar and hope to support myself on
stage soon. I take any opportunity to further develop my skills at both
Millicent and Mt Gambier club days.
- I would love to improve the status and recognition of country music
in the lower south east of South Australia, through positive media and
increased opportunities in any way I can.
- I have been invited to be a guest artist at several clubs now and
have performed at numerous charity events.
- Hope to continue "getting myself out there, improving my skills
and developing the courage to perform some original songs at some stage
in the future.
- I love Country Music, I love to sing and perform and most of all I
love to see others get pleasure and enjoyment out of something I am
so passionate about!
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