Ellie Lawn. Photo supplied.Ellie Lawn is serious about turning her hobby into her career.

Ellie took part in last week’s Mid Canterbury Summer Singing School and, at the end of the showcase concert, was awarded one of two scholarships.

“I was surprised, delighted and overwhelmed and it made me realise that music could be a career option,” she said.

Ellie (17) and, in her final year at Ashburton College, has attended the summer school for seven years.

The buzz is taking part and being a member of the ensemble singing.

Each of the 100 participants receive their music in December and were required by director, Jo Castelow and choreographer, Julia Bell, to be familiar with the repertoire by the time they came together in January.

This year Ellie’s challenge was to learn a montage of songs from Beauty And the Beast, Spring Awakening, the movie, Moulin Rouge, a new show based on the life of Harriet Tubman and popular music from such mega composers as Elton John.

“I love how ensemble singing sounds and I’m comfortable singing the alto or second soprano parts,” Ellie says.

“It’s good to be versatile.”

Ellie loved performing alongside other experienced young people from throughout Canterbury, all dedicated to performance.

“The first two days we rehearsed the music with Jo, then Julia choreographed the Moulin Rouge soundtrack.

On the third and fourth days we rehearsed on the Event Centre stage, both music and movement,” she says.

The final day focused on a dress and technical rehearsal and then the show, entitled Moving Towards the Future, at night.

“I felt nervous but it went pretty well. I was excited. It was like having a party on stage but with everyone watching,” Ellie commented.

“It was really fun to sing with the other performers using lots of energy.”

But most of all Ellie knew she was learning.

“Every time I do a show I get more confident,” she explains.

At the end of the showcase performance, she was awarded a monetary scholarship to further her singing and performance.

“I guess I got it because of my versatility and reliability,” Ellie explains but both Jo and Julia saw something more in her talent.

This year she’s going to concentrate on both individual and ensemble singing and study for her Grade 8 Trinity College exam.

Ellie is keeping her options open when she leaves college but furthering her musical talent is close to the top of the list.

By Malcolm Hopwood © The Ashburton Guardian - 15 January 2021