Maryborough recently hosted the Fraser Coast Talent Time competition,  which was open to all local acts. There were many entries from across the region including comedians, dancers, and entertainment, dominated by many vocal entries ranging from Choir groups, Duo's and Solo singers. The event was run with COVID-19 safety plans at a ticketed event last month, and the 14 Semi-finalists were matched across 4 heats in the afternoon with the final acts returning later that evening to compete for the win.

The artistic Kate Bensted sang her way to the top of the competition with her emotional rendition of 'She used to be mine' from the Musical "The Waitress". She competed on the talent quest stage against 5 current student peers and 5 past students of St Mary's College who have all been involved in the musical programs unique to the College. 

Kate's dedication to singing is encouraged as part of the St Mary's College vocal music program, the only one in the region. Kate and her peers were all encouraged to enter the Talent Time competition as part of their performance portfolio and quest to gain stage experience by music teacher Mrs Tracy Wright who was herself a member of the competing Maryborough show choir.

Advocating for music in this modern and fast paced era Mrs Wright has encouraged the students to join such projects as the Virtual Choir Project, the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University State Honours Ensemble Program, and regularly organises community performances in this region. A number of vocalists including Kate were also featured in the St Mary's Twenty20 art exhibition which embraced technology and went Virtual this year amongst the pandemic restrictions.

Kate had chosen the winning composition, in her own words "after watching the musical and feeling connected to the song". She is a member of the Musical Club and enjoys individual singing lessons whilst still at school. She is looking forward to the Talent Time competition continuing in future years as she said "It was a great experience and we all had a lot of fun"

 

Winners – 

First Place. Kate Bensted 

Second. Finn Meredith 

Third. Emma Newman 

Fourth. Natalie and Anna Dance Duo

 

Finalists

Maryborough show choir

Natalie and Anna Dance Duo

Emma Newman

Danielle Muza

Kate Bensted

Finn Meredith

Alex Kunst & Chloe Wright

Semi Finalists

Patrick Hagan Soloist

Maryborough Show Choir

Alex Kunst & Chloe Wright Duo

Emma Newman Soloist