THE Manning Entertainment Centre was a hive of activity on Tuesday (August 26) as visiting guest artists and school students came together for the first time in preparation for Wednesday's Rotary Manning Valley Schools Spectacular.
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Tickets for the two concerts, which are a fundraiser for the Australian Children's Music Foundation (ACMF) programs running in Taree, have sold well, with the 7pm concert completely sold out and the 11am show almost a full house.
Guest artists Don Spencer OAM, George Ellis, Rachael Beck and George Houvardas are all looking forward to the showcase, which involves about 300 students from 12 schools across the Manning Valley.
Members of Sinfonia, orchestra of the Mid North Coast and piano accompanist Peter Stevenson have also come on board to accompany the finale performance by Don Spencer.
Schools taking part are Manning Valley Anglican College, St Joseph's Primary School Taree, Taree High, Wingham Public, Wingham High, St Clare's High, Chatham High, Chatham Public, Taree Public, Manning Gardens Public, Taree West Public and Tinonee Public.
Musical theatre performer and ACMF ambassador Rachael Beck is participating in the spectacular for the first time and said she couldn't be happier to be involved.
"I hear it's a fantastic celebration of music," she said.
"I was up here doing a workshop earlier this year and I loved the community and I was really looking forward to coming back.
"A lot of kids who did my workshop are also doing the Sound of Music number. I love kids very much and I'm looking forward to it the most."
As well as performing Do Re Mi from The Sound of Music (for which she performed the role of Maria professionally about eight years ago) with a group of local students, Rachael is also performing a duet from Wicked with young singer Charlotte Reece.
Rachael has enjoyed her time in Taree and hopes to come back again in the future.
"Next time I'll come and do a solo show. Once I fall in love with a place you can't keep me away."
George Houvardas hosted last year's inaugural Schools Spectacular and is excited to be back.
A close friend of Don Spencer's for many years, he is pleased his schedule could allow him to return - and this time he will be co-hosting with Georgina Saad.
"I love doing anything for charity. I've been with the ACMF for the past four to five years - ever since I was on Dancing with the Stars.
"It's good to see the kids perform. It's not really about the personalities, it's about the kids and their talent. We're just here to add to the entertainment. The kids do a great job on their own."
The Rotary Manning Valley Schools Spectacular is on at the Manning Entertainment Centre on Wednesday, August 27, at 11am and 7pm.