On Thursday and Friday last week, over 1000 Mackay pre-school children came face-to-face with the captivating world of music in a modified version of the age-old fairy tale, Cinderella.

The sell-out performances consisted of six shows that were held in the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music (CQCM) foyer and performed by CQCM Bachelor of Music students.

Based on the ‘Cinderella’ story that the CQCM is currently performing at the CQCM Theatre in Mackay this week, ‘Sing Cinderella, Sing’ featured the same beautiful and ugly characters as the traditional story with a more interactive approach and a slightly different twist in the tale.

This time, the contest was not for winning a handsome prince, but rather a singing competition for which the fairy godmother helps Cinderella put a band together. The show introduced violins, keyboards, clarinets, saxophones, timpani, double bass, trumpet, drum and alto singers to the young pre-school audience.

Children were encouraged to participate in the show throughout the performance and were invited to ‘meet the instruments’ at the conclusion of the performance.

'Sing, Cinderella Sing' was written and directed by Kim Kirkman, Lecturer in Music with the CQCM. The ensemble was put together after a similar successful production last year. “It was so well received last year, that the teachers requested that we do the same this year,” said Kim.

“It’s not part of the student’s academic commitments at CQCM, but rather a chance for the students to gain more experience and give something back to the community,” he commented.

This years’ production was written with the sole purpose to bring youngsters into the world of music and for them to experience orchestral and rock music instruments and singers.

The 40-minute comic play/opera focuses and features the song, ‘The colour of your voice’ which Kim wrote for the Ten Tenors, about 10 years ago. The theme of the song and the production “is that we all sound different from each other and that everyone’s voice is beautiful in its own way,” said Kim.

More interactive, educational and entertaining shows for youngsters can be expected from CQCM staff and students in the future.

Photo above: Pre-school aged youngsters watch on as they are introduced to orchestral rock instruments and singers through CQCM production ‘Sing Cinderella, Sing’.