UHC students Stacey Duncan, Mei von Keisenberg, and RJ von Keisenberg have come away with a plethora of awards at the Hutt Valley Performing Arts Competition including a number of 1st placings.

Stacey, who has been with Arts A Go Go for seven years, has proven to be a winner with a range of songs to beat off a number of competitors in a range of categories in the 14-16 age category.  

Fellow UHC students, and siblings, Mei von Keisenberg and RJ von Keisenberg also competed in the 16-18 age group sections.  Mei managed a number of second placings and placed in all 16 categories that she entered.

Mei also had a wonderful opportunity during the July holidays to be selected as a student in a masterclass to work with renowned vocalist coach Mark Dorrell at the NEWZATS Conference.  Mei was also selected to sing in a youth choir with the NZSO. They were to perform Beethoven's Symphony No.9 in Te Reo Maori. Unfortunately the concert at the MFC has been cancelled due to Covid.

Meanwhile RJ managed a 3rd and commended awards for his entries.

Stacey's awards: 

• Song in Costume category. 1st Place. THERE ARE WORSE THINGS I COULD DO (from movie "Grease"). 
• Other Song categories. 1st Place. HEART OF STONE (from the musical "Six"). 
• Vocal Solo with Accompanist category - 1st Place. WHEN SHE LOVED ME (from animated movie "Toy Story")  - piano played by Mei von Keisenberg
• Boys and/or Girls Vocal Duet category. 2nd Place: A BOY LIKE THAT - sung with Mei von Keisenberg (from 'West Side Story").
• Popular Song category. VHC: SOMEWHERE OUT THERE (from animated movie "An American Tale").

Mei's awards:

• Vocal duet- 2nd (Mei and Stacey)
• Traditional- 2nd
• Own accompaniment- 3rd
• Group- 2nd (RJ was in this as well)
• Humorous song- 2nd
• Accompaniment by student- 1st ( Stacey Duncan accompanied by Mei) 

RJ's awards:

• Sacred Solo- 3rd
• Popular song- commended