2021 SFYP Programme

MS ALLISON O’LEARY Allison is an English teacher and the Year 12 English Coordinator at Varsity College. With qualifications from the University of Queensland and the University of Southern Queensland in English Literature and Cultural & Communication studies, Allison enjoys providing opportunities for young people to develop their confidence and abilities in spoken mediums. She is excited about supporting students in their development as performers and communicators. MRS MERCEDES PORTER Mercedes started playing piano at four and a half years old and proceeded to add violin and viola to her repertoire. She has completed a Bachelor of Arts in Music and Criminology, as well as a Bachelor of Education, followed by a Master of Education. Mercedes has taught in classroom music in both junior and secondary schools and especially enjoys seeing children develop their musicianship from year to year. Mercedes always looks forward to adjudicating at the Festival as she was one of the participants at the very first Somerset Festival for Young Performers and has fond memories of her experience. MS ANNE ROWE Anne has been involved with the teaching of both classroom music and instrumental music at Somerset and several schools in Western Australia. She has conducted concert band for many years, and is still involved performing in orchestras and concert bands on the Gold Coast. Anne has also been involved in the production of many musicals either as accompanist or on bassoon in the orchestra. Anne is always enthusiastic about encouraging young performers. MS JENNY SONG Jenny has always enjoyed and loved performing in all aspects of the performing arts, from musical instruments, theatre, dance, singing, to speech and drama. She has completed examinations in Trinity, AMEB and AGME in many disciplines. She is currently studying at University of Queensland and is delighted to be back at the Somerset Festival for Young Performers where she performed for many years. MRS LINDA VAN VIERSEN Linda Van Viersen has been teaching speech and drama, effective communication and musical theatre for a number of years including Saint Stephens, Trinity Lutheran, A.B.Paterson and St Hildas School. Linda has always been involved in the performing arts as a musician, singer and actress and basically all things creative. She has been an active participant in both drama and musical theatre productions on the Gold Coast. Linda is looking forward to once again adjudicating at the Somerset Festival. MS HAYLEY WALLACE

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