Lanarkshire pupils make 13th Supercounty Supershow a success

Dec 3 2009

TALENTED pupils from secondary schools across Lanarkshire played a starring role in making the 13th Supercounty Supershow another outstanding success.

A cast of more than 200 pupils from 15 schools provided 29 quality acts, who were given a rousing reception in Motherwell Concert Hall.

The Senior Vocal Ensemble from Hamilton Grammar performed ‘Be my baby' while Lucy McAvoy, from Holy Cross High School sang ‘Not While I'm Around.'

Strathaven Academy pupils entertained the audience in a variety of ways during the first act, with Jonathan Kennedy singing ‘Oh what a beautiful mornin', Heather Lynn playing ‘Summertime' on the cello and Claire Connelly singing ‘For Good'.

Piper Iain Crawford opened the second act with ‘The Final Countdown', followed by the Senior Vocal Group with ‘Hallelujah'.

Pianist Tom Timmons from Cardinal Newman High School in Bellshill was given an early slot to played ‘In the Groove', with the Bogs Brae Band performing ‘The Wind that Shakes the Barley'.

After the interval, pianist Garreth Thomson played ‘I'd like to say everything', followed by guitar duo David Hopkins and Daniel Docherty with ‘Forever'.

Stacey Tollan, of Our Lady's High School in Motherwell sang ‘Someone Like You', and trumpeter Lee Mackie, from Brannock High School, in Motherwell, performed ‘La Danza’ while Rachel Oates sang ‘Out here on my Own'.

St Aidan's High School, Wishaw, provided two class acts in Rachael Totten who sang ‘Listen' and Nicholas McDonald who performed ‘As long as I have Music'.

The Supershow, which was compered by Michelle McManus, was organised by Supercounty and again sponsored by M&D’s Scotland's Theme Park.

John Scott, Head of Supercounty, said: “This was another wonderful showcase of the musical talent we keep discovering year on year in Lanarkshire's classrooms.

“The young people combined ability and presentation skills with a confidence to go out there and perform to such a high standard in front of an audience of around 1000 people.

“That's what we at Supercounty are striving to encourage - nurturing that confidence which, in later life, will stand them in good stead in whatever career they choose to pursue."

Compere Michelle McManus, whose musical career was fashioned at a county school, said: “Once again, the show exceeded all my expectations. Being a Lanarkshire girl, I can't tell you how important it is for me to be involved in this night.

“It's good to see these young people progress and more important for me is to see them given this opportunity to come up here and perform without four judges looking at them, criticising what they're wearing and how they sing.

“These young people are here to be celebrated. They're so talented. Long may this show continue."