Talented Lauren selected for performing arts school

Lauren Brown’s dream of taking her musical abilities further has been boosted after she was selected for the Hunter School of the Performing Arts.

The 16-year-old Narrabri High School student, the daughter of James and Mandy Brown, will pack her bags and move to Newcastle in the new year to start studying at the specialist school that focuses on music, dance and drama.

Her selection into the competitive school comes after a whirlwind few years that has seen Lauren take her talent across the world.

Last year, she performed in CAPERS, a Tamworth production featuring schools from the north west.

Before that, she jetted off to Europe as a member of the West of the Divide choir ensemble with the group making appearances at the Vatican and on Croatian national television.

Lauren has had a love for music since a young age.

“Music has always been around,” she said, of family life.

Lauren applied for entry to the school in August and submitted her online audition video in September.

She performed two short pieces – Scarborough Fair and Almost There from Princess and the Frog.

“I’ve felt like I’ve always had music in me,” she said.

“Music has always been there for me when I’m down or when I’m really excited.”

She took up guitar lessons at 10-years-old with Aaron Johnson.

This year, Lauren and Mr Johnson formed a duo called ‘Two Up’ but the pair’s plans were put on hold due to the COVID pandemic.

Their second performance as a duo was at the recent business networking night held at The Crossing Theatre for Small Business Month.

Mr Johnson has been one of many people to help Lauren on her musical journey through life.

Former Narrabri resident Julie Fawcett helped nurture Lauren’s musical talent as a child.

Narrabri High School teachers Stephen Bailey, Jeremy Bergen and Rod Ritchies as well as Gilly Goddard and Layten Smith have also had important roles in her musical development.

Lauren said she was sad to leave Narrabri High School behind.

“It’s been such a great school,” she said.

“But I’m excited about the opportunities at my new school.”

Lauren’s mother Mandy Brown said the family was proud of her selection and her achievements.

“She was always singing and always seemed to be in tone and on pitch,” Mrs Brown said of her daughter as a young child.

“You hear her in the shower, everywhere … she just sings.

“When she was little, when I would put The Wiggles on – or anything musical – she wouldn’t move.”