By Brendan Rees
For Narre Warren North’s Matt Prins, the prospect of singing in front of the biggest crowd of his life was “exciting.”
The 24 year-old was announced as the national anthem singer at this year’s Cranbourne GP Run on Saturday 21 October.
“I am feeling very excited to sing the national anthem at this year’s GP. I have performed all over the Casey area, so I have sung in front of quite large audiences, but I believe this will be one of the biggest,” he said.
“I always get nervous when I perform, but that is what makes every performance special, it means you care about what you do.”
“I do like to support the city I live in and all the community events that are organised.”
Mr Prins, who took out first prize in the over 21 age group at a Casey Star Search for a Cause vocal competition in August this year, said he did not really expect to be selected to sing the national anthem.
“I was seen singing at Westfield Fountain Gate when I competed in a local singing competition – Star Search for a Cause. Then my name was passed on to the people that organise the GP.”
“Star Search for a Cause is a vocal competition that raises money for Narre Warren and Cranbourne’s Relay for life, which is a fund-raiser for cancer research. I was very happy to have finally won this competition as I had competed a few times, but never really got the crown.”
Mr Prins has been attending Vocal Performance School in Cranbourne South for the past four years.
“Vocal performance school is a fantastic vocal school if you wish to learn how to use your voice properly. I would recommend this school to anyone who would like to understand their voice better,” he said.
“I was always singing ever since I can remember. I didn’t start taking it all seriously until I was about 18 and really wanted to give the singing industry a try.”
Mr Prins also participated in the Windmill Theatre Company’s production of Chicago, performed at the Drum Theatre in Dandenong during June and July this year, adding the experience was “incredible.”
“I had always wanted to do musical theatre, but I never really knew what theatre companies were out there. Being a part of this show has taught me a whole lot, and I can’t wait to be a part of many more musical theatre productions,” he said.
Asked if he had been rehearsing for the GP Run, he said “a little bit, just to make sure I don’t mess up the lyrics.”
Working hard to be a part of more musical theatre productions was on Mr Prins’ priority list.
“I’m excited about what the future holds for me in terms of my music. I love being able to perform all around the City of Casey, but I would love to be able to take my music one step further.”
