The 2025 State School Spectacular has just wrapped up, and it’s honestly hard to capture what makes this event so special in just a few words. Every year, thousands of Victorian State School students come together to put on a show that’s anything but ordinary — and 2025 marked its 30th Anniversary, making it even more memorable. This time, over 2,500 students from 200 schools spent the past seven months preparing to take part in music, dance, circus arts, and even backstage production roles at John Cain Arena.
What’s truly impressive is the sheer scale: mass dance and choir, a 75-piece orchestra, principal and ensemble vocalists, dancers, circus artists, lighting designers, costumers, audio engineers — the works. For a production run by school students, the professionalism on display is off the charts. Many Spec alumni have gone on to major careers in music and theatre, and watching current students work alongside top industry professionals is genuinely inspiring.
For me, leading the Spec Drumline since 2022 has been one of the most rewarding parts of my year. There’s something magical about watching a group of students come together — sometimes starting with zero experience — and grow into a tight-knit, creative, and confident team. The musical challenges keep students engaged and challenged, but it’s the friendships, laughs, and moments of joy that really stick with me. Drumline in this setting is so much more than drumming; it’s building a community, developing discipline, and learning what it takes to perform at a professional level.
Production week is always a highlight. Imagine rehearsals with thousands of students under the stadium lights, executing complex routines and getting the inside scoop on running large-scale arena shows. There’s the usual nerves and excitement, but also genuine pride as students see their hard work come together on stage and broadcast to the nation on Channel 7.
One of my favourite things about Spec is that students of all backgrounds get a chance to shine. You don’t need years of experience — enthusiasm and teamwork are what really matter. Whether it’s mass choir, dance, orchestra, or drumline, the program offers a pathway for everyone to discover their creativity and build confidence. Friendships formed here genuinely last, and I’ve seen students grow not just as musicians, but as people.
None of it would be possible without the amazing Spec team. Huge thanks to Chong Lim, Kai Chen Lim, Simon Patterson, Neil Gladwin, Richard Vaudrey and all the amazing professionals who give so much to the students and the show. Every year I leave feeling inspired, and I know the students do too.
If there are any drum or percussion teachers reading — I cannot recommend getting involved with the State School Spectacular Drumline highly enough. It’s a priceless experience for students, and for teachers, there’s nothing quite like seeing your students light up under the arena spotlights.
Please feel free to drop me a line with any questions – I’d love to help!
Here’s to another spectacular year — and already looking forward to the next one!