She made the distinguished achievers list for four subjects in this year’s HSC, but Winmalee’s Siobhan ‘Shay’ Clifford was most excited by another “crazy opportunity”.
The 18-year-old was chosen this week for a role in the new Hi-5 line-up and is set to perform with the group on Christmas Eve in Melbourne at the Carols by Candlelight at Sidney Myer Music Bowl.
After getting stellar top band six results in drama, English advanced, music 2 and music extension at Winmalee High, she capped off a big week by being chosen in the long-standing children’s group.
“I got [four] band sixes, I was really happy,” she told the Gazette, who has followed her singing career closely.
“I guess cause I worked really hard all through school, when I got into Hi-5 I forgot about all the school stuff – then getting my ATAR [of 93.7] was a nice way to close that chapter.
“It’s a crazy opportunity, I grew up with Hi-5 I used to love watching it with my gran, so it’s really nice to understand the influence I can have on young children.”
Siobhan was chosen to audition after the producers noticed her on Schools Spectacular, which showcases musical talent in NSW public schools.
“I got a call to come in – they had seen me in Schools Spectacular, that’s how it started. It’s so exciting, its so surreal.”
She was picked from nearly 500 hopefuls.
“It was a big audition process, it wasn’t like your average audition, it was a lot more fun. We did lots of singing and dancing, screen tests in front of the camera, and mixed up the groups and personalities.
“When I received the call that I had made the cast I cried.”
Her name in the group will be shortened down to Shay.
“Siobhan is a bit challenging for children – I’m getting used to it – Shay – it’s short for Siobhan."
Christmas Eve will be the first time for a few years that Hi-5 has appeared on Channel Nine’s Carols, and Siobhan said the group is already working well and “excited” about that first public performance.
“They’re all so nice, we’re like a little family already.”
She’s put plans to go to WAAPA – The Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts – to study a Bachelor of Musical Theatre on the backburner.
“It was a tough decision to make, but Hi-5 is not an opportunity I can put on hold … I can always try out again. They were very understanding and supportive.”
Siobhan credits time spent as a feature artist on Schools Spectacular and with the Talent Development Project – also a public school opportunity – for preparing her for show business.
“Definitely Schools Spectacular [helped] .. you are treated as professionals, there’s high expectations, a solid work ethic, the rehearsals are intensive, I learned what it was to work in the industry [and] then the Talent Development Project in Musical Theatre from Year 8 to Year 12 gave me monthly feedback from music professionals. They were the two things that prepared me.”
Siobhan’s Facebook page has been flooded with good wishes from friends and family. Her Facebook post about the news garnered more than 1000 likes as dozens of friends posted their congratulatory messages.
Monique Dentrinos said: “Congratulations Siobhan, well deserved for such a talented young lady” and another Andy Davis wrote “I could not be happier for you, please remain the same self-deprecating modest and stupidly talented girl we know now as you rise to become a star.” And Brad Scaramuzzi added: “Gives me a reason to watch Hi5 again”.
Siobhan said she has been “so overwhelmed by the support –everyone in the Blue Mountains has really got on board”.
Hi-5 executive producer and creative director Julie Greene said they “were blown away with the enormous interest from performers across Australia wanting to be part of Hi-5”.
“The judging process was extremely tough with so much talent on show, but we know our audiences will fall in love with the new members, just like we have.”
The original award winning Hi-5 group started in 1998. The next Hi-5 season will air on Nine’s Go! Kids in 2017. Hi-5 will perform live at the Fairmont in Leura on January 15.
