Cassidy Mackie reveals why she used to sneak out of class at PBC

One of the leading performers in this year’s edition of The Voice Australia has revealed the unusual reason she used to sneak out of class at former school PBC.

The Voice Australia semi-finalist Cassidy Mackie has revealed how she used to sneak out of class at Palm Beach Currumbin State High to practice on a grand piano in the foyer.

The talented vocalist said she was looking forward to playing the same piano again early next month as part of the school’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

“The school has the most beautiful grand piano,” Ms Mackie said. “It’ll be nice to be able to play that again.

“I used to sneak off in music class and sit in the foyer where it was positioned and write things or play things.

“... It definitely soundtracked a lot of my formative years.”

Ms Mackie, who graduated from PBC in 2012, joined the school in Year 10, having previously attended a private college. She said it was a life-changing move, affording her opportunities she would otherwise not have got.

“It’s exciting to be able to come back and pay tribute to the school and everything that it offered me,” she said.

“There were great opportunities through the school.

“There’s a state schools initiative called Creative Generation, a massive initiative put on in Brisbane once a year. It’s an audition-only process with featured vocalists and dancers.

“I got to do that in 2011 and 2012. I was the school’s first featured vocalist.

Courtney Monsma and Cassidy Mackie preparing for the PBC musical in 2011. Picture: Kit De Guymer

“There’s been a number of talented kids that have gone through since like Sheldon Riley, but it was a privilege to be able to pioneer that for the school and get PBC attention at a state level.

“That sort of opportunity wouldn’t have presented itself if I’d stayed at the private school and not taken a chance on state schooling and state education. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything, I had the best time.”

Cassidy Mackie BLEW us away with this breathtaking moment! #TheVoiceAUpic.twitter.com/dia8pWn3Uy

— The Voice Australia (@TheVoiceAU) May 2, 2022

Ms Mackie will be appearing at a special 50th anniversary event at PBC on September 3 showcasing the achievements of the school’s arts program.

Also appearing will be Eurovision star Sheldon Riley, prominent musical stars Courtney and Emily Monsma and celebrated West End performer Vivien Carter.

Concerts, theatre and film installations will take place on multiple stages across the school, while there will also be food trucks on site and guests will receive a complimentary drink and appetisers on arrival.

Tickets for the event, $25, are available at eventbrite.com.au.

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