SYMPHONY Riley aspires to be an entertainer.
She's on the right track at just 16 years-old, having performed on a stage where big name artists like KISS and Taylor Swift have entertained crowds.
For a second year the Hunter School of the Performing Arts student will deliver a solo and two group songs at the 41st annual Schools Spectacular at Qudos Bank Arena on November 29 and 30.
"I'm so excited to be able to experience it again. I was over the moon when I got the call-up," she said.
Symphony joins peers Shanaya Buddingh who is a student choreographer this year and dancer Savannah Smith. Rutherford Technolgoy High School's Charlotte Harwood and Maitland High School's Shaleea Hicks are also dancing this year.
The year 11 student will solo with the Florence and the Machine hit, Breath of Life and will also perform in the opening song Lighter by Galantis, David Guetta and 5 Seconds of Summer, and the Aerosmith hit, Dream On.
"It's just amazing to be in that presence and be able to do what I love. I'm excited to perform in front of the audience," she said.
She grew up in a musical family and has drawn inspirations from Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston. She said she was also looking forward to getting dressed up for the show.
"You feel like a famous artist getting your hair and makeup done all professionally. It's so cool," she said.
Symphony plans to pursue music in the future, recording some of her own material which is becoming a possibility through her expereince at Schools Spectacular.
"It gives you a real taste of what's involved. It's definitely opening doors for me to be an entertainer. Singing and music is my passion," she said.
This year's theme is called All 4 One and on Monday, November 4 more than 3500 students joined for their first combined rehearsal at Sydney Olympic Park.
Just one month away from the performances, the students will rehearsed 19 mass dance routines that vary from ballet to tap, and hip hop to musical theatre.
Executive producer Richard Spiewak said this year's theme is about teamwork, looking out for each other and working together, with everyone involved playing an "integral part in making the show happen".
"Schools Spectacular fosters a culture that values diversity and inclusion by platforming the talents and creativity of students and staff from across NSW, in particular students identifying as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, students with disability, students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and students from regional, rural and remote schools," he said.
Tickets are available through Ticketek and the audience is encouraged to book tickets early.
