Te Puke High School Performing Arts produced yet another successful Lip Synch Challenge for 2019. The Lip Synch Challenge which was established in 1997 has become a highlight of the School calendar and this year it did not fail to entertain to packed audiences both nights. The acts ranged from year 9 students who entered for the first time to seasoned senior acts.
The Junior People’s Choice Award which is voted by the audience on the first night was awarded to the ‘Wannabe’ – year 10 students Brayden Cresswell, Reuben Dwan, Donovan Barnett and Caleb Pepperell who’s rendition of the Tears of a Rapper from New Zealand’s comedy duo Flight of the Concords had the audience in laughter. The Senior People’s Choice Award went to ‘Brooklyn 99’ – year 13 students Malachi White, Badal Gill, Jamie Murray, Ammon Winiata, Reuben Foote, Kaea Adams and Tahlia Singleton had the audience cheering as they synched to I Want It That Way by the Back Street Boys.
The second night was the Judges Night Awards which are voted by a panel of three external judges – Dianne Leach and two ex TPHS student’s Geordie Gibson and Millie Newitt. Best Lip Syncher went to year 13 student Malachi White who was part of three different acts, which really impressed the judges. The judges found his focus and synching ability outstanding. Third equal overall was shared by acts ‘Bird Split’ – year 10 and 13 students Jamie Murray, Cory Murray, Ammon Winiata, Malachi White and Dylan Kerr who performed a medley of songs depicting the complexity of a mental patient’s multiple personalities and ‘Baby King’ – year 10 students Emma Howie, Marla Black, Jorja Tebbutt, Maddy Coombes and Sally MacLeod brought to life The Seventh Element a song by Russian Singer Vitas. Their humorous story about the birth of an alien king was a favourite amongst the audience. Second place overall went to ‘Frustrated Brides’ – year 11 students Hollie Tucker, Ellen Emerson and Pippa Harvey who’s use of the stage and choreography took us to their wedding day. However, there was no happily ever after for these brides because as their song says All the Good Men Are Gay! First place overall all went to ‘Brooklyn 99’ also the winners of the Senior People’s Choice Award. year 13 students Malachi White, Badal Gill, Jamie Murray, Ammon Winiata, Reuben Foote, Kaea Adams and Tahlia Singleton devised a story bringing a new meaning to I Want It That Way by the Backstreet Boys. Their slick lip synching, use of stage and costuming stood out giving them the win for 2019.
