Former St Patrick’s student Mariah Allan recently returned from her graduation ceremony at The University of Melbourne where she received her Professional Performance Diploma (P. Dip. AGM) in modern vocals.

“It was very exciting to walk on stage in my academic dress and receive my certificate from Dr Eugene Knoop and to meet the Australian Composer Glen Carter-Varney, who has been my Idol from when I was 8 years of age,” Mariah said.

“I have loved to sing ever since I can remember.

“I started creating music at the age of three and, when I attended primary school at St Patrick’s, I started taking piano and singing lessons.”

Mariah admits to growing up in a muscial family.

Every member of her family are singers, with her sister also playing guitar, piano and drums.

“Singing with my older sister is something that I thoroughly enjoy,” Mariah said.

“Last year I supported her, singing backup for her HSC music exam and at Bravissimo [a showcase of top HSC music students] at the Glasshouse in Port Macquarie.”

Over the past few years, Mariah has performed at Macksville Carols By Candlelight, the Nambucca Valley Cancer Support Group’s Thanksgiving service, Christmas on the Green and The Macksville River Festival.

She is at ease singing within a group and also as a solo performer, and is a member of the Nambucca Valley parish youth band.

Recently, Mariah has even started to dabble with composing her own songs.

“I hope to make music my career,” Mariah said.