Stepping Out in Mudgee streamed a virtual concert to continue their mid-year concert

Due to the COVID-19 situation, the Stepping Out in Mudgee's mid-year concert was cancelled but director, Tyrolin Puxty was determined to find a way around it which is how Tuesday's nights virtual concert concept was born.

The majority of students participated in the show which featured adults and kids singing, dancing and acting, and musical instrument performances.

"We would've had our concert two weeks ago had coronavirus not hit," Tyrolin said.

"The kids especially were so disappointed that we missed out on eisteddfods and performance opportunities. I could sense their sadness, like they had nothing to work towards.

"So, I figured if classes were virtual, then why couldn't the concert be? Of course we could only showcase soloists due to restrictions, but it brings a sense of normality and excitement for something new."

Tuesday's show went perfectly to plan and had hundreds of views from all over, including viewers from America.

"It all went to plan, a huge relief as it was my first time doing anything like this so I was pretty nervous. We had 350 views during our 40 minute performance and we've reached a 1000 views this morning," Tryolin said.

"We had people from Victoria, Merriwa, Sydney and even America tune in to support.

"I am biased and loved all of the performances. They're all stars in my eyes."

Students have been putting their potential on display at various other competitions, including Take the Mic and Ooh La La, where many have placed and progressed.

"We had so many songs prepared for eisteddfods, but fortunately several competitions like Take the Mic and Ooh La La went virtual," Puxty said.

"Each Stepping Out student placed in the National Ooh La La vocal competition, with Alannah Williams coming first in her category.

"We also have three students moving onto the next round of the national Take The Mic competition where national winners can win major prizes that include studio recordings."

Despite the rather unorthodox nature of hosting a show online, it certainly has it's benefits and Stepping Out in Mudgee is exploring the possibility of holding more in the future.

"We might do it regardless of another pandemic. Considering we've opened up the channel to different cities, states and countries, this might be something we implement annually to connect families, friends and future fans," Tyrolin said.

"I think it's something I'll implement for families who can't travel to see their relatives in concert in the future. It was probably equal to the amount of organisation due to editing and time consuming technical difficulties but the kids were very proud to see themselves and their friends on the 'big screen' at home.

"Hopefully next time we can include our groups, we will just have to wait and see."

Tyrloin is hoping the arts will receive some much needed love after taking a hit from the coronavirus.

"It's unfortunate [COVID-19 pandemic] and will take a while for the arts sector to recover globally, but I like to think it won't be taken for granted again," she said.

"People might be more keen to see a show in the same way we've all been excited to return to restaurants. Something positive comes out of a negative event."