Young’s Harry Cleverdon is making his mark in the entertainment industry, after taking out the best new young male artist at the 2016 NSW Urbanstar – “an underground song contest for unsigned artists”.
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Harry was declared ‘teen champion’ and received a highly commended for his vocal solo in the open division.
At 14 years old, the singer song-writer and Year 8 student from Hennessy Catholic College, continues to showcase his talents going from strength to strength.
Recently he competed at the Wagga Eisteddford winning the 14 years contemporary vocal solo and also the 16 years contemporary championship performing with two contrasting songs.
Winning talent quests also at Junee, Blacktown (Sydney), Wollongong, Thirroul and at Quandialla in recent times, he remains humble and modest about his achievements.
Being a multi-instrumentalist accompanying himself on piano, guitar and harmonica, it is not surprising then to learn that he has held multiple scholarships from the Young Regional Conservatorium of Music (YRSM).
He cites being admitted to a six month stint at the ‘rising star’ program at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music in 2013 for classical piano as a “highlight”.
Having classical Grade 6 piano training, while also studying music theory, has equipped him with the necessary skills to foster his passion of playing tunes.
He first came under notice after winning the primary school entry at the Australian National Busking Championships (Cooma 2014).
Since then his talents have also seen him perform with considerable success at festivals all over the State including at Tamworth, Tumbarumba, Young, Batlow, Grenfell, Canowindra, Harden and Canberra (Floriade).
The youngster is generous with his talents and has performed at good will events for CanAssist, Seniors week, ‘Cure for Brain Cancer’ in addition to some variety concerts.
His diary continues to fill up with requests at weddings, birthday parties and business award dinners.
He has been approached to perform on television by popular television shows including ‘The Voice’ and ‘X-Factor’, however he was considered too young for the 2016 auditions, with the cut-off age being 15.
Harry’s father Charlie is well aware of the talent which his son possesses and has made some considerable efforts in taking the teen to each performance.
However, he said he “wouldn’t have it any other way”. Likewise, the youngster’s mother Elke is also a keen supporter.
“We are very proud of what he has achieved so far, but he is always the same Harry to us,” she said. “He enjoys spending time with his family, younger sister and his dog ‘Bella’ is often riding motorbikes on the family farm and playing soccer.”
The youngster has several events on the horizon, but he has also been putting some time into his debating at Hennessy Catholic College of late.
Last year he was part of the school’s Year 7 debating team which took out the NSW Catholic Schools State title. The same team of three (now in Year 8) of three qualified again this year and competed in Wollongong on November 18.
Mr William Stewart, his school music teacher, said "Harrison Cleverdon is one of those rare human beings who is an accomplished musician and composer but also always willing to help others. Those who wish to follow Harry’s progress can like him on his ‘Harry Cleverdon’ Facebook page.
