Director Jan Patterson said the strong female roles made the timeless classic a perfect choice.

“We wanted to give as many kids as possible to enjoy performing,” Ms Patterson said.

“It’s well loved, it’s familiar and the music, people will come along just to sing along with all the songs.

"That’s delightful.”

The Sound of Music is a story about a Maria, a young woman who fails at becoming a nun and instead is given the job of governess for the Von Trapp family.

As Austria is about to come under the control of Germany, Maria falls in love with an already engaged man, the head of the Von Trapp family Georg.

Student Darcy Campbell plays the role of Elsa Schraeder, this is her first time singing to a live audience.

“I live in the boarding house, so everyone tells me to be quiet,” she said.

“But, I practice with Mrs Dunham [the musical director] sometimes and I think it’s just about getting past the fear of it and then it gets easier.”

Darcy said she feels Elsa is the most misinterpreted character in the musical.

“People often see her as the mean witch,” she said.

“That’s so not true, she’s quite kind and she recognises that her fiance is falling in love with someone and that he doesn’t see that.

“She’s really strong, she’s going to stand up for what she believes in.”

Fellow student Dakotah Love plays Maria, the failed nun-turned-governess.

“Maria is very gentle, she’s very patient because the children are very opinionated,” Dakotah said.

“She’s definitely not as strong vocally as Elsa, but she’s strong-minded.

“It’s a childhood movie that I grew up with, and I love the Julie Andrews original.”

Students from both primary and secondary school feature in the play.

The Sound of Music is on at the University of New England Arts Theatre from November 9. For more information visit trybooking.com or phone 6770 1700.