Singing their hearts out
A group of eager young singers is ready to hit the right notes when representing Horowhenua in a regional competition.
Shannon School’s senior choir, Te Tira Tua¯ kana o te Kura o Hanana, will compete at a regional The Kids Sing festival today.
Before they head off, the choir performed to parents and other school pupils on Tuesday in one final vocal hit out.
The pupils, including members of the school’s junior choir Te Tira Teina, will join two intermediate school choirs and seven primary school ones at the festival in Whanganui.
Choir director Joanna Yule Harrington said it was the first time in recent memory Shannon School had entered a choir in the competition. The school is the sole representative from Horowhenua competing.
Harrington said the pupils had improved quickly after rehearsing three times a week for five weeks in the lead up to today.
‘‘They’ve definitely come a long way ... I’m excited about where these kids will go with their music.’’
The choir’s repertoire was varied and reflected the bicultural and bilingual nature of the school, Harrington said. Its list includes a locally written Ma¯ ori hymn and a unique rendition of novelty rock’n’roll number Splish Splash.
The performance of Splish Splash features lyrics written by the pupils, as well as a dance routine they helped choreograph.
During Tuesday’s performance, pupils shared what they had learned from being part of the choir. Some said it helped them improve their focus and concentration, and one said he had learned to have ‘‘sparkly eyes’’ when he performed.
Harrington said being part of a choir taught pupils about discipline and dedication, as well as what they could achieve when they worked together.