Plenty of highs and a low or two for singers
Joining a national choir can be a ticket to the high life, just look out for the odd low note or two.
Since 17-year-old Lemau Sio Lolesio auditioned for the New Zealand Secondary Students Choir at the end of 2016, she has found herself performing on stage, travelling to Asia – and even being stranded in a typhoon.
Each cycle of the choir, the students travel overseas to sing their hearts out on international stages. In past years, the choir has visited Canada and Malaysia.
Earlier this year, the Wellington East Girls College head prefect and dozens of her fellow choir members travelled to Hong Kong and on to Shanghai.
‘‘It was just a great experience to see what it was like in Asia. I’ve never been outside of New Zealand, apart from Samoa,’’ she said.
The nearly 60-strong choir was in Asia for two weeks, travelling and performing at events like the 2018 Belt and Road World Choir Festival.
The Kiwis were a hit overseas, with the singers holding lessons alongside their concerts.
‘‘I think it was really different for them to see what we sound like and what kind of things we sing here.’’
She said that included traditional Ma¯ ori songs and older, more spiritual music.
However, the trip wasn’t without its lows – the day after the choir flew out of Hong Kong a typhoon hit. The wild weather caught up with them in Shanghai and their original flight home was cancelled.
‘‘That was really nerve-racking because it was such a long time away from home for me as well,’’ Lemau said.
But the students pulled together, thanks to a strong bond between them all.
The national choir, for students aged between 14 and 18, brings new blood in every two years. Auditions for the next cycle of the choir will be held around the country in October.
Wellington’s auditions are on October 5 and 6.
Lemau said she remembered being nervous during her audition, but came through with the help of her teachers.
‘‘Don’t think you can’t do it, because you can. If you love singing, that’s all that matters.
‘‘We take singing seriously but we have fun at the same time and everyone’s there for the same reason: because we love music.’’