Singer in national choir
One of Emma Jones’ singing highlights is performing solo in front of the prime minister at Stadium Southland.
The stadium was forced to close when its roof collapsed in 2010 and prime minister at the time, John Key, officially reopened it in 2014. Emma was among the performers who entertained a large crowd.
‘‘It was really nice performing in front of him [Key],’’ Emma, 16, said.
Her singing has been recognised at a national level with the teenager now in the New Zealand Secondary Students Choir.
She is the only Southlander in the 56-member choir, which sings classical and cultural music.
‘‘I love performing to an audience and getting their reaction . . . I like giving pleasure to them,’’ Emma said.
For one week in each set of school holidays choir members meet for training at venues around the country.
‘‘In April next year we’re doing an international performance at a concert overseas,’’ Emma said.
The venue has not been confirmed but it was held in Hong Kong last year
Emma, who travels once a week to Winton for tuition from singing teacher Colin Hendry, is in the Southland Girls’ High School’s Femme Choir.
Girls’ High music teacher Sarah Rae said Emma deserved to be in the NZ Secondary Students Choir.
‘‘It’s an amazing opportunity. I’m really delighted for her, she’s such a committed singer.’’
Emma’s long-term goals are to sing in the New Zealand Youth Choir (18 to 24 year olds) and Voices NZ (25 and older).
One day she hopes to perform in