Heaton’s Choir was again privileged to be part of the Christchurch Schools’ Music Festival. This year, the theme was E Tu – Hand in Hand, inspired by the Paris Olympics. The repertoire included music performed at previous Olympic Games and songs speaking of strength and resilience.

In preparation, the Choir spent more than a term learning nine songs, attended an Area Rehearsal at Haeata Community Campus and one at the Town Hall on the morning of their performance night.

As the Area Rehearsal on Tuesday 10th September was all morning long, they arrived by bus in time to enjoy an early morning tea outside before singing for hours! Then, on Tuesday 22nd October, the Choir travelled to the Town Hall by bus to rehearse for their evening performance at the Christchurch Schools’ Music Festival. Arriving early, they enjoyed a bite to eat and a drink in front of the Ferrier Fountain, well-known as the Dandelion Fountains, before being shown to their plush red seats!

The Choir rehearsed all morning with the other Tuesday night Choirs, the Representative Choirs, the Concert Band and the Orchestra. Excitement began to build as these groups accompanied their singing making it sound extra special. There was even a piccolo and two harps in the Orchestra! Six of our Choir were in the Senior Representative Choir so we could see them sitting with their special group. Seven of our Choir were also in the Kapa Haka group performing a haka with one of the songs, so they sneaked out to join up with the rest of their group for their extra rehearsal. Our children were busy!

It was a long, but enjoyable, morning of singing. They arrived back to school at lunchtime. Some raced off straight away to catch their Tuesday afternoon sport bus! More busy children!

The Choir was due back at the Town Hall at 6:30pm for their evening performance and all sang their hearts out. It was a truly memorable evening.

Congratulations to everyone involved. Many thanks to parents for their support.

Children in the Music Festival Choir: Room 1 – Bella A, Ella Q; Room 2 – Aimee T, Eunhae S, Evelyn A, Hazel B, Morgan K, Sophia B; Room 3 – Aarna G, Elena Z, Joanna J; Room 5 – Mia W; Room 8 – Katherine L, Mereani V, Phoebe W; Room 9 – Ivy J, Lily K, Louisa H, Tamsin W; Room 10 – Emme I; Room 11 – Esther Rai, Maddi P; Room 13 – Olive M; Room 14 – Daisy W, Mark A; Room 15 – Annabelle B, Ellie B, Hannah L, Merrick O; Room 16 – Evelyn A, Mia H; Room 18 – Rhoyal P.