Five Westlake students are singing at a national standard and have been accepted into two national choirs. Ece Dalgic (Year 10), Michelle Hendra (Year 11) and Vydella Tamihana (Year 12) are members of the current cycle of the New Zealand Secondary Schools Choir. They recently travelled to Wellington in the holidays to meet and sing with the new choir for the first time. This choir runs on a two-year cycle, performing around New Zealand and culminating in an overseas tour in the second year. Ece commented on her recent experience:
“Being involved in choir is a great experience; choir gives me a great social network and provides me the ability to learn about music on a deeper level. I think that the NZSSC differentiates itself from other choirs, as it consists of students from across the country, from different schools, and different backgrounds, which brings together unique voices and perspectives. It was so much fun – I loved meeting like-minded students and learning new and interesting music”.
Abi Mitchell (left) and Mel Telulio (right) both in Year 13, are current members of the Aotearoa Academy Choir, recently established as the national training choir. The choir is co-directed by two past Westlake music staff members – Elise Bradley and Rowan Johnston. Abi and Mel also travelled to Wellington during the holidays. The choir performed at the ANZAC service outside Parliament and shared a workshop and concert with the New Zealand National Youth Choir.
Abi commented on her recent experience:
“My first course with the Aotearoa Academy Choir was great. We learnt a lot of new music, and a highlight was performing with the New Zealand Youth Choir. Although rehearsals were long and hard work, it was definitely worth the effort. I have made new friendships with singers from all over the country. The choir has a wide age bracket, and everyone mixes and mingles with all types of people! A benefit of this was that those of us in Year 13 could talk to the older members about University and life after high school.”
Ece, Vydella, Abi and Mel are all members of our Westlake premiere choirs Cantare and Choralation.
Main image above: Left: Ece Dalgic, middle: Michelle Hendra and right: Vydella Tamihana.