15 July, 2021

Takapuna Grammar choirs make their mark in Big Sing regionals

Takapuna Grammar School’s Chorale has continued a fine tradition of choirs from the school in reaching the national finals of the Big Sing secondary schools competition.

Another of TGS’s choirs, the TakaCrooners, was also among those from across Auckland recognised at the Big Sing regional finals.

Although the Crooners did not make the cut for the New Zealand Choral Federation’s hotly contested nationals in Christchurch next month, winning a best-performance award in the ‘Other Styles’ category was a noteworthy achievement, said the school’s head of music, Lauren Raby.

TakaCrooners are on the reserves list for Cadenza. Their entry included a New Zealand composition or arrangement, a choral art piece from overseas, with their third piece chosen from another style.

TGS’s Leonessa girls choir is on the reserves list for the nationals in late August and was picked to participate at Cadenza, a showcase event for upper North Island schools.

Joining Takapuna’s Chorale at nationals will be a strong North Shore contingent, including choirs from Westlake Boys and Girls High Schools, Rangitoto and Kristin.

The Big Sing is the largest choral competition in the Southern Hemisphere. It attracts around 10,000 high students entered in 200 choirs from throughout New Zealand. The Auckland regionals are the largest, involving 60 choirs in three full days of competition.

At nationals, to be held in the Christchurch Town Hall on 26-28 August, the finalists compete for gold, silver and bronze awards.