Two-hundred young voices will blend in harmony when the Heartland Bank Schools’ Music Festival returns to the Ashburton Event Centre next week.
Running over three nights; pupils in years 4 to 8 from 13 different Mid Canterbury primary and intermediate schools will take part in the annual festival.
Musical director Kerrin Corcoran said the festival is a great opportunity for schools to showcase their character and individual talents within the school.
‘‘Each night we have a different set of four or five of schools involved. They will perform individually and as a massed choir, ” she said.
Guest performers will also take to the stage.
On Tuesday night, a vocal trio from Ashburton College will be on show and Thursday night will see the Ashburton Christian School Big Sing Choir perform.
‘‘We include such groups not only for variety and audience entertainment, but to show the students on stage where their musical journey could take them.
“Many of those who are guest performers both this year and in the past started their musical journey by being part of the music festival.”
Performing each night is the Representative Choir, comprised of 50 students from 11 different schools.
In preparation they have had weekly practices with conductor Jo Castelow.
‘‘Jo chooses pieces that challenge the students musically and showcases their talent.”
The group will also provide harmonies for the massed choir items.
– The Heartland Bank Schools’ Music Festival from June 16-18 at the Ashburton Event Centre, each night starting at 7.30pm. Tickets cost $20 and are available from the centre.
Schedule – June 16: Ashburton Christian School, Ashburton Intermediate, Mount Somers Springburn, Methven, Our Lady of the Snows and Representative Choir.
June 17: Allenton, Ashburton Borough, Hampstead, Hinds and Representative Choir.
June 18: Ashburton Netherby, Mayfield, St Joseph’s, Wakanui and Representative Choir.
