Three outstanding young Hawke's Bay voices will join 61 others as they sing across the country - and the world.
For the next two years, Pheobe Sparrow, 16, Brooks Kershaw, and Alex Smith, both 17, will sing as part of the New Zealand Secondary Schools Choir at events around the country
and on an international tour.
The trio from Napier Girls' High School and Lindisfarne College said they received news on Thursday that they had beaten 200 hopefuls who auditioned for the opportunity.
"When I heard my name called out I was basically floored," Alex said. "It's the first time I have been chosen for singing at this level."
Pheobe said she was excited to meet new people and enhance her ability.
"I'm looking forward to meeting new people and improving my skills, and learning from the fantastic tutors."
Brooks was not only selected for the choir, but was appointed cultural leader, one of two students who will represent the group at events.
"It's a great leadership opportunity," he said.
"We stand and speak for the choir at public events and help during rehearsals and represent the choir at board meetings."
The three were all excited to travel overseas later in the year to a destination yet to be confirmed.
The original plan to travel to Japan had been cancelled due to their devastating earthquake and tsunami earlier this month.
The Head of Music at Lindisfarne College, John Snowling, said it was a big achievement for Hawke's Bay to have three students chosen.
And it was the first time students from Lindisfarne had made the cut.
"We are absolutely delighted for them. It's the first two students from Lindisfarne to ever get into the choir," Mr Snowling said.
