Nearly 900 Bay students have been fine-tuning their vocal chords in preparation for tonight's Big Sing Competition - the biggest to ever be sung in Hawke's Bay.
The 871 students in 26 choirs from 12 local schools descended on the Hawke's Bay Opera House early this morning for a day ofperformance before a Gala Concert tonight.
Each choir will sing three pieces throughout the day, with one item being chosen for tonight's concert.
The Big Sing East Coast co-ordinator Glenys Kempshall said students will be singing their hearts out for six awards, including the new East Coast Trophy for the winning choir.
She said judges were looking for an array of things from each of the 26 choirs.
"They look for correct pitch, for musicianship, breathing control, tone and it's very important the way the choir is presented," she said.
Awards include the Adjudicator's Award for the choir, the Von Dadelszen Family Award, the Hawke's Bay Secondary Principals' Association Trophy, the Hawke's Bay Secondary Music Teachers' Trophy, the Choir Director's Award and the new NZCF East Coast Trophy for the winning East Coast Choir.
Last year Havelock North High School creamed the competition, taking three of the then five awards home with them. This year 121 of the school's students in four different choirs have been busy preparing to protect their titles.
Year 13 student at the school, Stephanie James, 17, said there was pressure to maintain their performance, but they had been practicing hard. "There's a lot of pressure to be better and compete at nationals. We just need to stay focussed and think about what we are doing instead of focussing on what others are doing." Auckland professional conductor and singer John Rosser will adjudicate the Big Sing, bringing impressive expertise from his experience as a baritone soloist, training as a choral conductor under Professor Peter Godfrey, and founder of the National Youth Choir and the New Zealand Singers.
Tonight's East Coast Big Sing Gala Concert is at Hawke's Bay Opera House from 7pm. Tickets are $25 for an adult and $15 a child at Ticket Direct.
