A PAIR of Wairarapa College students are preparing to travel to China to take part in the fourth World Choral Games ? the Olympics of the singing world.
Daniel Dew and Josh Kidd, both 16, are in the New Zealand secondary school choir that will travel to Xiamen, China, in July
to compete in a massive singing tournament.
Daniel, a tenor/baritone, said the Games would draw some 18,000 singers, making up 200 choirs from 50 different countries to Xiamen, which happens to be Wellington's sister city.
The NZ choir will also make stops in Shanghai and Hong Kong en route.
A music lover who enjoys a range of styles, from rock (Foo Fighters are a favourite) to show music and classical, Daniel said he has been on a fundraising mission for quite a while now, and has managed to secure some sponsorship through concerts to help get him to the games.
"It's like the Olympics of the choir. I'm not sure how we'll do, I'm just going for the experience."
Singing mate Josh, a baritone/bass, is also looking forward to the experience.
"I can't wait to get there. It's going to be fun."
Josh only started taking singing lessons last year following participation in a production that required singing, and got into the school's choir last year.
The choir the guys are members of is a demanding commitment, taking up much of their free time.
"It's every day during the holidays, from 9am to 9pm."
The 2006 Choral Games run from July 7 ? 24.
