Kāpiti Community Choir conquer The World Choir Games
More than 11,000 singers and 250 international and NZ choirs came together for the largest choral festival on the planet here in Auckland which beat the likes of Sydney to host these wonderful Games! Categories spanned choral, pop with choreography, children’s choirs, indigenous groups, gospel, jazz, barbershop – you name it, there was something for everyone. And little old Kāpiti Gospel Choir and friends from Gale Force Gospel and Kāpiti Community Choir decided to throw our musical hats in the ring and participate. We knew we had to raise our game and everyone worked very hard on the repertoire even those who weren’t going to Auckland. We coped with a major setback of my cancer recurring meaning I was off sick for five months while Kāpiti Com. Choir song leader Carol Shortis kindly stepped in. We had an amazing team of Robin Gunston, Andrea Anzulis and choir members working on all the back room logistics, outfits, travel & finance until finally 31 singers & friends were ready to go.
Highlights: Obtaining a Bronze Diploma by overcoming nerves to perform in the Open Competition on a professionally lit stage with an audience of approx 180 and 5 judges watching us; listening to some stunning international adult and children’s choirs; two workshops with Dr Anthony Trucek-King which greatly helped improve our vocal technique and also gave us a deeper understanding and appreciation of gospel music; Friendship concert with Soul Sounds from Sri Lanka and Strange Weather from Canberra where we all sang together – thanks Susie Hardie for teaching us ‘Let it Go’ while at Featherston weekend yonks ago. That song has gone round the world and let’s not forget the importance of camaraderie – finding the Elliot Stables food court where we could sample a wide array of food and always find someone from our group to chat to; and at the end of our busy day, relaxing with cocktails in our city centre hotel at happy hour after all our hard work. We’ve come away with new found friendships, things to work on, and a desire & confidence to do more pop ups and sing with others.
Shona McNeil, song leader of Kāpiti Gospel reflecting on our participation in The World Choir Games 2024.