Accolades and recognition were awarded to Dunstan High School’s (DHS) choirs who performed in the Otago and Southland Big Sing regional contest in Dunedin on June 10.

The Dunstanza choir won the Dunedin College of Education Cup for the best performance of a New Zealand composition singing Ōtakou e, a traditional waiata. They also sung Time by Jennifer Lucy Cook; and Don't Cry by Axl Rose and Izzy Stradin. 

DHS acting principal Bryce Clapham said for the number of schools involved and the high calibre of performances the school was extremely proud of this achievement.

“This would not have been possible without the time and efforts put in by staff and whānau who work with this group.” 

The hard work of music teacher Carole Randall was recognised as she received a life membership for over 25 years of service to choral services and the New Zealand Choral Federation. 

Bryce thanked students’ whānau for providing baking and meals for the singers and Dan Beck, Bronwyn Barnes, Libby Hamilton, and Nick Meissel for their support and guidance.

The Dunstan Girls choir performed Deo Gracias from A Ceremony of Carols by Benjamin Britten; What was I Made For? by Billie Eilish, arranged by Bronwyn Barnes; and I Am, by Stan Walker, Michael Fatkin, Vince Harder and Te Kanapu Anasta. 

Watch DHS girls choir sing here.

The DHS performers have been rehearsing for 14 weeks to polish their performances. 

The Big Sing is a regional secondary schools choral festival that takes place in 10 centres involving around 8000 students from more than 200 schools, supported by their families and communities.

The Big Sing has been taking place for more than 30 years and is New Zealand’s largest choral event with singers entering regional competitions held in Auckland, Waikato/Bay of Plenty, East Coast, Taranaki, Manawatu/Whanganui, Wellington, Marlborough/Nelson, Canterbury/West Coast, Otago and Southland.

Of the 200 competing choirs, 60 will be selected for the area cadenza festivals (held in the Upper North Island, Lower North Island and South Island) and national finale.

Choirs selected for these opportunities will be announced on June 24.