WORKSHOPS
These will take place in 3 different slots (see timetable) so much fun learning new skills and singing with others in a different environment.
MASSED CHOIR (Speed singing!)
Like speed dating! 3 quick rehearsals and before you know it you will be on stage performing!
A chance to sing together in one BIG space - so much fun and fellowship with others who sing your part! Music will be unison or easy harmony songs this year.
GALA CONCERT
A number of local choirs attending the Festival will perform two items each and the Mass Choir will perform.
These will take place in 3 different slots (see timetable) so much fun learning new skills and singing with others in a different environment.
MASSED CHOIR (Speed singing!)
Like speed dating! 3 quick rehearsals and before you know it you will be on stage performing!
A chance to sing together in one BIG space - so much fun and fellowship with others who sing your part! Music will be unison or easy harmony songs this year.
GALA CONCERT
A number of local choirs attending the Festival will perform two items each and the Mass Choir will perform.
Workshop leaders - 2020
Joe Christensen - Guest Conductor
Joe started his musical journey in amateur theatre taking leads in some 40 musicals, dramatic productions and operas before going to Queensland Conservatorium to study music. After 5 years of study he graduated with a Post Graduate in Opera Performance. He returned to Hastings, taught at EIT for two years, then went freelance as a soloist and vocal coach. Joe went back to EIT to study for a Teaching Diploma (secondary) gaining the Head of Music at Karamu High School which he held for 12 years progressing to Head of Performing Arts Faculty. During that time he studied conducting with Prof Karyn Grylls. Joe is the Trinity College of London rep and is now a freelance musician, teaching singing and performing solo as well as conducting community-based choirs, high school choirs and New Zealand Male Voice Choir. |
Bridget O'Shanassy
Choir Director and Music Teacher at Kapiti College, Bridget has a contagious passion for singing, and a love of teaching. She not only teaches music, but conducts two choirs outside of school, sings in a couple of covers bands. Her other passion is tramping, when she gets time!
Choir Director and Music Teacher at Kapiti College, Bridget has a contagious passion for singing, and a love of teaching. She not only teaches music, but conducts two choirs outside of school, sings in a couple of covers bands. Her other passion is tramping, when she gets time!
Shona McNeil
As song leader of Kapiti Gospel Choir, Shona learnt the craft of song leading under the charismatic Carol Shortis of Wellington’s Gale Force Gospel and the Tony Backhouse, patron of gospel choirs in NZ. She has been directing Kapiti Gospel for over 5 years. Her background is in theatre and performing arts but it wasn't until she relocated from Scotland to New Zealand 10 years ago that she got involved in choirs as a way of meeting people. She sang with Wellington's Womensong, Lower Hutt Community Choir and Gale Force Gospel. By day she is a trauma counsellor so choir, she says, is a beautiful and vital way to relax and unwind.
As song leader of Kapiti Gospel Choir, Shona learnt the craft of song leading under the charismatic Carol Shortis of Wellington’s Gale Force Gospel and the Tony Backhouse, patron of gospel choirs in NZ. She has been directing Kapiti Gospel for over 5 years. Her background is in theatre and performing arts but it wasn't until she relocated from Scotland to New Zealand 10 years ago that she got involved in choirs as a way of meeting people. She sang with Wellington's Womensong, Lower Hutt Community Choir and Gale Force Gospel. By day she is a trauma counsellor so choir, she says, is a beautiful and vital way to relax and unwind.