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Kowhai Singers is on the hunt for a new choir leader after previous director Amy Cottingham returned to the United States.
It is one of only two paid positions in the choir, but with choirs around the country also looking for members and directors, the group hasn’t managed to attract anyone yet. Matakana music stalwart Sue Hayday has stepped into the role in the interim.
By the time the singers take to the stage in Leigh in November, it will have been 18 months since they last performed.
Usually performing classic pieces by Bach and Beethoven, this next concert will be lighter as they get back into the swing of things. The 13-piece programme will include songs by Irving Berlin, Billy Joel, and Simon and Garfunkel. The very popular sea shanty Soon May the Wellerman Come will also receive the Kowhai touch.
Keeping the members together and interested has been something of a struggle without the regular rehearsals during restrictions and has seem membership drop from around 35 to 18.
Singer Katie Mitchell says while there were several attempts at Zoom rehearsals, the four-part harmonies proved too difficult as they never quite synced properly online. So, while there was a bit of hilarity during the catch-ups, they didn’t work very well, she says.
In an effort to encourage members back and to attract new members they have bought special masks for singing, to help make people feel more comfortable about being in a group again.
With most of the members also being aged 50 plus, the choir hopes some younger singers will put up their hand and join the Monday two-hour rehearsals at the Warkworth Methodist Church starting at 7.15pm.
