Tēnā rā koutou katoa
He kōrero tēnei ki a koutou kua tae mai ki te koaia ahakoa ā-tinana rānei, ā-huitopa rānei.
[Greetings to all whether you attended choir in person or via Zoom]
He kōrero tēnei ki a koutou kua tae mai ki te koaia ahakoa ā-tinana rānei, ā-huitopa rānei.
[Greetings to all whether you attended choir in person or via Zoom]
From our warm homes to the cold winds of October
At the beginning of Term 4 although we were still in the Delta-restricted Covid Alert Level 2, Te Whaea opened its doors to us again and we were able to resume live rehearsals. We rehearsed in Dance 1, which was larger than our usual rehearsal space. We had all the doors and windows open to ensure good airflow, but October evenings can be very cold! Over time, singers brought extra layers and woolly socks to keep warm. One evening, two sopranos were spotted with hotties (aka hot water bottles if Kiwi is not your dialect)! |
Zoom
Since the beginning of Term 4, we have offered the option of participating in rehearsals via Zoom. This allows anyone who is unwell, who is not vaccinated, or who is not comfortable singing in a large group, to participate from home. Over the term, 10 people have availed themselves of this option – some multiple times. While participation via Zoom doesn’t give you the same buzz as being in the same room as other singers, it does allow you to keep up with the current repertoire! |

We entered Orange
Our last rehearsal of the Term was just after the introduction of the Covid Protection Framework at the Orange setting, and we were able to return to our usual room and to keep our shoes on!
Our last rehearsal of the Term was just after the introduction of the Covid Protection Framework at the Orange setting, and we were able to return to our usual room and to keep our shoes on!
The party must go on
In the courtyard, Lala played the African Drum, Andrea played the flute, Sallie played the avocado, and most of the time, Rose led the dancing, although for a while she was rivalled by Andrew with a version of the cancan.
But where would we be without our favourite badly-behaved basses?
The year that was
Despite the Covid-related challenges, rehearsals have been filled with joy, enthusiasm, dancing, and harmony. One of our singers who joined in February emailed us to say
“Since I turned up at the first session in February this year, I've felt nothing except welcomed, included and valued. The chance to work on improving my singing among friendly people, and have a regular weekly event, has been amazing. The Choir trip was wonderful, and you have managed the challenges of lockdown zoom practice, and distance and masks so well. Choir has been a true highlight and delight of my year!” [Sara] |
Highlights of the year for me include our outdoor rehearsal at Pukeahu, our performance at Wesley Methodist Church, and our performance at Granville Apartments.

A big thank you to
- Lala and Andrea without whom none of this would be possible
- Core Group members who work quietly behind the scenes to make it all happen
- Charles for developing a database to help us manage our record-keeping and communications
Lastly, singers and musicians, I wish you all well for the rest of the summer break and look forward to singing with you again in February!
Feel free to comment below about your favourite moments, your favourite songs, or anything else you might want to say about singing with the Choir! 😊
Nō reira ka nui ngā mihi o te tau hou ki a tātou katoa!
[Best wishes for the New Year to one and all!]
Liz Willmott
Secretary, Wellington Community Choir