Hundreds of schoolchildren were noisy in a good way in Dunedin yesterday. More than 500 pupils from school choirs from throughout Otago and Southland took part in the New Zealand Choral Festival Big Sing competition in the Dunedin Town Hall.
The Big Sing was established to give school choirs the opportunity to perform in a professional setting and to promote enjoyment in singing, Each choir had to perform a 10-minute recital of three songs yesterday afternoon, with at least one New Zealand or Pasifika composition.
The schools then put on a combined gala concert in the town hall last night.
''It's gone very well. The quality of the choirs has been very good,'' co-ordinator Rosemary Tarbotton said.
''The kids love it. It's a great event.
''They shout and chant and clap for their school. It's quite competitive, but it's all good fun.''
More than 8000 pupils from 150 schools will take part in the Big Sing nationally.
Regional competitions will be held in 11 different regions of the country, and 18 choirs will be selected to take part in the national final in the Dunedin Town Hall from August 29 to 31.
Results. - Best performance of a New Zealand composition: Otago Girls High School choir Southern Hesperides; best performance of a European composition: St Hilda's Collegiate School choir Sings Hilda's; most improved choir: St Hilda's madrigal choir; best performance in other styles: Craighead Chorale; conductor trophy: Jonah Smith.
