HAWAII BOUND!
| Type of post: | Region 34 news item |
| Sub-type: | No sub-type |
| Posted By: | Karen Phillips |
| Status: | Current |
| Date Posted: | Sun, 14 Dec 2025 |
Aussies Join Forces with He Tangata Voices Chorus in Preparation for Hawaii Contest
In August, a vibrant group of Australian Sweet Adelines travelled to Christchurch, New Zealand, for an intensive week of rehearsals with the He Tangata (The People) Voices Chorus. This unique "mega chorus" brings together singers from choruses all over New Zealand and Australia to join Christchurch City Chorus in the South Island of NZ, and He Tangata Voices in the North Island. Together, they are preparing to represent the region at the Barbershop Harmony Pan Pacific Contest in Hawaii in October 2026.
The chorus is under the expert direction of Master Director Virginia Humphrey-Taylor, and has already dived into its two contest songs: Maybe This Time and Cabaret, both iconic numbers from the musical Cabaret.
With eight dedicated coaching weekends scheduled throughout 2025 and 2026 and two immersive weeks, the excitement and commitment among singers is evident. When so many Australians signed up to take part, the trip to Christchurch was a fun opportunity to travel together and bond further. Over that time, the chorus rehearsed both contest songs in depth, broke off into sectionals, learned energetic choreography for the uptune, finalised riser placements, and even found time to relax and connect at a lively Musical Bingo night. The atmosphere was fast-paced, productive, and filled with energy.
The weekend drew 117 singers in total, representing at least 10 choruses across New Zealand and seven choruses from Australia. Out of the 28 Australians registered, 16 made the trip across the Tasman to join in person, making their presence felt on the risers. The collective sound was described as nothing short of thrilling – a true taste of the magic this chorus will bring to the Pan Pacific stage.
In early November, the Australian contingent was treated to another invaluable opportunity when Virginia travelled to Australia for a weekend of coaching in Geelong. The group spent two intense days consolidating their singing skills, refining choreography, and even learning new music to weave into the upcoming performance package. Out-of-town singers were warmly hosted by local members, and everyone enjoyed a fun and relaxed Saturday night BBQ – complete with regional songs, Christmas carols, and plenty of laughter as friendships continued to grow.
Just one week later, several members travelled to Palmerston North, New Zealand, where they joined the Kiwi singers for further rehearsals and learned the special front row choreography, adding another exciting layer to the developing performance. With another Geelong weekend already planned for next year and four additional coaching trips to New Zealand locked into the calendar, the chorus is building strong momentum toward the stage.
Are you interested? The chorus warmly welcomes new singers to join this exciting project. If this sounds like something you’d like to be part of, please contact Shayne Brown from Endeavour Harmony (brownyowie@gmail.com) for details about auditions, requirements, and budget estimates.
With voices united across oceans, the He Tangata Voices Chorus is already proving that collaboration, hard work, and passion create something truly extraordinary. With another year of preparation ahead, this powerhouse chorus is well on its way to making a big impact when they step onto the Pan Pacific stage in Hawaii.
Crystal Forbes
In August, a vibrant group of Australian Sweet Adelines travelled to Christchurch, New Zealand, for an intensive week of rehearsals with the He Tangata (The People) Voices Chorus. This unique "mega chorus" brings together singers from choruses all over New Zealand and Australia to join Christchurch City Chorus in the South Island of NZ, and He Tangata Voices in the North Island. Together, they are preparing to represent the region at the Barbershop Harmony Pan Pacific Contest in Hawaii in October 2026.
The chorus is under the expert direction of Master Director Virginia Humphrey-Taylor, and has already dived into its two contest songs: Maybe This Time and Cabaret, both iconic numbers from the musical Cabaret.
With eight dedicated coaching weekends scheduled throughout 2025 and 2026 and two immersive weeks, the excitement and commitment among singers is evident. When so many Australians signed up to take part, the trip to Christchurch was a fun opportunity to travel together and bond further. Over that time, the chorus rehearsed both contest songs in depth, broke off into sectionals, learned energetic choreography for the uptune, finalised riser placements, and even found time to relax and connect at a lively Musical Bingo night. The atmosphere was fast-paced, productive, and filled with energy.
The weekend drew 117 singers in total, representing at least 10 choruses across New Zealand and seven choruses from Australia. Out of the 28 Australians registered, 16 made the trip across the Tasman to join in person, making their presence felt on the risers. The collective sound was described as nothing short of thrilling – a true taste of the magic this chorus will bring to the Pan Pacific stage.
In early November, the Australian contingent was treated to another invaluable opportunity when Virginia travelled to Australia for a weekend of coaching in Geelong. The group spent two intense days consolidating their singing skills, refining choreography, and even learning new music to weave into the upcoming performance package. Out-of-town singers were warmly hosted by local members, and everyone enjoyed a fun and relaxed Saturday night BBQ – complete with regional songs, Christmas carols, and plenty of laughter as friendships continued to grow.
Just one week later, several members travelled to Palmerston North, New Zealand, where they joined the Kiwi singers for further rehearsals and learned the special front row choreography, adding another exciting layer to the developing performance. With another Geelong weekend already planned for next year and four additional coaching trips to New Zealand locked into the calendar, the chorus is building strong momentum toward the stage.
Are you interested? The chorus warmly welcomes new singers to join this exciting project. If this sounds like something you’d like to be part of, please contact Shayne Brown from Endeavour Harmony (brownyowie@gmail.com) for details about auditions, requirements, and budget estimates.
With voices united across oceans, the He Tangata Voices Chorus is already proving that collaboration, hard work, and passion create something truly extraordinary. With another year of preparation ahead, this powerhouse chorus is well on its way to making a big impact when they step onto the Pan Pacific stage in Hawaii.
Crystal Forbes
