MacKenzie Country’s, Twizel Area School was one such school. Before 7.00 a.m. on a cool spring morning the 100 strong choir was assembling at the bus park ready for its journey to Timaru.

Under the excellent tutelage of Anne Sweney, these year 2-8 students had been perfecting the songs throughout Term Two, and were now ready for the all important performance.

To organise, transport and occupy 100 students from 7.00 a.m. to 12.30 a.m. is some undertaking. Sandy Nelson took responsibility for this area and did a superb job.

With the sun still turning Aoraki a pale pink one large bus, two school vans and a flotilla of parent vehicles made its way through the Mackenzie Country, down Burkes Pass to Fairlie and then on to Timaru. A journey of nearly two hours.

Our Choir’s first commitment was the 9.30-12.30 rehearsal at the Theatre Royal. Here our choir combined with another 200 students to practice their parts in support of Suzanne and the soloists. The musical director expertly melded the various schools into a single entity, encouraging all students to do their best.

We all took a much needed lunch break at Caroline Bay before spending an hour and a half at Timaru’s municipal swimming pool. This was a great idea as it focused students excess energy as well as being fun! Then onto the movies, Journey to the Centre of the Earth, a little scary for some!

Finally a meal at two of the fast food outlets and then the concert!

Many students felt nervous at being on the stage before such a large audience. The lights were hot and space was a premium. But as soon as Suzanne walked onto the stage they were entranced.

What a night! Whether the students were singing ‘rock n roll’, a NZ medley or ballads such as Can You Hear the Love Tonight? and There’s A Kind of Hush, their audience hung on every word. Suzanne’s energy infected them and they sang their hearts out.

Dozens of Twizel parents had also made the long journey later in the day to see their children perform, and when Twizel was asked to stand and wave to the parents you could almost feel the pride swelling through the audience.

Congratulations to all the participants and organisers of the Kids for Kids concerts. Twizel students certainly gained a lot from taking part this year!