From Viard to Texas... #230

Last minute fund raising at the underground concourse, Wellington Railway Station .. a beautiful sound to greet the morning commuters. Bishop Viard College’s barbershop chorus, One Voice, is to compete in the first annual International Youth Barbershop Chorus Festival from 22 to 29 January 2008 in San Antonio, Texas!

The journey for the 16 boys began on 26 May when the Boys Barbershop Chorus was placed third in the Wellington Regional competition. After meeting with families, staff and coaches, they decided to aim for the national competition in Christchurch in August.

This meant concerts and sausage sizzles on top of music rehearsals to raise the necessary $400 per student for fares and accommodation in Christchurch. The boys and their parents worked together to achieve this.

With the help of Matthew Gifford, from the international champion quartet Musical Island Boys, and a very experienced barbershop singer and winner of national titles, Peter McGregor, the group was placed second in the national competition with ‘Heart of my Heart’ and ‘Hello Mary Lou’. Fired up to improve still further, the group found they could compete in the first-ever World Youth Barbershop Competition and Convention in San Antonio, Texas. The boys are now looking forward to singing, listening to and mixing with the best barbershop singers in the world. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

A concert at Bishop Viard College hall last month brought together an amazing line up of talent. MIB, Vocal FX, One Voice, and the Viard quartet, Pacific Flavours, and quartets from the other colleges in the Porirua area, Fantastic Four and Island Boys United, all generously supported us. Viard’s Miti Family country singers also featured with soloist Elman Avallone. With less than a week before they leave for San Antonio there has been a lot of singing, rehearsing and fundraising. It is costing each boy $2900 for their trip and they are very grateful for the sponsorship and support from the community received so far. The group is available for hire until 19 January 2008. For more information or to donate, phone Bishop Viard College, 237-5248 or email office@viard.school.nz.