COLLA VOCE
Back Row : Oscar Campbell , Gus Klingender , Amelie Charlton , Oscar Holm , Holly Renwick , Jeremy Jones Second Row : Joe Christensen ( Teacher ), Adam Neilson , Elijah Moore , Josh Folkers , Joe Clinton , Ben van der Spuy ,
Andrea Wilson ( Cultural Co-ordinator ) Front Row : Ruth Stevens , Jenna Baker , Jessica Welch , Renee Thompson , Poppy Kelly , Caitlin Hedge Absent : Victoria Stobart
For the past few years , Colla Voce has been a weekly commitment that has brought enjoyment , friendship and an outlet for students ’ passion for the arts to flourish . 2021 has been a challenging year in itself and has especially had a big impact on the way we as a choir perform .
Earlier this year Colla Voce attended the Big Sing competition and presented a passionate performance of three songs , ‘ Ave Verum ’, ‘ Prayer for the Children ’ and ‘ The Wellerman ’. The energy we brought to the stage was fantastic and despite not placing for the Cadenza Competition , we all had a fantastic time and grew as a group through the experience .
As a Year 13 student it has been wonderful to watch students come and go over the years and to see friendships blossom . And it is strange now to think that I will be leaving this chapter behind as I continue through to university . However , despite this change , I know that the memories that Poppy , Holly , Victoria , Ben and I have from being a part of this choir over the past four years , will remain with us for a long time to come . I certainly know I will never forget the time Mr Christiansen , our choir director , told me I sounded like a foghorn in front of the choir while preparing for Big Sing in 2019 , thus gaining the nickname “ Foggy ” from fellow choir members . As terrible as the situation sounds , it provided light-hearted entertainment and is a happy memory to reflect on .
I remember being absolutely terrified of Mr Christensen when I auditioned for the choir in Year 10 . After the first year , I came to realise that Mr Christensen isn ’ t as scary as I thought and over the years he has taught me so much about the mechanics of singing . His carefree laugh and words of encouragement ring throughout the auditorium and have brought so much joy to so many students over the years .
From my fellow Year 13 students , Poppy , Holly , Victoria and Ben , we thank Mr Christensen for putting up with our terrible jokes , being patient and understanding when we would get stuck on particular sets of music , and for all of the hours he puts into the choir . It wouldn ’ t have been the same without him .
Caitlin Hedge
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