New Zealand Secondary Students’ Choir

The New Zealand Secondary Students’ Choir has been in existence since 1986. Every two years, approximately 55 of New Zealand’s most promising school-aged singers are selected via nationwide auditions to join the choir for a two year period. The choir gathers every school holidays for vocal and musical training, rehearsals and public performances. At the end of each two year period, the choir travels to an international festival or competition. At the 2004 International Choral Kathaumixw, the NZSSC gained 1st place Youth Choir, 1st place Adult Mixed Choir and 1st place Folk & Cultural Traditions. We are delighted to have the chance to return to Powell River for this amazing festival.

The mission and goals of the New Zealand Secondary Students’ Choir include:

• the nurture and development of talent;
• experiences which will result in a life-long love of music;
• an opportunity to excel both as a group and individually in musical achievements beyond those available through their schools;
• to develop a sense of self-confidence and poise through example, training and performance and a desire for excellence in choral singing;
• to enhance each choir member’s appreciation of our world’s rich musical and cultural heritage;
• to provide members with an opportunity to be of service to their community.

Andrew Withington – Conductor

Andrew Withington, from Christchurch, New Zealand, was appointed Musical Director of the NZSSC in late 2008, but has worked with the choir previously for many years as assistant conductor.  Andrew has a Bachelor of Music degree with First Class Honours in conducting children’s choirs, orchestration and analysis from the University of Canterbury, where he was also awarded the prestigious Vernon Griffith’s Prize in Musical Leadership.  After three years teaching, he returned to University and gained a Masters Degree in Music, majoring in Choral Conducting, while studying with Dr Karen Grylls at Auckland University.