Membership Matters
26 Feb 2024
A new year is underway, which means it’s time to renew your membership!
Our members’ support enables us to continue offering a range of events around the country, including The Big Sing, The Kids Sing, and—this year—the World Choir Games.
As well giving you discounts and priority access to events, NZCF membership is a way for you to play a part in the choral community, both in your region and across the motu, through workshops, conferences, and other events. Read about the benefits of membership here.
We’ve asked a few of our members from different walks of life to share their reasons for supporting NZCF. They tell us why below.
Former music critic with Evening Post and Middle C | NZCF Personal Member
The joy that comes from the act of singing, plus making friends with like-minded people, and the enjoyment of the music itself, is immeasurable. Most of my time was in the Orpheus Choir under Peter Godfrey, with whom we reached a high standard. Many of the people I met became life-long friends.
I was at the inaugural meeting in Wellington in 1985 to discuss the establishment of the Choral Federation. Being a member of NZCF gives one access to the wide variety of choral events the Federation organises. I have found it enriching and exciting to join in events involving numbers of choirs both regionally and nationally, sharing in the joy of achievement, and the revelation of great music.
Director of Music at Waikato Diocesan School for Girls | NZCF ACD Member
Being a member, and subsequently attending events hosted by NZCF and ACD, has been profoundly impactful for me. Each time I engage in these gatherings, I arrive feeling depleted and isolated—yet I consistently depart feeling inspired, connected, and armed with invaluable resources to further my exploration of choral music.
I've been incredibly fortunate to participate in masterclasses led by renowned international clinicians such as Dr. André Thomas, Rodney Eichenberger, Ēriks Ešenvalds, and Dr. Rollo Dilworth. Each of these experiences has been so insightful and has left a lasting impact on me.
The experiences offered by NZCF and ACD have not only enhanced my skills in choral conducting but have also nurtured my love for choirs, enriching both my professional and personal growth year after year.
Recipient of NZCF Distinguished Service Award (2017) | NZCF Personal Member
I attended the first NZCF AGM held in Wellington in July 1986. In the 36-½ years I have been a personal member, I've found immense enjoyment in singing at NZCF workshops, training days and special events where I have met talented conductors and other musicians and administrators. During this time, I have also been largely involved in administration, including a long tenure (1991 to 2022) as a Regional Treasurer, and though I no longer hold that position, I still sing in the Palmerston North All Saints’ Church Choir and Palmerston North Choral Society as a bass.
I have enjoyed my long involvement with the NZ Choral Federation and recommend Personal or ACD Membership to those interested in choral music.
President and Founder of the Music Association of Auckland, a Member Choir of NZCF
New Zealand Choral Federation invited the Music Association of Auckland (MAA) to participate in Choral Connect 2021, which included choirs from all over New Zealand. It was a very good experience for us to connect with singers from different communities. Following that, they invited us to the Sing Aotearoa festival in 2023. We have all learnt so much simply by singing, hearing, and watching others. NZCF have connected us to every corner of their choral networks, and we're very excited that our Youth Choir won a Bronze Medal at The Kids Sing last year.
MAA have been embraced by NZCF since our joining as a member in 2021. NZCF has been our mentor, giving us advice and guidance for professional development. They need your support, and you need theirs. We highly recommend any choir to join this choral family now!