Two Sacred Heart students’ talents have earned them accolades at this year’s New Zealand Choral Federation East Coast Big Sing competition. 

The NZCF East Coast Secondary School Student Conductor was awarded to Year 13 student Praises Asolua, while the NZCF East Coast Secondary School Student Instrumentalist went pianist, and Year 9 student Ruby Lo.

On Wednesday, more than 400 secondary school students from 20 schools around Hawke's Bay participated in the competition, held at Toitoi - Hawke's Bay Arts & Events Centre. 

Sacred Heart College had 40 students take part in two choirs; the Marian Choir and the Gospel Choir. Ruby took on the role of accompanist and Praises conducted the Gospel Choir. 

Praises says she is so grateful to have won the award.

While it is the first time she has been a conductor, she has previously been involved with Big Sing as a member of both choirs. 

Leading the Gospel Choir means she has fulfilled her dream of doing so before leaving school.  

“I chose Gospel because it is something I am passionate about. I grew up listening to Gospel and God has opened so many opportunities in my life, I wanted to use this as a way of praising Him.”

Ruby says she was surprised to receive the award but believes it represents the talent of the school and the choir for which she is proud to be a part of. 

Music has always been a part of her life. Her mother introduced it to her at a really young age. Now at 13-years-old, she has successfully passed Grade 8 in Piano, and Grade 5 in Flute. 

“I like it because I can express my feelings and there's a lot of things you can do with music, and a lot of ways you can play it,” she said. 

Sacred Heart College music teacher Lara Coates said the achievements are such a morale boost for the students. “We may be small, but we are mighty.”

“For Ruby, it is a wonderful recognition of the talents and abilities that she brings to our school, and I love that this is a perfect fit for her to be part of our team in such a valued way.”

Mrs Coates says Praises’ award runs deeper than simply the performance on the day. 

“I have observed her throughout the lead-up to the event and the amazing leadership that she has displayed throughout that time in selecting the repertoire and then drawing the music out of the choir in such a powerful way.” 

Mrs Coates says the highlight for her was seeing the girls really rise to the occasion, sing with a quality that exceeded their own expectations and to feel the camaraderie that prevails in those moments between them.

She acknowledged the “incredible support” within the school from staff, whether it be sending messages of encouragement beforehand or in buying tickets and coming along to support the girls even though they may not have a direct link to the choirs. 

“This means an awful lot to the performers, and they are always so delighted to spot their teachers in the audience.”