East Coast choirs prepare to perform in The Big Sing over two days in Waiapu Cathedral, Napier

Hastings Girls High School choir director Chris Atkinson rehearsing with his choir at Waiapu Cathedral Napier ahead of The Big Sing. Photo/ Warren Buckland.

Choristers from 17 East Coast secondary schools are perfecting their vocals as The Big Sing kicks off tomorrow.

The two-day event involves 34 choirs from Gisborne through to Central Hawke's Bay performing three contrasting numbers in Waiapu Cathedral Napier.

The East Coast region is the third-largest festival in the country and The Big Sing East Coast co-ordinator Glenys Kempshall said the standard was rising each year.

"We had rehearsals on Monday and there were some wonderful harmonies with music from early to modern."

Hastings Girls High School's choir is gearing up for the competition and its director, Chris Atkinson, said the girls were really excited to get on the stage.

"We love performing at the cathedral and there is always a wonderful collegial atmosphere, it is one of our highlights as a choir."

This year Hastings Girls have chosen to do one of their items from the musical Wicked.

Mr Atkinson said it was great that they performed three contrasting numbers because they could pick songs that everyone enjoys.

"The girls love the musical numbers so we are all really excited to perform."

Despite losing half of the choir last year due to Year 13s leaving school Mr Atkinson said they were moulding really well.

"This year we have some Year 9s and these young ones are doing fantastically. I think this bodes us well for the future."

Woodford House chapel choir, which won the event last year, is also showcasing a young choir this year.

Usually a senior choir, Woodford chapel choir director Tess Tobin opened it up to include Year 9s and 10s.

"We have some lovely new voices and The Big Sing gives our choir the opportunity to strive for something outside of school."

Last year the choir went on to The Big Sing Finale held in Dunedin and the head of the chapel choir, Amelia Foster, said it gave the girls that extra motivation to succeed.

She said they got to see some "exceptional" choirs at the top of their game, which encouraged them to sing better and harder.

"Our aim is to get there again as the experience was incredible."

Ms Kempshall said to add to the excitement a new award had been established this year, with the New Zealand Choral Federation partnering with the Ministry of Youth Development.

The award will be given to one choir and offers development opportunities to student singers, conductors, composers and accompanists.

"It is really exciting as we already have six awards but to add another is great."

People can attend The Big Sing during the competition performances tomorrow and on Thursday for $5.

At 6pm both days the choirs will perform one of their three items at a gala concert.

Tickets can be purchased online for the gala at Ticketek or from Napier Municipal Theatre for $15 for adults and $10 with Gold Card.