Doing our small country proud

The Waikato Rivertones in action. Photo / Supplied

A little over a week ago I was waiting at Auckland International Airport bound for a flight to America. As I went through the security check, normally a moment of seriousness and stress, I couldn't help but overhear the sounds of laughter as we shuffled through. A scattering of aqua blue vests brightened the somewhat dull security line and smiles could be seen all around.

I was heading to America not only for a holiday but also to see my mother, Hazel, and 70 other mostly Waikato singers representing New Zealand in the Sweet Adelines International convention in Nashville, Tennessee.

The Sweet Adelines is comprised of thousands of women singers who perform (magnificently) the musical art of barbershop harmony. Now I'm a 31 year old male who, until recently, couldn't care less about this singing. Eventually guilt kicked in a couple of years ago and I finally drove down to Hamilton to watch them perform. I was hooked instantly by the magical sound. Trust me, when you hear it live, it is simply surreal.

A great example of this was after the competition had finished and we were back in the hotel having dinner and drinks.

One of the singers was having a birthday and so we all had to stand up and sing happy birthday. For the many of you who work in an office like me you'll know just how terrible singing 'happy birthday' can be. Everyone's off key, out of time, and some just stand there silently. When these ladies started the first line, it was me who shut up and stood there silently. I have never heard this song sung so smoothly and flawlessly. These women have the most angelic and yet powerful voices you have ever heard.

The Sweet Adelines is kind of a big deal over here... in fact when we touched down at LAX Air New Zealand asked them to sing before we left the aircraft. On the next flight from LAX to Denver United Airlines asked the plane to give them a round of applause - there were only 7 kiwi singers on that flight.

On the gruelling 12 hour flight across the Pacific to Los Angeles our section of the plane was a buzz with chatter and laughter. From both the chorus and passengers sitting around us. One thing about these girls and ladies is that I'm yet to meet one without a sense of humour. They're all naughty and most seem to have absolutely no shame whatsoever. They tease each other, laugh loudly and behave like one big family. Every time I'm introduced to another member I'm either hugged or teased but always warmly welcomed.

Now the chorus my mother is part of is the Waikato Rivertones - this was the chorus representing New Zealand out of all the New Zealand choruses. And this is where we need to get some perspective. By far the majority of choruses singing at this competition are from America - for New Zealand to be represented is one thing - for Hamilton/Waikato to be representing on behalf of New Zealand is another. Think about it, you have Houston, Texas performing - a region that is home to several million people. Then there's the Waikato Rivertones - a region home to only about 150,000 people. They really were just a drop in the bucket. But one that caused ripples.

In the main competition the Rivertones were first on stage. Going first is always difficult. When the lights dimmed the Kiwi supporters (mostly husbands) chanted "Kiwi, Kiwi, Kiwi" loudly across the massive arena (normally home to the Tennessee Predators ice hockey team). As soon as the Rivertones opened their mouths their training and professionalism instantly sang through. They were flawless.

That morning the Waikato Rivertones not only met the international bar for barbershop harmony - but they easily exceeded it. A stunning, simply powerful, angelic harmony that gave me goosebumps and left the entire stadium cheering. From 70 female singers, varying in ages from the teens to the...well...I don't want to guess how old in case I'm attacked by them when they read this. (let's just say a few would get senior discounts) this chorus filled the stadium with such a strong sound that I felt it right through my body. And in just a few short minutes, one year of intense rehearsals, was over. But boy did they leave their mark.

The chorus after New Zealand was Australia. They too were great but I felt they lacked the same "oomph" that New Zealand had. Compared to Australia I think New Zealand is a bit like the byline from the car rental company Avis - because we're not the biggest "we try harder"...of course that's just my view and I have to say the Rivertones were incredibly supportive of Australia and most of the other choruses (even I secretly wanted to boo them...of course that would be very uncouth at such an event). I gotta say (and sure I'm bias but I'm trying my very best to be open minded here as I'm no expert), to me the Rivertones out sung the next several choruses - easily.

This contest has many similarities to the Miss America beauty pageant - with strict rules and a very detailed judging criteria that I could never get my head around - nor would I want to. But unlike the competitive nature of a beauty pageant or other such American competition each chorus warmly supported each other - they are united by their love for singing and performing.

In the end the Rivertones made 27th out of 32. Not bad for lil ol' Waikato performing against big cities like Houston, Nashville, Seattle and Chicago just to name a few.

And I have to say, the Rivertones never expected to win. With these singing choruses size really does matter - the more singers you have the more depth you can project and the more 'magic' you can have with a song - and that will certainly equate to more points.

Still, as the Rivertones left the stage the audience applauded longer than most of the other performances I watched. As a kiwi out in the audience, at an event that I would normally run a hundred miles from, I was spellbound by the Waikato Rivertones, as they strongly competed here in the middle of Nashville, Tennessee, a state that in many ways couldn't be more removed from New Zealand if it tried...and yet the Rivertones beat several big American choruses that you expect would've romped home here in the buckle of the bible belt (and if you've been to America recently you'll know that belt is XXL)

I have to say...the Waikato Rivertones sure did our small country proud... y'all.

Philip Duncan

Pictured: The Waikato Rivertones in action. Photo / Supplied