Choir hits a high note with $30,000 grant

• Central Otago student choir awarded quarterly Jetstar Flying Start Programme grant
• International performance and specialist coaching in Australia for talented students

Dunstan High School’s ‘Dunstanza’ choir was announced today as the ninth recipient of the Jetstar Flying Start Programme grant, receiving $15,000 cash and $15,000 in travel, enabling the 52-strong Otago performance troupe to travel to the Melbourne International Singers Festival in June.

The Dunstanza choir will have their talents on show at two concerts while attending the Festival as well as participating in contemporary and gospel music workshops with Choral Directors from America.

Dunstanza Fundraising Committee secretary Joan Boud said that the grant has made it possible for the choir to focus solely on their performance preparation rather than worrying on raising the funds needed to make the trip a reality.

"Living in a small community such as ours makes fundraising more difficult because the same businesses, organisations and people are repeatedly asked for assistance. To have the opportunity to experience music in a big city will not only broaden the horizons of students but will also allow them to meet and work alongside world leaders in the field of choral music.

“The Jetstar Flying Start Grant will supplement the fundraising already carried out and allow us to make the trip more memorable for choir members and less of a financial burden on their families."

Grant Kerr, Head of Jetstar New Zealand, said the Dunstanza choir’s trip will be of tremendous interest and importance to the wider community.

“Dunstanza represents around 10% of the school population of Alexandra so the impact for the entire community to celebrate and share in the trip is a really special and meaningful experience so we’re delighted to be supporting these gifted young people.”

Jetstar Flying Start Programme judge and rugby league legend Steve Price drew on his own small-town childhood during the judging process.

“Growing up in a small community myself I understand what a big deal something like this is not only the kids but for the whole town. I know every one of these students will never forget this trip and their experiences will last a lifetime”.

The Jetstar Flying Start Programme has awarded $270,000 in travel and cash to nine New Zealand not-for-profit organisations since early 2012. Applications for the next grant close at 5.00pm 30 June 2013. Any New Zealand based not-for-profit community group or organisation in need of a Flying Start is encouraged to apply. Full application details and conditions can be found at www.jetstar.com.

ENDS

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