Choir set to hit the high notes again . . .

A long-standing choir in Southland is excited to finally get back into rehearsals for the first time in nearly a year after disruptions caused by Covid-19.

A Capella Singers’ musical director Christine McLeod said: ‘‘Everybody just wants to get back to singing, it’s something we love, and we miss it.’’

The choir that has been going for 47 years hasn’t had a concert for nearly a year, and traditionally it would usually have three or four scheduled concerts taking place.

‘‘We had one planned for Easter that ended up not happening because of [Covid] restrictions.’’

McLeod contacted the 27 choir members to gauge interest in resuming rehearsals at the First Church in Invercargill in June.

‘‘Everybody’s keen, unless they’re immunocompromised and that’s fine, they’ll sit it out until they’re ready.

‘‘We just want to get back into it . . . we’ll be a bit rusty no doubt, but we’ll pick it up.

Singing at rehearsals with face masks on was difficult for a few and McLeod found it hard in her role as conductor.

‘‘You’re trying to talk and show people things [as conductor], and it’s really hard when half your face is covered,’’ she said.

Social distancing would be observed at practises when they resumed and face mask wearing was optional, McLeod added.

A goal of the A Capella Singers is to be one of up to seven choirs performing at a concert in Invercargill in September.

The return of Monday night rehearsals were looked forward to by choir members, McLeod said.

‘‘We share the passion for singing together in harmony, developing great friendships. We enjoy the social aspect as much as the singing.’’