'Praise Be' singers do Motueka proud

March 16th, 2011
[by David Armstrong]

Part of the 100-strong congregation

A combined gathering of over 100 singers, mainly from across Motueka churches, did the town proud as they sang their hearts out at last night's recording of the congregational singing parts for TVNZ's 'Praise Be' programme.

Following a few weeks of learning several new hymns and rehearsals, it all came together superbly on the night, under the guidance and instruction of John Rimmer and Andrea Hamilton.

Only a couple of times were mistakes made that required a restart, and the rest of the recording went smoothly to be completed in under two hours.

St Andrew's Uniting Church was packed with not only singers but also high-tech recording gear, with two fixed cameras, one boom camera and a sound man occupying the front section of the church and the production and direction team in the back room. The warm night, enhanced by the bright studio lighting, meant songsheets were used between hymns to cool down.

The dozen congregational hymns will all be used for several programmes, the main one being a focus on Motueka to be screened on June 5th at 8.00am. Others will be slotted into other special-purpose programmes such as for Christmas and Easter.

To be recorded tonight will be items by the combined St Andrew's and St Peter Chanel choir, plus a Pacifica choir. The show's presenter will also be filming footage from around Motueka today to provide continuity presentation and let viewers see more of our area.

The programme's producer and director told the assembly that Motueka had been an excellent location from which to record a show. The church was visually appealing, the singing was of comparatively good quality, the church was full, and the musical directors - John and Andrea - had the local knowledge and experience to bring out the best in the singers. The accompanist, Lower Moutere's Bill Buck, was also an expert in his field.

'Praise Be' has been screening by TVNZ for 25 years and is a favourite programme for many people, especially those who are not able to get out easily on Sundays and for whom the broadcast is therefore effectively their worship event of the week. John Rimmer ended the evening by thanking TVNZ for coming to Motueka and encouraging the town's participation in such a resounding event.

John Rimmer conducts for one hymn, surrounded by cameras, lights and sound gear.

Photos below supplied by Jan Baily

Conductors Carl Browning and John Rimmer	The production room in the vestry
Conductor Andrea Hamilton at work	John Rimmer

Organist/Accompanist Bill Buck

The choir and Tasman Brass players prepare at rehearsal

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