First-year tauira Noah McBirney Warnes and his camera-shy chicken Speckles during filming for Choir Games – a four-part documentary about the 2024 World Choir Games, which will be available to watch this month.
When you join a small rural choir in Kaitāia the last thing you expect is to end up in a documentary by an award-winning filmmaker.
But that’s exactly what happened to first-year tauira Noah McBirney Warnes (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Whātua), who will soon grace the screens in Choir Games, a four-part docu-series by filmmaker Leanne Pooley ONZM (Beyond the Edge, The Topp Twins: Untouchable Girls).
Choir Games follows two very different choirs – the Young People’s Chorus of New York City and the Kaitāia Community Voices – as they prepare for and compete at the 2024 World Choir Games.
Which is where Noah comes in.
“I was part of one of the choirs the filmmakers were following, so I naturally became involved when they began capturing our rehearsals and journey toward the World Choir Games.
“I think they were drawn to a few of our personal stories, and since I was training as a conductor at the time, that added an interesting dimension.”
Conducting is more than “just waving your hands”, Noah says.
“It fascinated me because it's this beautiful combination of leadership, interpretation, and connection. You’re shaping sound and guiding emotion.
“I’ve continued with it since the Games and, while I’m still growing, it’s something I hope to always keep in my life.”
For anyone not familiar with the choral world, the World Choir Games are a “huge deal”, with 250 choirs from 42 countries competing in Auckland at the 2024 Games.
“Think of them as the Olympics for choirs,” Noah says.
“Choirs from all over the world come together not just to compete, but to celebrate music, culture, and unity.
“It’s powerful. And when you're there, you feel that global energy.”
At their heart, the Games are about connection through music, he says.
“Yes, there are medals and categories, but more than that, it’s about coming together from different countries and singing side by side. The emphasis is on harmony – literally and figuratively.”
The Kaitāia Community Voices at the World Choir Games in Auckland last July. Noah McBirney Warnes, pictured kneeling in the front row, second from right, describes the Games as the “Olympics for choirs”.
Noah, who received a University of Otago Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship last year, is studying first-year health science.
Balancing life’s commitments and choir is definitely a juggling act, he says.
“I try to stay super organised and prioritise what's most important in the moment. Sometimes music takes the lead, other times academics do.
“My goal is to be accepted into medicine at Otago. Becoming a doctor has always been a dream of mine. But honestly, music helps me with my studies. It gives me focus, clarity, and a much-needed outlet when things get stressful.”
Being part of the Choir Games project was “surreal”.
“Having cameras around while we were rehearsing, traveling, or even just chatting felt strange at first but, over time, it became second nature. It was a mix of excitement, nerves, and a lot of gratitude.
“I learned so much not just musically, but about myself and the power of shared experiences.”
Noah has already seen the documentary, which was an emotional experience, he says.
“Seeing our journey through someone else’s lens really hit me. I think friends and family will be proud and maybe even a little surprised by how much went on behind the scenes.
“One highlight was seeing how our individual stories from both choirs wove into something bigger. Also, just having that whole chapter of our lives captured – it’s something I’ll always have.”
Choir Games will premiere on Sky Open and Neon from 4 May at 7.30pm.
-Kōrero by Internal Communications Adviser Laura Hewson
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