Alexandra school-boy Josh Harrex.
Josh Harrex (12), of Alexandra, who attends St Gerard's School, will be in the choir being recorded with Catholic singer-songwriter Andrew Chinn, of Australia, for his new album Let your Light Shine.
More than 20 children from Catholic Primary Schools throughout New Zealand will sing in the New Zealand Butterfly Choir at St Dominic's School in Blockhouse Bay, on November 21 and 22.
While there, they will sing in a guest performance and be recorded for CDs and DVDs heard in Catholic schools throughout New Zealand and Australia.
Mr Chinn had noted the names of talented singers during the past two years from school music workshops and concerts he had taken.
‘‘It was two years ago I went to Queenstown [to attend a workshop] and he liked my voice. He got us all to sing a certain part in his songs,'' Josh said.
The first he knew about being chosen was when St Gerard's principal Pat Hickey handed him a form and asked if he would like to go.
Josh was not the only one taken by surprise. His mother Jenny shared his excitement and she and husband Steve agreed it would be a good experience. ‘‘Mum got a bit of a surprise. She was, like, ‘well done Josh'.''
He had been listening to the CD, which had about 11 songs on it that the choir would sing. Josh had his favourites, including Christ is Our King, Light a Candle and Grow in Truth and Love.
‘‘Sometimes Mum sings them with me out in the kitchen, other times I just go into my room and turn on the stereo.''
Josh had been taking singing lessons with Ruth Reid, of Alexandra, for more than a year.
‘‘She said I had an awesome voice. She helped me with my singing.''
During that time, he had done well at the Alexandra Musical Society competitions, winning a vocal section. However, he had finished taking singing lessons for now.
‘‘I'll probably go back to Ruth Reid to get better - go further with my singing.''
