Working with music and people has been a heavenly match for Southlander Sarah Rae for the past 33 years.
"It allows me to work with such an amazing assortment of people from all walks of life and talents.
"Honestly, it’s the people that bring you back."
Singing in the St John’s Primary School choir ignited her love for music.
Since 1996, the musical director has each year prepared more than 700 students from 20 schools for the annual three-night "Sing Out" festival.
From 2006, as Southland Girls’ High School’s head of performing arts, countless volunteer hours have been invested in directing the school’s Femme choir — one of the nation’s top 20 secondary school choirs.
Implementing workshops with national and international mentors, and community performance opportunities were part of the picture.
Her reputation earned her the directorship of the Southland Youth Choir from 1995 to 2004.
In 1995 she established The Ensemble, alongside her director’s role with the Foveaux Harmony Chorus — a two-way relationship where she also learned from others.
"It’s really grown me as a musician and how you work with people and the skills you learn. I feel very fortunate.
"You get such a buzz from what you can accomplish with guiding other people."
Development roles included co-ordinating the ILT scholarship for female singers aged 13-25 as well as coach and educator with Young Women in Harmony — a national initiative providing musical education for women under 25.
