The Tawa Schools and Community Music Festival takes place once every two years. It involves most of the children in years 5-6 (9-11 year olds) at Tawa's six primary schools, those in the Madrigal Choir at Tawa Intermediate, plus singers from Tawa College. Added to that are 80 to 100 in the adult section of the massed choir, a total of 600 to 700 voices all singing in unison.

Wellington's Michael Fowler Centre is the usual venue for the festival. Many of the pieces sung are accompanied by either energetic dancers on stage, or colourful props used by all those taking part - and sometimes both. Many hours of practice on the part of all the singers and the accompanying musical team go into making a great concert. Shona Murray (pictured at right), was the director for 22 festivals from 1979 to 2010, and the success of the occasion over so many years is very much attributable to her.

The reins have now been handed over to Murray Cameron whose role it is to bring everything together to ensure a memorable evening. The 2012 performance will take place at the Michael Fowler Centre on the evening of Tuesday, 18th September 2012. Tickets are available here.