City Of Sails Chorus
The Auckland City of Sails Chorus is one of New Zealand's top male choruses singing mainly barbershop music. They are based in Auckland and have been ACTIVE since the inception of NZABS (New Zealand Association Of Barbershop Singers) in 1979. NZABS is an affiliate of the governing SPEBSQSA organisation.
The chorus was originally the MOTAT chorus, named after the Museum of Transport and Technology located in Western Springs of Auckland City.
The City of Sails Chorus's MusicAL director As of 2005 is 24 year old Ben Trollip. Over the years they have gained the directorial skills of Gary Taylor, Phil Skaggs and Jill Rodgers, the latter of whom took them to the 2005 International convention in Salt Lake City, Utah and continues to coach the group.
Their 2007 President is Richard Hedley. In 2006 the chorus hosted the NZABS national convention.
Other notable choruses in New Zealand are the Canterbury Plainsmen based in Christchurch and Harbour Capital Chorus based in Wellington who formed in the 1980's following the singing style's increase in popularity in the country.