LOCAL acapella group Blokes Notes have sung their way to a bronze medal at what is considered the choral equivalent of the Olympic Games.

The senior singers from the Camden Haven and Hastings region have just returned from the World Choir Games in Auckland.

It was their first international appearance.

The event featured 250 choirs from 41 countries competing across Open and Championship levels.

Of the 30 Australian choirs taking part, Blokes Notes were the only ones in the category “Seniors with Equal Voices”.

They prepared four pieces for the competition, which were performed in the Concert Chamber of the Auckland Town Hall.

“We’ve had a fantastic time sharing our music,”said Music Director Leanne Johnson of Bonny Hills.

“This award recognises the dedication and commitment of eighteen ordinary blokes [who] were very pleased to have made our community and country proud.”

Adelaide’s Festival Statesmen Chorus, under the direction of Jonathan Bligh, were crowned Champions of the Games, after winning two gold medals and two World Championship trophies.

Blokes Notes also performed in Friendship Concerts, with the Waikato Male Voices in Hamilton and were part of “flash choirs” performing in pubs, buses, airports and even in the Te Puia geothermal park in Rotorua.

Member and group co-founder Marcus Ludriks said he was inspired to form Blokes Notes in 2009 after attending a performance in Laurieton by Blue Mountains group, “Spooky Men’s Chorale”.

He describes Blokes Notes as having “a quirky repertoire, making for a light-hearted and thoroughly entertaining performance”.

When at home, Blokes Notes donates the proceeds of its local performances to Liberty Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Services.

By Sue STEPHENSON and Ian RICHARDSON