Our Team

Natasha "Tash" Manowitz

Founder

Choral Director 

Choir Coordinator

Tash leads the choir alongside her colleagues Susie and Helen, and is the first point of contact when you email or message the choir.

Tash currently teaches classroom Music, Orchestra, flute and violin at Logan Park High School.  Until December 2023, Natasha also taught singing at Saturday Morning Music Classes (SMMC) as well as a range of other instruments for a number of years. 

Tash gained a Bachlor of Music (BMus) from The University of Auckland in 2012, and since returning to her home town of Dunedin has completed a Master of Teaching and Learning (MTchLn) from The University of Otago in 2019.  She has a particular interest in the Kodály approach, and has completed three levels of the Australian Kodály Certificate in Music education. Tash has also attended professional development courses in other active music approaches, Dalcroze and Orff.

Tash has always had a love for singing. She has sung with the Auckland and Southern Youth choirs, is currently a member of Voices NZ and the Flagstaff Community Choir. She has also sung with the Opera Otago Chorus in 2023. In 2025, Tash is looking forward to studying classical voice under the tutelage of Dr Tessa Romano at the University of Otago.

As a conductor, as well as undertaking conducting training as part of her studies, Tash has conducted the Dunedin Youth Orchestra, Collegiate Orchestra and City Wind Orchestra. 

She has completed The Voice Lab Level 1 course for voice teachers, and is particularly focused on the development of children's voices. 

Tash is a confident instrumentalist, on both flute and violin. She has gained ATCL on flute, Grade 8 on violin and has played in a number of orchestras including the Dunedin and Auckland Youth Orchestra, as well as the DSO. A highlight was travelling to Europe with the Auckland Youth Orchestra (as a violinist) and performing at the Young Euro Classic Youth Orchestra Festival in Berlin. As a flautist, Tash toured NZ with pianist Cindy Xia as part of 'Korihi Duo', performing a programme of known and lesser-known works to audiences to positive reviews.

Tash has worked as an Itinerant Music Teacher of flute, violin and other instruments in a large number of schools in both Dunedin and Auckland. 

Susan "Susie" Frame

Founder

Pianist

You will spot Susie leading physical and vocal warm-ups at choir rehearsals, as well as being the rehearsal and concert pianist for the choir.

Susie has accompanied school and community choirs in Dunedin for the last two decades. Between 2001 and 2016, Susie worked as a pianist, guitarist and composer at Balmacewen Intermediate. Between 2005 and 2013, Susie was the piano accompanist for all choirs at Tahuna Intermediate. Until this day, Susie is heavily involved in the Flagstaff Community Choir, having been their piano accompanist for the past 18 years. 

Susie has performed throughout the years at a number of local rest homes, including being the pianist for a choir at Yvette Williams and playing regularly at a Dementia Unit between 2012 and 2017. Since 2021, Susie has been the pianist for Dunedin Highland Dancing Examinations. 

As well as working alongside Tash with the Māori Hill School choir in 2022, Susie co-wrote a musical with Natasha's sister, Rosalind. Titled 'Pause, Breath Smile' this musical was inspired by the mindfulness program of the same name which many schools have taken on board in NZ. After months of dedicated rehearsals led by Susie and Rosalind, this was staged by Māori Hill School at the Regent Theatre in September, 2023. 

Susie has been a published author for over 25 years. Her short stories have appeared in international magazines and her educational readers are sold worldwide by Harper Collins UK and noted Auckland company, Sunshine NZ. She has been a touring guest writer for 'Writers in Schools'. 

Helen Rutherford

Advisor 

Guitarist/Bassist/

Percussionist

Helen adds guitar, bass or percussion parts to many of the choir songs, assists in teaching the children and is an overall advisor for the choir.

Helen has worked in a large range of musical and leadership positions, as well as having worked as a nurse for the past 46 years. 

Between 1987 and 1996, Helen was involved in 7 productions held by the Ranfurly Musical and Dramatic Society, Central Otago. Helen performed as a guitarist, as well as lead vocalist for many of these productions. 

For the latter two productions, in 1993 (Li'l Abner) and 1997 (Footrot Flats), Helen was the musical director. As musical director, Helen was not only a conductor, but also a vocal coach, director and more. Helen has also taught guitar to students at Maniototo Area School.

Helen has sung in the Flagstaff Community Choir for 10 years, and as part of this choir has sung at community festivals and care homes. Helen combines her wide range of expertise in musical direction, as a vocalist, guitarist and teacher into assisting the tamariki of the Dunedin Children's Choir.

Advisor 

Alison is an advisor for the choir.

Alison is a freelance writer, embracing her passion for simplifying complex concepts for all. She is enthusiastic about learning, technology, and reading. 

"Parenting my two young children has motivated me to push beyond my limits, try new things, and grow. 

While I haven't been involved in choirs or orchestras in a while, my kids' Suzuki education and their exploration of all things musical, dance and art related has reignited my love for music. I'm excited to be supporting the Dunedin Children's Choir and its mission to inspire the next generation of musicians."