As musicians we all hope these are lifted so we can share our musical nectar with the community again. There are numerous ensembles rehearsing weekly in hopeful preparation for performances. The NPBHS/NPGHS Combined Concert Band has had limited performance time under the baton of Ms Jodi Thomas, but played well at the recent Who’s Huia concert. Ms Thomas has decided to leave public education at the end of this year. Her skills, musical direction, and friendly attitude will be sorely missed by our ākonga and those of NPGHS.
The NPBHS/NPGHS Combined Stage Band One (Jazz Big Band) has also had very limited performance time and our Premier Jazz Combo ‘The Maunddawgs’ is in the same boat. Mr Matthew Benton (conductor) has lifted the standard of both groups immensely, and we look forward to competing with both bands early next year at the NZ Jazz Nationals in Tauranga.
Rockquest was a highlight for many of our students in Term 2, and NPBHS was once again in the hunt for national success. The Gandharvers (Nixon Tyler, Kalani Tamati, Bailey Bryant, and Marius Schnetzer) Made top 10 nationally in the band section. Caesar (Jack Dixon and Cody Putt) made the top 5 solo/duos and narrowly missed out on performing at the national final in Auckland. Nixon Tyler and Sean Grieve both made it past the regional competition through to the national video submission stage for their solo performances. ‘Pointless Dream’ (Jake Sherman, Owen Ellington, Owen Brown, Josh Penington, and Matty Barnfield) debuted at the regional finals and will be looking to smash it out of the park next year.
Moving from the modern genre to the classical arena, NPBHS had a number of entries in the NZCT Chamber Music competition. The Martinu Trio of Hysan Shi, Ian Wong, and NPGHS virtuoso Mercy Jones won the Taranaki Regional section and gained entry into the Lower North Island finals in Wellington. Unfortunately, due to a clash of commitments, the group was unable to compete at this event. We have a large number of classical musicians in our school ranks, and so we look forward to the future to carry on this success.
Hysan Shi also capped off his classical music year with a win in the ‘Open Woodwind’ section of the NP Competitions on flute. He has a very bright future and we wish him well in Christchurch next year.
A number of students competed in the NZ Brass Band Championships in Timaru, with Wes Richards notably winning his National Junior Baritone section and thus competing in the U19 ‘Champion of Champions’ event. Well done to all of the students who competed.
With well over 150 solo and group performances held this year inside our classrooms, and the numerous community performances, in and outside of kura, we are well set with a growing body of skillful musicians in the wings, waiting to make their mark.
None of this would be possible without our itinerant music staff, who enable our students to reach the very high levels of musicianship we are becoming accustomed to witnessing. To Mr Matt Benton, Mr Blake Gibson, Mr Phil Cook, Mr Stewart Maunder, Ms Amanda Henry, Ms Unity Wara, Mr Rob Greenfield, and Mr Fraser Bremner: thank you very much for your dedication to our students’ improvement.
A large shout-out must also go to Mr Davies (our Director of Culture) who often takes our musicians out into the community to share their talents with those that are otherwise unable to hear them.
Lastly, to all of the music students – well done on a successful year – but it ain’t over yet! Keep practising over the holidays and get ready to make your mark next year!