Report: Annual KBB Music Festival and Auckland Jazz Competition
The School’s Music groups have had considerable success at the recent KBB Music Festival and the Auckland Jazz Competition.
During Week 4 of Term 3, the annual KBB Music Festival was held at the Holy Trinity Cathedral and St Mary’s Church in Parnell, where students from five Music groups performed over four days of competition.
The ensembles demonstrated remarkable talent and dedication, earning recognition for their outstanding performances and receiving the following results:
- Performing three pieces, the Wind Band received a Highly Commended Award
- Performing four pieces, Grammar Virtuosi received a Silver award. The group was also considered for Best Performance in Classical and Romantic Periods of Music
- Performing three pieces, the Premier Concert Band received a Silver award
- Performing four pieces, the Symphony Orchestra received a Silver award as well as the award for Best Performance of New Zealand works, recognising their proficiency for their piece Albatross in Flight by Anthony Ritchie
- Performing four works, the Big Band received a Gold award and were considered for the category of Jazz Improvisation special award, showcasing their versatile musical abilities and dedication to various genres
Over the weekend, the Big Band, Jazz Combo and the Premier Concert Band performed at the New Zealand Concert Band Association and the Auckland Jazz Competitions respectively.
At the NZCBA competition, the Premier Concert Band received a Gold award, which is a remarkable results as they competed with university-aged students. Delivering high-standard performances, the Big Band received a Gold award and the Jazz Combo received a Platinum award at the Auckland Jazz Competition. In addition, Form 7 student R. R. Ediriweera Wijesuriya received the Outstanding Soloist Award for the second consecutive year.
Congratulations to all students involved, and to the Music staff B. Wasson, E. Hare and Head of Music C. Hahm for their ongoing guidance and support.