MUSIC A feast of music
There is always plenty of music on campus and beyond as boys engage in every possible opportunity College has to offer.
To date, music has been dominated by the national Chamber Music contest, the Big Sing, Smokefree Rockquest and the Christchurch secondary schools’ orchestra festival. Music Director Robert Aburn says festivals and competitions are important because they allow a set of works to be performed at the highest possible level, The Chapel Choir continues to lead College’s regular worship, and recently contributed to the success of Ma ¯ ori Language Week celebrations by bookending the week with its powerful rendition of two very prominent waiata. “and to be perfected and shown at their very best.” Coming up in Term 4, the Big Band will perform in the Christchurch Big Band Festival in October and the choir will be preparing for its annual performances at the Advent Service and Carols on the Quad. Southern Jam 2019 Southern Jam is the only event of its kind in the South Island and its purpose is to inspire and educate both students and the public to keep enjoying and playing jazz music. The performers at the Southern Jam Youth Jazz Festival are all high school students aged between 13 and 18 years, and perform in Big Bands, Jazz Ensembles and Jazz Combos. The “These were greatly appreciated by the school community,” says Robert.
event has been running for 15 years and is a musical highlight for the participating schools and appreciative audiences who enjoy their performances. This year 21 bands attended Southern Jam, travelling from near and far across the South Island to Blenheim to participate in masterclasses, workshops and performances, and to be judged in the competition.
All the students’ work and the hours of effort they put into practicing was showcased to the judges and public, and rewarded at a prize-giving ceremony and gala concert in the ASB Theatre Marlborough. The judging panel was composed of professional musicians Hollie Smith, Mat Fieldes, Cameron Allen, Dixon Nacey and Stephen Thomas. College’s Big Band was awarded
College Issue 37 2019
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