adjudicators having the unenviable task of selecting those for the grand final. This year, College had four ensembles in the competition, including violins and piano; oboe, flute and piano; and a saxophone quartet. The groups received very constructive and favourable feedback from the judges. It was excellent for our students to see other groups performing and to gain a real sense of the camaraderie that comes from being part of a wider musical community. Playing music with other people is an immensely satisfying experience. Those with any experience of this, at any level, will understand how the process of making music can be immensely nourishing for the soul. We have musicians of all levels at College who put their skills to the test by working in small chamber ensembles where they are each responsible for their individual musical part. This is a very different feeling from playing an instrument as a member of a section in an orchestra or band – it requires a different approach in rehearsal and in individual practice in order to effectively shape your own part in relation to those around you. Acquiring these ensemble skills is a focus of our programme as we look to further develop and enhance our students’ musical experience. Already, the hard work they put in creates some very memorable and exciting musical performances.
TROMBONES Michael Taylor William Sudell Robert McClean
Gold and Shyam Hari was selected as the baritone saxophonist for the All Stars Band, a Big Band chosen by the judges and formed from the best performers in the festival. The sun shone, we had little rain (but one loud clap of thunder) and we appreciated the support from Executive Principal Garth Wynne and many of the boys’ parents. My thanks to Claire Oliver who steered the band to the award and to Anna Johnston who accompanied the trip. Nick Coxon Head of Instrumental Music Christ’s College Big Band SAXOPHONES Jack Glass (Head of Big Band) Jack Belcher Ben Davis Joshua Erasmus Shyam Hari
GUITAR Rory Doull KEYS Ederick He Nick Wilson
BASS Jeremy Kinley
DRUM KIT Matt Todd
PERCUSSION Matthew Brett
VOCALS Henry Briscoe Chamber Music
Nicholas Sutcliffe Music Tutor
For more than 50 years Chamber Music New Zealand has run an annual, nationwide competition for secondary students, in which hundreds of young musicians come together and perform to supportive audiences. The regional and district rounds are held all over the country, with
TRUMPETS Chris Ireland Nicholas Lidstone Chris Lee Oliver Butler Thomas McClean
Christ’s College Canterbury
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