After an 18-month journey of extensive fundraising and ensemble preparations, the Nayland College Concert Band, Jazz Band and Orchestra made their mark at the KBB Music Festival in Auckland, Parnell.
KBB Music Festival
The Holy Cathedral and St Mary’s Church were two glorious venues to perform in and made the festival occasion an exceptional experience for the students.
Capped at 147 Groups competing in 2024 (its largest to date), this event has some significant traction over its 40+ year history as the premier secondary school music contest in New Zealand. Jazz, Concert, Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra sessions were held over the whole week from Monday 12 August, culminating in two gala concerts and award ceremonies on the Saturday afternoon and evening.
Concert Band
The Concert Band performed a circus-themed set including many props and a cameo ringmaster speech from Year 12 student, Malachi Ng. Their first item “Be a Clown” dazzled the audience with trombone section, Millie MacBrayne and Bailey Main, playing stylish glissandos. As a featured solo item, the band chose to play a trumpet ‘section feature,’ “Bugler’s Holiday” by Leroy Anderson which saw Pearl Heke, Emma Wilson, Malachi Ng, Fintan Batt and Ava Harley pop on some buglers hats and play a virtuoso number. The programme had everything from clowns to human canon balls and took the audience on a captivating journey. The iconic “This is Me” from The Greatest Showman really topped-off the theme with Miss MacKenzie adorning a hat and tails in true ‘Hugh Jackman’ fashion.
Jazz Band
The Jazz Band performed in a smaller intimate venue which created the ideal atmosphere for the genre. Some impressive and technically proficient solos were played by Joe Gavin (Guitar), Mattie Laing (Alto Sax), Sam Turner (Tenor Sax), Koko Sugikwaka (Baritone Sax), Ash Gundry (Drum Kit), Pearl Heke (Trumpet) and Molly Sussex (Bass). Vocal soloist Isabella Fuller performed two numbers with the group; “Cry me a river” and “Take the A’ Train.” Her sultry tone was stylistically perfect for the set and complimented by the full ensemble snazzy ‘hits.’
Honours Orchestra
A 120-piece orchestra adorned the stage on Friday night to rehearse and present a concert of two movements from the Planets suite by Gustav Holst; “Venus” and “Mars.” Amongst this collaboration of students from across the spectrum of schools competing in KBB, was our very own Morgan Barak (Oboe), Millie MacBrayne (Violin) and Pearl Heke (Trumpet). As this was an elite orchestra, it was limited to only those who were Grade 6 or above standard. The opportunity to perform amongst such a vibrant collection of students, added much to the overall spirit of the festival and the collective level of experience gave for a thrilling concert. Our students enjoyed making connections through their shared love of music-making.
Orchestra
Head of Arts Mr Gerritsen took to the stage on the Friday with our Orchestra. Although small in numbers, this ensemble was impressively balanced, in-tune and cohesive. The big finale of this session included a ‘play-in’ component, in which all the schools combined to play “Cataclysm” by Robert Sheldon, led by one of the chief adjudicators. Our students all soaked up all the mentoring and enjoyed the camaraderie of working with a variety of schools.
Gala and Results
The level of talent on display at the two gala concerts were of professional quality and gave much inspiration for our ensembles moving forward to the next big goal and challenge. Results come in categories of: Commended, Highly Commended, Bronze, Silver and Gold. Our ensembles were delighted to receive Bronze across the board in our results, and to gain valuable expert feedback from the judges. We are all left buzzing with motivation having seen the premier Auckland schools on show and we look forward to the continued growth of our music programmes here.
By Kay MacKenzie