The Festival is the largest of its kind in New Zealand with 138 groups from 48 schools performing in four different categories. The College had five ensembles competing; our String Orchestra, Little Big Band, Symphony Orchestra, Premier Concert Band and Concert Band.
It was an excellent week for our Music students, giving them many opportunities to mix and mingle with an array of talented musicians.
Music Head-of-Department Chris Adams was especially pleased with the performances of King’s music students this year. “We got many positive comments back from the judges and were awarded two silver awards and two bronzes,” says Chris.
Vincent Chen (Year 13, Major) says the festival was a highlight of the year for him and a “not to be missed” opportunity.
“Meeting people, making friends, playing with an incredible foreign conductor are things that I’d gladly experience again next year,” says Vincent.
Big Little Band member and silver medal winner, Owen McKibbin (Year 13, Major) also found the event successful.
“For the Big Little Band, taking part in the festival also allowed us to witness bands from a range of different schools,” says Owen. “This allows us to see how other schools work and sound compared to us, giving us a different perspective on how to interpret pieces.”
