Once at the Performing Arts Festival, the combined forces of the Clevedon Valley Studio and the College Choirs won all eight classes that they entered at the opening evening of competition.
This annual event attracts hundreds of competitors in voice, instruments, piano, dance and speech from all over the North Island. Another Old Collegian, Josh Helm (Peart, 2006 – 2009) featured in the ensembles and accompanied on cello and bass guitar.
A highlight for the large audience and judge were the exceptional renditions of compositions of Music teacher, Chris Artley’s Ave Maria and I will lift up mine eyes. With young Ryan O’Connell (Year 9, Marsden) making a valuable contribution to the latter with the trumpet solo, and some outstanding singing, these two songs were awarded the highest mark of the evening.
Solo competitions followed over the next days with Oliver Vannoort (Year 11, Marsden) and Luke Shackleton (Year 10, Major) gaining major placings in the large classes, including several first places.
Sophie Turner (Year 13, Taylor) and Joe Chong (Year 12, Parnell) competed in the West Auckland Festival, winning the Duet section and gaining several other placings.
