- Saint Kentigern Home
- About Us
- Building Saint Kentigern
- Our Future
- Open Days
- Careers
- College
- Boys' School
- Girls School
- Preschool
- International
- Boarding
- Alumni
- News
News
Our College musicians hit all the right notes, winning 10 awards, at the 2022 KBB Music Festival. The annual festival which was held at the Holy Trinity Cathedral showcased the best in Auckland secondary school music in four categories: Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, Concert Band and Jazz Band.
All six of our College music ensembles received recognition at the festival with the College Premier Groups; Symphony Orchestra, Concert Band and Big Band leading the way, each achieving the top honour of a Gold Award, while our College Feeder Groups; String Ensemble, Symphonic Band and Stage Band each receiving a Bronze Award for their performances throughout the week.
Furthermore, our Symphony Orchestra, Concert Band and Big Band gained additional acknowledgement with four special awards;: 2 soloist awards, an improvisation award and a best performance award in Jazz.
The College’s Head of Music Ms Mary Lin expressed delight at the record performance at the festival. She said, “It is the dedication and hard work our students and music directors that has helped pull off one of our most successful year yet with the College taking home major trophies in all the ensemble categories that we had entered. Our appreciation goes to our talented College musicians for their perseverance, music directors, managers and staff for their tireless commitment, and parents for their continuous support.
“It has been extra special to see our Feeder Groups stepped up in numbers with three times more students in each group and improved performance quality as mirrored in the Bronze award recognition received compared to Highly Commended previously,” added Ms Lin.
Following strong performances throughout the competition, the Symphony Orchestra and Jazz Band was selected as one of the Top 4 in their respective categories in Auckland to participate in the Gala Concert. Our Symphony Orchestra which was directed by Ms Lin presented their performance of Sleeping Beauty Waltz by Pyotr IIyich Tchaikovsky and Piano Concerto No. 2 by Dmitri Shostakovich. Our Big Band which was directed by Mr Albert Lee played Indian Summer by Victor Herbert and Absoludicrous by Gordon Goodwin.
Our heartiest congratulations to all our musicians and teachers who have dedicated much time to early morning, afternoon, and weekend practices. Well done!
2022 KBB Music Festival Awards won and comments from the adjudicators:
String Ensemble- Bronze
‘Excellent choice of programme for your ensemble. Very well prepared and a pleasure to listen to’
Symphonic Band- Bronze
‘Interesting programme with obvious ensemble strengths. This young band has obvious talent and commitment. All the best as you continue to grow!’
Stage Band- Bronze
‘Nice contrasting programme. Nice short solos throughout!’
Symphony Orchestra- Gold and Tour Time Outstanding Soloist Award - Charles Sang, Piano solo for Shostakovich Piano Concerto No. 2 Movement 3.
‘This is advanced orchestral playing, what an enjoyable varied programme, with exceptional playing for this level’
Concert Band – Gold and Tour Time Outstanding Soloist Award - Ethan Fung, Clarinet solo for ‘Twitch by Nathan Daughtry’
‘Ambitious programme carried with confidence and flair by the band confidently and musically. Bravo! Beautiful playing by the soloist and band.’
Big Band- Gold, Tour Time Jazz Improvisation Award (Various Year 12-13 soloists from the band), and Best Performance of a Jazz Work in other style.
‘Very tight rhythm section and feel, the horns overall brilliant, intense dynamics. A stellar band!’