The KBB Music Festival has been a happy hunting ground for Saint Kentigern College Music groups in recent years. Following four Concert Band Gold Awards in the last decade and a Gold for the Symphony Orchestra in 2014, the Stage Band has risen to the top of our instrumental ensembles in 2015 with both a Gold Award and an invitation to play at the Festival's Gala Concert at the Holy Trinity Cathedral.

Under the guidance of new Musical Director, Paul Norman, the band demonstrated a combination of outstanding clarity, energy, improvisation and unity to win the plaudits of the judges and audience in two outstanding performances.

Several soloists, led by the band’s lead alto saxophone player, Michael Ng, put into action the work that they have been undertaking with the College's improvisation tutor, Dr Mark Baynes.  William Xu (Piano), Claire Hofman (Trumpet), Josh Looker (Tenor Saxophone) and Like Iso (Drums) were all exceptional in the execution of their solo work when called on to improvise. Vocalist, Lili Taylor, was also a leading feature  in the award winning programme with two very mature performances.

Those at the Jazz Café earlier in the term will have seen the scope and growth of the jazz programme and will undoubtedly be pleased to hear that the Stage Band’s outstanding work has been recognised outside the College.

The Stage Band was not the only ensemble to come away with an award at last week’s festival. Both the Concert Band and the Chamber Orchestra were awarded Silver in their sections and the Symphony Orchestra came away with Bronze. When added to the Gold awarded to our all boys’ choir, Menasing at the Big Sing National Finale, this has been an exciting 10 days for the students and staff in the Music Department!

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