Being offered earplugs at the door of the Music Centre last week was the first clue that this was to be a music evening a little different from the more usual fare of symphony, chamber, concert, vocal, pipes and jazz!

Fourteen bands rocked the house at the second contemporary music evening for 2018. From rock classics to contemporary hits and original song writing, our Middle College and Senior College boys and girls showcased their talents in front of an encouraging audience. The younger students, in particular, learnt that it was one thing to practise in a band room but another to play to a live audience! Nerves were quickly put aside for some very  polished performances.

If you have followed the fortunes of College bands Haze and Factory in the last 12 months you will be aware that the Rock programme, under the direction of Mr Geordie McCallum, has achieved significant success.  Haze were national finalists in 2017 and Factory are in phase three of the process for the 2018 Rockquest, having performed at the 2018 Manukau heats and then the final. They are now recording an extended Music video in the hopes of winning a place in the national final. 

While success on the national stage is fantastic, the success on the stage of the Music Centre at the Contemporary Music Showcase by our fourteen bands is equally significant.  The breadth of talent demonstrated at the termly event continues to improve with band synergy, presentation and musicianship all improving as the programme matures.

Our congratulations to the 59 students who took part in the evening, including a rousing finale by Factory.  The audience who filled the Music Centre atrium and gallery were treated to an evening of enthusiastic music-making.

Our thanks to Mr Sam Elijas, the Head of Rock and Jazz for his support of the programme, Mr Patrick Hedder for his help in running the showcase and Mr McCallum for his dedication to music at the College.

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Tags

• Music,
• Rock

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