Golden Notes at the KBB Music Festival

The KBB Music Festival remains the pinnacle event for our large ensembles at the College, and this year our musicians delivered one of our strongest results to date. Across eight ensembles, Saint Kentigern College was awarded four Golds, one Silver, and three Bronzes, with several groups also claiming special awards. Our Junior Jazz Orchestra competed non-competitively, however, were very impressive showcase excellent improvisational and ensemble skills. 

Our premiere auditioned ensembles, the Symphony Orchestra, Concert Band, Chamber Orchestra, and Big Band, each gave exceptional performances. All four ensembles were selected to perform in the TOP 4 KBB gala in their respective categories. They also achieved Gold Awards, marking a significant step up from last year’s triple gold achievement.

The Symphony Orchestra impressed adjudicators with their dynamic and expressive playing a diverse and challenging programme which included Bernstein’s Overture from Candide, The A&P Show by NZ composer Jenny Mcleod, and Bruch’s Violin Concerto 2nd Movement featuring Amy Chen. This last piece featuring Amy Chen’s remarkable performance in collaboration with the orchestra, was recognised with the Best Soloist Award, a significant ensemble achievement.

The Big Band lit up the stage with their characteristic energy and tight ensemble sound. Their ability to balance precision with spontaneity earned them the Best Improvisation Award, highlighting the strength and creativity of the players. Their programme consisted of Tocando a Vida by Cassio Vianna, Buddy Rich’s arrangement of Love for Sale, Against All Odds by the Phil Collins Big Band and they finished their set with a funk piece titled Sneaky Pete.

The Concert Band also shone brightly, with their Gold-winning performance further distinguished by the adjudicators’ recognition of Best Original Composition. This accolade is a mark of this ensemble’s versatility and the creativity of its members. Although their programme only consisted of two pieces, Olympic Fanfare by John Willams and Eric Whitacre’s Godzilla Eats Las Vegas!, both of these pieces are very substantial. Godzilla was accompanied by AI generated images which told the story of this gargantuan piece to the audience’s delight. 

The Chamber Orchestra impressed with their stylistic interpretation of Baroque repertoire, earning both a Gold Award and the Best Baroque Performance Award. The adjudicators commended their musical balance and nuanced approach. Their repertoire consisted of Vivaldi’s Concerto for Strings in Am, Serenade for Strings 1st Movement by Edward Elgar, and The Ghosts of Wreak Bay by NZ composer David Hamilton. 

Our other ensembles also performed strongly. Servanda Strings earned a Silver Award, while MacFarlan Strings, Jazz Orchestra, and Symphonic Band each received Bronze Awards, showing the breadth of musical excellence across all levels of participation.

These results reflect the countless hours of rehearsal and the dedication of our students and conductors. Each ensemble’s journey to KBB has been marked by many early morning practices, commitment, and passion.

We extend our gratitude to the music staff, tutors, and support team who guided our ensembles to such success. Their leadership has inspired our young musicians to aim high and achieve outstanding results.

This year’s festival has set a new benchmark for Saint Kentigern music. With four golds and multiple special awards, the College continues to affirm its place among the very best in the Nations musical community.

Watch each of our groups perform below:

KBB Gala Concert Band 2025 | Saint Kentigern
https://youtu.be/0XjopHHX5VI

KBB Gala Orchestra 2025 | Saint Kentigern
https://youtu.be/zFRO59Xe1CA

Symphony Orchestra KBB Gala 2025 | Saint Kentigern
https://youtu.be/aCvgJbT6YtI

Big Band KBB Music Festival 2025 | Saint Kentigern
https://youtu.be/zqvwDvQbLRk

Chamber Orchestra KBB Music Festival 2025 | Saint Kentigern
https://youtu.be/kp7y2gzmT-A

Concert Band KBB Gala 2025 (Version 1) | Saint Kentigern
https://youtu.be/goUIEmtd5Dg

Concert Band KBB Gala 2025 (Version 2) | Saint Kentigern
https://youtu.be/7d7gizQdIr0

Junior Jazz Orchestra KBB Music Festival 2025 | Saint Kentigern
https://youtu.be/beB0_KcwaDk

MacFarlan Strings KBB Music Festival 2025 | Saint Kentigern
https://youtu.be/5albNOKyvPw

Servanda Strings KBB Music Festival 2025 | Saint Kentigern
https://youtu.be/6H_gbq8YL_M

Symphonic Band KBB Music Festival 2025 | Saint Kentigern
https://youtu.be/-Fsr8sl6JA0

Symphony Orchestra KBB Music Festival 2025 | Saint Kentigern
https://youtu.be/oRUqWsbmmb8