Avondale College came away with a record number of awards at this year's KBB Music Festival held in Parnell last week.
The Auckland-wide festival saw big bands, symphony orchestras, concert bands and chamber orchestras from over 50 schools gather to perform and compete in the Holy Trinity Cathedral and St Mary's Church.
Led by Avondale's Director of Music, Dr Julie Garner, Avondale's Chamber Orchestra has steadily built a solid reputation for excellence over the past number of years. This year's group was no exception, once again being invited to perform at the event's Gala Concert, meaning they were amongst the top four Chamber Orchestras at the competition. At the prizegiving, the group was presented with a Gold Award, as well as two special awards: ‘Best Performance of a NZ Work’ for Resurrection, by Kirsten Strom, and ‘Best Performance for a work in Other Style’, for their performance of Richter’s Spring 1, ‘In Time’, with Level 3 Dance, choreographed by Miss Santana Schmidt.
Avondale's Symphony Orchestra also performed under Dr Garner's baton, coming away with a Silver Award, and a Special Award: Best Performance of a NZ Work (Remember Parihaka by Anthony Ritchie).
Finally, the Avondale College Big Band, directed by Avondale's Head of Jazz, Mr Mike Robinson, and featuring solos by vocalist Allegra D'Souza and alto saxophonist Ben Ridsdale, also were presented with a Gold Award. They too were invited to perform at the Gala concert, amongst the top four big bands at the competition.
It was a fantastic culmination of the year's work, says Dr Garner.
"Our musicians are feeling deservedly delighted with these achievements and glad that their enormous hard work has translated to improved results," she says.
"I am so proud of all these young musicians and their tenacity and commitment to achieving their best. We are all so thankful for the large and dedicated team of music teachers and itinerants that work tirelessly with these young people."
Photos by Deane Cohen