Waikato musicians take gold at National Concert Band Festival

There were cheers, whoops, and fist pumps when young Waikato musicians struck gold in Tauranga last weekend.

Three Waikato ensembles heard their hard work earned them gold awards at the New Zealand Concert Bands Association (NZCBA) National Festival prizegiving evening on Saturday.

Almost 30 bands from throughout the North Island entered the festival at Bethlehem College, and they ranged from primary school ensembles to community bands with adult players.

The Waikato sent eight ensembles, and three won gold awards: Waikato Youth Symphonic Band, Waikato Schools Symphonic Band, and Rototuna Primary School Concert Band.

Rototuna was the only primary group to get past silver.

Waikato Youth Symphonic Band tenor saxophonist Elizabeth Hocking’s first experience of a national festival ended on a high note after the band’s result, and there was no doubt about how the sixteen-year-old felt.

“Pleased, after putting all the practice in.”

And retiring president of the NZCBA Stewart Stanbridge said it was one of the best festivals in his 26 years of involvement, and the Waikato’s results were great.

“I think we’re up with the rest of them.”

The weekend was busy for Mr Stanbridge, as he was involved with four of the eight Waikato bands.

But it was worth it – an adjudicator told Mr Stanbridge a performance by the Youth Symphonic Band, of which he is co-conductor, made hairs stand up on the back of his neck.

The Waikato region was one of the best represented in the festival, with eight ensembles entered.

Even the three adjudicators had Waikato links: NZ Symphony Orchestra flautist Kirstin Eade, recently-appointed musical director of the NZ Royal Air Force Band Simon Brew, and Te Awamutu College music teacher Robert Hollinshead.

Also, Te Awamutu resident Christine Jeffs, who has organised 10 national festivals, was awarded life membership of the New Zealand Concert Bands Association.

WAIKATO BAND RESULTS

Hukanui Primary Concert Band – Silver

Matamata College Jazz  – Silver

Matamata Intermediate School Concert Band – Silver

Rototuna Primary School Concert Band – Gold

Sacred Heart Girls’ College & St John’s College Combined Band – Silver

Te Awamutu Intermediate Symphonic Band – Silver

Waikato Schools Symphonic Band – Gold

Waikato Youth Symphonic Band  – Gold