Middle College Music Evening

There are many opportunities during the course of the year for our musicians to share their musical talents. Last night was the turn of students from Years 7-10 to perform at a relaxed and friendly recital evening held in the Music Centre.  Whether just starting out, or an accomplished musician, this was their chance to shine in front of a large turnout of family and friends. 

The music programme at the College continues to gain strength and this year alone, over 400 students are learning an instrument or receiving voice tuition through the itinerant programme, with over 30 specialist itinerant music teachers providing the tuition. Head of Middle College Music, Mr Oliver Gilmour explained that the instrumental evenings are a great opportunity for the students to gain confidence performing in front of a live audience. These may be students who are learning a musical instrument for the first time or those who may already be proficient, but it is not often that instrumentalists have the opportunity to perform solo as most will work within an ensemble or orchestra. 

The concert is also an ideal learning platform for those students who are considering studying music as an academic subject in their senior years, providing good preparation for those who will go on to be assessed as a performer. 

The evening’s acts opened with the No 2 Pipe Band followed by the Saint Kentigern String Ensemble, a newly formed group of violinist and cellists who gave a very polished performance. 

We were fortunate to enjoy Trio Espoir, a chamber group who recently won the Auckland Chamber Music Competition. The trio are from three different schools with Year 9 student, Ian Chiao, representing Saint Kentigern. 

Following on, soloist and duets steeled their nerves to perform on the piano, violin, cello, guitar, saxophone and flute. The evening concluded with an upbeat Saint Kentigern Wind Band playing three lively pieces: ‘Colonel Bogey’s March,’ ‘Instant Concert’ and Pharrell Williams’ irrepressible number, ‘Happy.’ 

From Bach and Sibelius to Disney and Cold Play, there was something for everyone to enjoy! Proud parents looked on – and held their breath as their own child stepped up to play! The quality of these performances in some instances was outstanding and bodes well for the future of our large music ensembles. 

Thank you to the following musicians for a fantastic evening of musical entertainment: 

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