Avondale College's music groups had an outstanding week at the annual Auckland-wide KBB Music Festival, coming away with multiple awards and two invitations to perform at the Gala Concerts at the festival's conclusion on Saturday.
Our Chamber Orchestra was (once again) recognised as one of the best in Auckland, winning the highest Gold Award as well as the award for Best Performance in an Other Style for 'Sekstur from Vendsyssel' which they performed at the Gala Concert on Saturday afternoon. The judges had praised the group's performance from Tuesday, saying, "their enjoyment radiated through their physical actions as well as the sounds gesturing out to us."
Also receiving top accolades was our Big Band, which not only received a Gold Award in recognition of their top musicianship, but also the award for Best Swing Chart for their performance of Ain't Got Nothing but the Blues, featuring vocalist Allegra D'Souza and trombonist Jakob Elijas. The Big Band were also invited to perform at the Gala Concert on Saturday evening.
Avondale's Classical Academy ensemble also took part in the festival, receiving a Silver Award. Our Symphony Orchestra, which was joined by the Gospel Choir for their final piece, received a Bronze Award.
The performances over the weekend and past week were really the culmination of the year's worth of group rehearsals and individual practice for our classical and jazz musicians, says Director of Music, Dr Julie Garner.
"The musicians were thrilled with the results. Their sheer joy in performing, ability to communicate through their art, and love of music-making was evident to all."
Many congratulations to all our students - and our Music Department staff and itinerant music teachers - on not only achieving such great results, but on creating performances that were enjoyed by so many.
