As the year draws to close it is time to reflect on the journey taken by the Music department during 2022.

Thanks to the dreaded Covid, we started the year rehearsing outside, music lessons in masks, not being able to sing at school, instrumental lessons cancelled and practices few and far between. As you can imagine this wasn’t ideal when you start the year with so much energy and ambition.

Our resolve was tested, but we have achieved amazing things this year and I couldn’t be prouder of the students and Music staff.

I am very happy with the NCEA results this year and the standard of performance in most areas. With the amount of disruption and uncertainty, the Music students at Avonside have done themselves proud.

There were some events we couldn’t take part in this year. Jazz Quest and the Big Sing spring to mind, but we did manage to hold our annual camp at Living Springs, ironically where I think I caught Covid.

The camp was a huge success and a real highlight for the students that took part. Living Springs is a lovely couple of days away, and to see the students working hard on their music and having fun is great to see. Sword Dance and a bit of Tchaikovsky were well rehearsed and both pieces were performed at our Music Spectacular in September.

2022 has been a fantastic year for the band The Jehts.

They took part in Rock Quest, which is a highly competitive event with bands from all over New Zealand taking part. They won the Canterbury heats and placed third at the final event in Auckland. Our very own Mya Cawood is the Drummer with the band, and we couldn’t be prouder of her achievements.

Not only did they excel at performance but had to submit original pieces for performance to write for Guitar, Bass, Drums and Vocals takes an incredible amount of talent and hard work. Well done everybody.

The Jehts could be set for an amazing journey, and a spot at the Selwyn Sounds music festival has been put aside for them. They will be performing alongside Dave Dobbyn and Gin Wigmore.

In September we held our first Music Spectacular for two years and it was awesome to be able to showcase our work again. Most of the Music groups performed and several students performed solos, kudos to them as it is never easy performing solos for your peers and parents.

I would like to thank Catherine Law, Laura Prickett, the Senior Leadership team, staff and all itinerant teachers for your support this year.

Derren Coles 

HOD Music