Junior Concert Band consists of year 9 to 10 students in the junior performance music classes.

This year the band consisted of almost 40 students directed by Dr Helen Renaud. 2022 COVID restrictions made it very difficult to rehearse as we had to rehearse outside. However in an attempt to overcome this, Junior Marching Band was created as Junior Concert Band and Junior Jazz combined forces. Two members of the Salvation Army Band came in to teach the ensemble how to march which definitely became a highlight of my year. After restrictions were lifted, Junior Concert Band was finally able to rehearse inside and work towards future performances. 

The Christchurch Wind Festival is the band’s important goal and performance for the year and worked really hard for it. The pieces played included The Dam Busters, St Louis Blues, In the Bleak Mid Winter featuring clarinet solos performed by Peter Langford and Baba Yetu conducted by myself. Junior Concert Band took away a Gold Award and Best Trombone Section. 

Working with Junior Concert Band was a great experience and was a great benefit to my conducting. Dr Renaud does magic for these students and it’s amazing to see the potential she gives them. As these young musicians grow, I know they will be forever grateful to Dr Renaud like I am. The students have come a long way this year and I’m looking forward to what they have to offer in the musical community at Burnside High School.