Term 2 was a busy start to 2021's music competitions and performances

Music Roadshow
Again this year we had several of our ensembles and music students perform at local primary and intermediate schools to give them a taste of our music programme. In total 12 ensembles performed for 7 different schools and were warmly received at each.

Contemporary Camp
For the first time, the contemporary ensembles travelled away to Hanmer Springs to take part in a weekend of workshops and rehearsals. This included an afternoon of tutelage from the Christchurch-based band, Stonehurst. The camp then culminated in a successful performance at Welles Street on the Sunday for family, friends and the public.

Choral Showcase
Our first showcase of the year was for the choirs on June 3rd. This had five choirs performing their repertoire in preparation for the Big Sing Competition that was the week afterwards: Aurora Voices, Junior Performance Choir, Kotahi, Magna Voce, and Bel Canto. A large audience gave the choirs a great reception for their performances. Thank you to all of those who attended.

The Big Sing

Four choirs competed in The Big Sing on June 11th in the Town Hall. At the contest, we received several awards, including Bel Canto receiving the University of Canterbury School of Music Trophy for Best Overall Performance of a New Zealand Work and the instrumentalists Irene Kim, Emily Chao, Sara Kadas, Indy Williamson, Ocean Falloon-Cavander and Grace Jeong receiving awards for Outstanding Contribution from a student accompanist.
Bel Canto was also selected for the national Finale in August that will be held here in Christchurch, while Aurora Voices was selected for the South Island Cadenza that will be held in Timaru.
Congratulations and thanks to the choral directors Susan Densem and Charlotte Ensor, and the choral coordinator, Lois Johnston.

Northwest Festival

The annual Northwest Festival was able to take place again this year, having been cancelled last year due to Covid-19. The Festival saw over 600 students from 14 schools (including Burnside High School) perform over 3 nights. This included performances from our junior choirs and instumental ensembles. The nights were very well attended and received and was a wonderful celebration of young musicians from our corner of Christchurch. 
Many thanks to all involved.

Chamber Music

The districts and regionals of the NZCT Chamber Music Contest happened this term. 17 groups participated in the districts, of which four groups were awarded and three got through to the regionals. Two of those groups, Reflections and Fingersticking Good were then successful in getting through to the national finals that will be held in term 3. Congratulations and thanks to all involved in this fiercely competitive contest.

Jazz Quest - Combos

5 combos competed in the ARA Jazz Quest contest and earned 3 golds, 1 silver and 1 bronze. We also had several individual prizes earned: Monet Schutte won Best Vocalist, Dylan Jonkers won best bassist, William Kao won both best trombonist AND best overall musician. Congratulations to their tutors and thanks to Mr Hood and Mr Oswin for their hard work.