The Burnside High School Funk Band is an invitational senior ensemble that performs a wide repertoire of rock, funk, and contemporary styles.

In 2023, the 13-piece ensemble comprised students from years 10 to 13 and performed at a variety of events, including the Christchurch Big Band Festival and the Burnside Contemporary Night. Our 2023 repertoire ranged from classic hits like Aretha Franklin’s “Son of a Preacher Man” to modern arrangements, such as Snarky Puppy’s “Gone Under”.

The band rehearses for an hour and a half most weeks and is led by Mr. Cain Hood with the assistance of our year 13 section leaders - Daniel Sinclair and Will Kao. Mr Hood inspires the band and gives us some shape; Daniel and Will also make a big contribution, giving their sections advice and helping to run rehearsals. The horn section benefited from some instrument-specific advice from Dr. Helen Renaud, helping us gel together.

Mid year, we were lucky enough to join some of Burnside’s senior contemporary bands at Contemporary Camp. We had an intensive few days of rehearsals in Hanmer Springs, ending with a performance in the Village Hall. This not only gave us an opportunity to spend some time perfecting our set but also to spend social time together to build relationships that help us interact and have fun on stage.

This year, Funk Band was successful in the competition we entered, gaining a Gold Award and “most outstanding ensemble” at Christchurch’s JazzQuest competition.

The Funk Band are proud to represent Burnside High School and love the enthusiastic responses we get from our audiences. It has been an amazing experience to be a part of Funk Band this year and I look forward to the Funk Band of 2024.