Although there have been few formal performances so far, all our co-curricular groups have been working hard to prepare for another busy and exciting year ahead.

The Orchestra, Big Band and Symphonic Band spent a weekend at Living Springs Camp, rehearsing intensively and enjoying some down time in the beautiful surroundings, although sadly the weather was not as kind to us this year! We were fortunate to have players from the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and ARA Music Arts as well as our dedicated team of teaching staff leading rehearsals. A capacity audience enjoyed a short concert to conclude the weekend’s activities.

Burnside High School is once again over-represented in this year’s New Zealand Secondary Schools’ Symphony Orchestra with the following students having being selected:

Joshua Langford – French Horn

John-Luke Langford -Trumpet

Lena Krakowiak - Trumpet

Bianca Amataiti - Viola

Ocean Faloon-Cavendar - Viola

Liam Johnson – Double Bass

Samantha Chiang - Clarinet

Felix Backhouse - Trombone

Lily Doak - Clarinet

Emica Taylor - Flute

Entry to the NZSSSO is by audition, drawing from some of New Zealand's top secondary school orchestral instrumentalists.

SMP Badge Presentation Evening

This event took place in early March in the staff room and was well attended by students, families and SMP staff. This year's new SMP students were welcomed to Burnside and presented with their badges. Year 13 SMP students with three or more years of service were presented with the new "Honours" gold badge.

SMP Information Evening - Wednesday 1st May, The Staff Room, 7.00pm

Applications are invited for entry to the Specialist Music programme in 2020 from students currently in Year 8 or already attending Burnside High School. Students who are considering applying, together with their parents, are invited to an information evening where they can hear from staff and students involved in the SMP and have their questions addressed. Full information and application form: www.specialistmusicprogramme.co.nz or from main reception. Please spread the word to any friends or family members in the community who may be interested in joining our unique and treasured programme.

Contemporary Music Day

The term ended with a day of workshops and NCEA assessed performances for around 100 of our contemporary musicians. We were fortunate to be joined by local artists Sacha Vee and Will from the band “Nomad” who were able to give our students valuable feedback on their performances and an insight into the music industry.

Thank you to all students and staff in the department for an outstanding term’s work. Enjoy a restful holiday - the hard work is yet to come!