The Funk Band has been a dedicated group of talented musicians since it was founded in 2014, and this year's group has definitely upheld that standard. 

The mantle of leader this year has been passed down to Sophie Gilmore (Vocals), Brad Meyer (Bass), and Jack Li (Saxophone).

Sophie was in charge of the other two vocalists in the group, Maddy Randall and Maia Te Whetu helping pick harmonies and organising rehearsals with them throughout the year to make sure they were as amazing as they were.

Brad organised the rhythm section and took a leading role in the student-run rehearsals, which involved constantly listening during practices and calling for extra rehearsals in the rhythm section, which consisted of William Graham (Drums/percussion), Adam Hodgson (Drums/percussion), Finn Russell (Drums/percussion), Josh Wright (Secondary Bass), Lionel Kim (Guitar), and Nic Ryan (Keyboard).

Jack was the leader of the horns section, made up of Felix Backhouse (Trombone), Stephen Mosa'ati (Trumpet), and Toby Govin-Fowler (Tenor Saxophone). Jack had the task of transcribing the songs for the section and transposing the parts for the different instruments, as well as organising extra rehearsals when needed.

Overall during the year, the whole band had a well-appreciated level of respect for the leaders, which made running practices and getting the band organized a much easier process than it could have been.

The Funk Band kicked the year off with a bang, with their first performance at Roadshow being a success. Old but gold songs like Car Wash by Rose Royce and Dance To the Music by Sly and the Family Stone brought halls full of primary and intermediate school children to their feet, dancing and clapping along. Jazzquest was next, with a more subdued audience, but they performed with the same impressive energy and volume, to come out with a silver overall from the judges.

Nearing the end of the year the band performed their full, hour-long set at the school-run Jazzbar evening, in which the audience was blown away by the excitement and energy that the band exuded while playing.

As their final official performance, the band leaders and teachers were proud of what the band had become that year and were excited at what they could do in the future. Finally, parts of the band were asked to act as a backing band for burnside's 'Magne Voce' choir, where they played upbeat choral versions of popular songs 'Some Nights' by Fun, and 'Dream On' by Aerosmith.

Overall the band has practised incredibly hard this year, waking up early on Monday mornings to start the week off funky and staying late after school Thursdays to keep it going, and it has certainly paid off, with some great moments and fun performances with throughout the whole year.

Brad Meyer