Symphonic Band is a non-auditioned concert band that invites students of all ages and skill levels.

This year the band consisted of about 70 students and is directed by Mr Chris Petch. Due to the COVID restrictions of 2022, Symphonic Band wasn’t able to rehearse as a full band until about mid-way through the year. Despite these difficulties, we still managed to perform and share our progress through our repertoire.

Symphonic Band’s first performance was at the Aurora Festival in August at our own Aurora Centre. Our pieces included Ignition, all 3 movements from the Longford Legend Suite and Bugler’s Holiday featuring 3 of our trumpet players as soloists: Lena Krakowiak, Luca Cable and Peter Croker. This performance also featured two student conductors, Lena Krakowiak and myself, Althea James. From the event we took away a Silver Award. As well as this performance we had the amazing opportunity of working with Auckland Philharmonia’s Vincent Hardaker in a workshop. Following this performance in September was the Christchurch Wind Festival. This performance again featured our 3 trumpet soloists and student conductor Sho Woodouse. This was our last performance where we took away a Gold Award and Best Flute Section.

Since being a member of Symphonic Band since year 9, this is where the beginning of my ensemble skills started. This group will always have a special place in my memory as it’s where I have spent 5 years of my musical journey. I’d like to thank my fellow student conductors of this ensemble, Lena Krakowiak and Sho Woodhouse for being great people to work with and of course Mr Petch. On behalf of Symphonic Band I’d like to thank Mr Petch for his guidance for the ensemble and the great impact he has had on so many players this year.