On Friday 18th August four Katikati College School Bands, made up of 39 students, boarded the bus for Waikato University and the Annual Bands Festival.

The Jazz Band were up first playing Route 66, Moten Swing, Stormy Weather (showcasing Samantha Wahlers on vocals) and Blue Skies. Soloists were Billie Fleming (Trumpet) Forest Chinnery (Flute), Bradley Guy-Taylor (Trombone) and Charlie Kelly (Drums). They won a well deserved Silver Medal and a special judges prize for consistent improvement over the years.

Next came PANiK (Pan In Katikati). This group, led by fellow Year 13 student Billie Fleming, started their set with Monkey Man, followed by Moon Dance and finally Africa. They played well and received a Silver Medal for all their hard work.

A quick change over saw PAN PANA members up on stage for an amazing set including Lady Madonna, Crying and Under the Sea. They too brought home a Silver Medal.

Late in the afternoon 26 very nervous players in the Concert Band entered the large concert chamber hall to perform a set including Raiders March, Fly me to the Moon and Snake Charmer. With 11/26 players ranked as beginners the Silver Medal they won shows how all those Sunday practices and hard work can pay off! 

A special thank you to all the parents who came with us on the bus and helped pack and carry gear all day and to the extras and grandparents who came to watch.  Also thanks to Geoff  Dick (Bus driver and Bass extraordinaire) and Kim Couper (Euphonium) and John Fleming (who drove the truck and trailer) for all their hard work - days like this are reliant on the good will of these people.

Wendy Fleming | TiC Arts