On Friday August 23 the Jazz and Concert Bands competed in the Waikato Bands Festival held at Waikato University. This is the thirteenth time that the school has competed in this event.

The Jazz Band was up first,  playing three songs - "Eli's Coming", "Watch what happens" and "Birdland". Soloists were Forest Chinnery, Louie Campbell and Charlie Kelly. They received a well deserved bronze medal!

Then it was straight off one stage and a quick tune-up before setting ourselves up on the big stage with the Concert Band. Our programme consisted of "Superheros R Us", "Taras Theme", "Toreador March" from Carmen and finished with "Thriller." The result was another bronze medal.

A special thank-you to the adults who helped on the day: Mrs Trappit (parent help), Mr Meads (parent help), Mrs Bullot (especially for her playing in both groups), Mr Bansgrove (terrific guitar playing in the jazz band) and Geoff the bus driver for his wonderful bass playing in the Concert Band (and for getting us safely to and from the venue).