On Friday 19th of August we took 38 students and two parents to Waikato University for the Waikato Band Festival. The students made up two Steel Bands, a Jazz Band and the Concert Band.

PANiK were the first steel band up and played three numbers 'Yellow Bird', 'Ben' and 'Monkey Man'; led by Year 12 student Billie Fleming, this band achieved a Bronze award. The judge was particularly impressed with how well they were presented and how professionally they acted on stage despite the obvious nerves.

Pan Pana followed them on the stage playing 'Jammin', 'Rescuedos de la Alhambria' and finishing with the fast and furious 'Conga Samba'. As a more advanced group they achieved a Silver medal with some good advice from the judge about more smiles being needed!

Next up was the Concert Band which has grown since Rotorua with the addition of the beginners. Playing ‘Hooked on a Feeling’, ‘Just a Closer Walk’, ‘The Hanging Tree’ and Coldplay classics which showcased soloists in different places in the music, they did an excellent job and received a Bronze award but were very close to a Silver.

Finally the Jazz Band took the stage. This was a difficult performance with the band on the stage and the conductor on the floor standing on tiptoe in an effort be seen. Samantha Wahlers wowed the crowd with her awesome singing of 'Misty'. Kieren Jack, Bradley Guy-Taylor, Rodrigo Meneses and Ryan Owen showed off their solo skills in ‘How High the Moon’, ‘Don’t Get Around Much Anymore’ and ‘Route 66’. Overall a great performance and another Silver to add to the collection.

This was an awesome day which finished with our usual feed at Burger King. A special thanks to bus driver and bass player Geoff Dick, itinerant music teachers Rob Wilson and Rima Barlow and the guitar styling of Pete Bansgrove who helped out during the day.