This annual competition was held at Marama Hall on the weekend of 14/15 June, with the Final on the Sunday evening.

The standard of music was exceptionally high as usual, but LPHS were well represented at all levels. We had four groups entered that were LPHS students only, and an additional five mixed-school groups with LPHS students in them.

There were some pleasing results Ava Straw and George Maclaurin, as members of Suite Sax’s were Highly Commended as well as winning the award for the best performance of a New Zealand composition.

Nel Pardas-Antona was a member of the group Just So Natural which also won a Highly Commended award. Nel also performed in a second group, Salzburg Ensemble, that also made the Final.

Aina Pardas-Antona also played in a mixed school group that made the Final, strangely named Keithin It Fresh PENQUIN Harmony. Not sure what that’s about!

Additionally two LPHS groups received the two KBB awards. (KBB being an Auckland musical instrument retailer, and is awarded to groups that display excellence with wind or percussion instruments) The recipients were Duck, Goose and the Punchline featuring Hanna Ott, Aelyth Harrison and Loren Palmer.  Lion’s Trousers featuring Ethan Gaffney, Akari Okawa, Ava Straw and Loren Palmer.