Jazz Band Performs in Christchurch by Paul Denys

LPHS Jazz Band goes to Jazzquest

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The LPHS Jazz Band of 15 members travelled to Christchurch on Friday 31st July to compete in the CPIT Jazzquest, a competition for high school jazz bands and combos, run by the teachers of the jazz course at the CPIT. 

32 groups competed, and we were one of only two from outside the region. The standard was incredibly high, and we saw some excellent bands from Christchurch schools play over the three days we were there. Our own performance went well also, in fact in my opinion it was the best the band had played this year. The concert took place in a wonderful purpose-built theatre at the CPIT in the centre of the city, and we played to a full house. For our efforts the band received a silver award, and Desiree Heinze-Farrington (trumpet) and Ethan Gaffney (tenor sax) received honourable mentions.

Prior to our competition slot we had a jazz band exchange with the musicians from St Andrews College, and played a very well received set at Diana Isaac Retirement Home. We also participated in a workshop at the CPIT which gave us a multitude of ideas for future development. We also got to stay at the Jailhouse, a back-packers built in the old Addington Jail.

Thanks very much to Simone Heinze and Paul Denys, our parent helpers who played a big part in ensuring the success of the trip.