‘Short ‘n’ Sweet – What a treat’ was Mr Vanderpyl’s final comment at the end of this showcase of dedication and talent from a large number of pupils in a range of the performing arts here in Middleton Grange.

The senior and junior orchestras opened the performance with several lively, familiar and entertaining tunes using a wide range of instruments. Well over sixty instrumentalists indicate the strength of music-making in the school.

Vision Dance provided delightful entertainment with four dances including one with the meaningful theme ‘When the world falls around you, where do you turn?’ Piper Bennett choreographed her own solo dance, and the other dances along with her sister, Charlize.

The junior choir’s songs from Joseph and his Technicolour Dreamcoat demonstrated the choir’s remarkable feat of remembering the twelve names of Jacob’s sons, and the many colours of the dreamcoat. Several groups performing for NCEA assessments contributed to the high standard of musicianship, especially the rousing piano duet by Daniel Harris and Tim Boyes. Callum McKie’s striking piano performance of his own composition, Sonatina, along with a small group of instrumentalists, was memorable. The concert ended with the usual polished and pleasurable performance by the Crescendos.