On 18 January, students from the Big Band, Concert Band, Guitar Group and Drumline participated in the 2019 Music Camp. Following the success of last year’s camp, they returned to the main school campus, utilising the new music block.

The repertoire was brand new, in preparation for a busy year. With opportunities like the Gold Coast Aspire tour, and many festivals and competitions spanning the North Island (National Jazz Festival, Hawke’s Bay, Festival of Bands, ITM Festival, and NZCBA National Festival). In preparation for these events, they found themselves facing more demanding music, which challenged all students. Over two and a half days of intensive rehearsal, limits were pushed and everyone gained experience. All of this culminated into an awesome performance in front of family, staff and the wider St Paul’s community.

Arriving bright and early on Friday morning, the students were greeted with over six hours of gruelling rehearsals. After unpacking into Clark House they began off the day with new music and having a go at sight-reading. By the time rehearsals for the day came to an end, everyone was tired and ready for bed.

Saturday saw another long day rehearsals followed by a dip in the school pool to beat the summer heat. Students started to see the musical pieces coming together and were able to work more cohesively as a team.

On Sunday, after clean up and a quick three-hour final rehearsal, camp ended. Concluding with a grand concert showcasing the work of the students and teachers. Each group performed several pieces from the 2½-day camp and blew the audience away.

The pieces the groups learn were:

• Drumline: Marching Patterns, Rocky Beat.

• Guitar Group: Caballero, A Minor Journey Fiesta.

• Big Band: Hooked on a Feeling, Uptown Funk, Chameleon, Treasure.

• Concert Band: Triumphant Fanfare, Music of the Night, Adventures.

On behalf of the Year 13’s in the bands, thank you to all the students and teachers that made the last band camp the roaring success that it was. To Miss Spenceley, Mr Stoneham, Mr Haywood, Mr Shaw, Mr Smith - thank you for conducting and leading the groups through the many rehearsals. Thank you for your tireless organising - we all appreciated your effort.

Overall, music camp gave our musicians a head start into the new school year, which will no doubt prove to be very beneficial to the future of our music department. We look forward to the future successes that this camp has built us towards.