Music Department Report 2021

This year has been very successful in terms of participation and achievement. The Music department is flourishing and this year the STC Jazz Band entered the Southern Jam Music festival in Blenheim. Thankfully, it was held just prior to the lockdown so all the students preparation throughout the year wasn’t in vain. It has been about a decade since the Jazz Band have entered a competition like this so it is encouraging to see music progressing and student collaboration at an all-time high. At the end of the festival each band participated in an intensive masterclass workshop with two of the biggest names in NZ Jazz Music. Members of the STC Jazz band include: Jarrod Gali – Drums, Ezra Neal - Tenor Sax/Vocals, Jake Harding – Trombone, Matthew Daymon – Trombone, Joshua Thornley – Trumpet, Kyan Verbo – Bass, Wilson House – Guitar, Marcus Walker – Guitar, Mr Knopp – Piano, Mr Crosson Conductor.

Major Songwriting Awards

Students from STC entered in two major songwriting competitions. Caritas run a competition called ‘Sing out for justice’ and this year’s theme was called ‘A new way forward’.

Congratulations to Ezra Neal who was placed second overall for his song ‘Fly Again’.

Joseph Esera was a finalist and wrote some compelling lyrics for his hip hop song. One of the most memorable moments this year was seeing our full schools euphoric reaction when this song was played at the annual school talent quest during special character week.

Play it Strange – National Songwriting Competition

Niel Martinez and Litala Fofoa

Niel and Litala wrote, performed, and entered a song in the ‘Play It Strange’ songwriting competition. They worked hard creating four songs before settling on their final submission for this peace theme competition.

The theme of peace and non-violence may be interpreted broadly from inner personal peace, peace in the home and among families to peace between people of the world.

Congratulations Litala and Niel on making the top 8 for this prestigious competition.

Finally, a huge thank you to our Music department teaching staff for all your support and encouragement. Aidan Baker, Brian Knopp, Helen Charlton - Choir/ Vocals, Philippa Lodge - Strings and Piano, Julia Evans-Brant - Woodwind, Karen St Guillaume - Brass, Joe McCallum - Drums, Steven Gill – Guitar, Todd Jones – Bass, Jeremy Pope – Drums.