STAGE & JAZZ BAND
Back Row : Connor Grant , Benjamin Bush , Joe Clinton 2nd Row : Rosie Keene , Yui Chono , Nanako Suzuki , Bridget Grant Front Row : Wyatt Horsfall , Thomas Hooper , Cameron Brizzle , Oscar Holm , Joe Ledword
Stage Band has had a really challenging year . It hasn ’ t panned out like we would have hoped , that ’ s for sure ! Stage Band is made up of selected musicians from across all year groups at school who meet once a week for rehearsals and it ’ s a great opportunity to improve your ensemble playing skills and show your talent on your chosen instrument . We have been led by the immensely talented reed man Mr Anton Wuts , who has been great in driving us along through the very disrupted school terms and social distancing restrictions . His dedication and enthusiasm has been greatly appreciated and he has kept us motivated as we prepare for the Music Festival . For a couple of us students who are Year 13 , this will �������������������������������������������������������� going be a lot of fun but sad at the same time .
The Junior Jazz Band might be small in number , but it ’ s mighty in enthusiasm ! The dedicated group of eight musicians met early every Monday morning under the direction of Mr Anton Wuts . We are fortunate to have him as our musical director . In 2020 the Junior Jazz Band had a good range of instruments including ; clarinet , saxophone , trumpet , bass , guitar and drums . Mr Wuts orchestrated and accompanied the band on ������������������������������������������������������ North High School Music Festival and be able to show off our hard work this year .
Oscar Holm , Year 9
Mr Wuts has chosen some great pieces for us this year ranging from the Beatles to the Budo Band ’ s ‘ Ride or Die ’, ‘ Who Knows ’ and the very humorously re-titled NZ classic ‘ Half a year in a watercraft of questionable buoyancy !’ The emphasis has certainly been on having fun at rehearsals , playing our instruments and playing together regardless of the challenges in our way . I have really enjoyed my four years in Stage Band . I ’ ve learned and improved a lot , made a few mistakes and had a huge amount of fun playing at the Music Festivals . I would really encourage anyone playing an instrument to challenge yourself and put yourself out there and get into Stage Band as you will have a blast !
Cameron Brizzle
106